Jonathan M. Hashimoto ’08, PharmD, APh was recognized by the California Pharmacists Association for his groundbreaking work in reshaping the landscape of pharmacy. In 2025, he received the prestigious Excellence in Innovation Award.

“It’s an honor to have something I’ve helped build be recognized,” said Dr. Hashimoto. “I hope it can be an example of what the pharmacist can do in the community setting. We can provide services that are beyond what most people think—and in an accessible way.”

Dr. Hashimoto is the chief clinical officer at Avina Health. In this role, he develops and implements policies and procedures for transition of care and medication therapy management and oversees a team providing clinical care to high-risk and underserved patients.

Avina Health, a division of Komoto Healthcare, was established in 1981 in the farming community of Delano, in Kern County. The name pays tribute to the grape vines tended by the community. Today, their approach to transitions of care has received national recognition, leading to partnerships with health plans and medical groups throughout the Central Valley and South Los Angeles. Additionally, they now provide disease management, medication therapy management and comprehensive medication review. Their patient-centered, holistic approach has led to a 31% reduction in readmission compared to standard care, saving health plans an estimated $25 million.

He comes from a family of pharmacists, with nearly 10 pharmacists in his extended family. He encourages his fellow pharmacists to challenge the status quo of the role of pharmacists.

In addition to his role with Avina Health, he serves as a preceptor for the Komoto Healthcare PGY1 residency, a partnership with the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy. He also serves an Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience preceptor in the Bakersfield region. He is a past-president of the Central Valley chapter of California Society of Health-System Pharmacists and a founding member of the board of directors for the Kappa Psi – Gamma Nu Education Foundation.

“I enjoy being able to help and see the growth of the incoming professionals and put them in a position to push what a pharmacist can do,” he said. “It’s truly exciting.”

The residency’s emphasis on public health aligns with his goal of advocating for patients and the profession.

“I’ve been around a diverse group of people since elementary school,” he explained. “This has helped me understand the needs, the barriers, the challenges we all face. It is rewarding to be able to help high-risk patients, especially those form underserved populations.”

Pacific holds a special place for him. He met his wife, Kami (Nakagiri) Hashimoto ’10, PharmD, APh, at a Pacific event. A proud member of the Gamma Nu chapter of Kappa Psi, he counts Professor Emeritus Donald G. Floriddia ’71, PhD among the mentors who impacted the trajectory of his career.

“The lifelong bonds I formed and the support they provided during my time at Pacific—and even to this day—has been life-changing,” he said.

Along with memories of late-night study sessions, a highlight of his time as a student was being crowned the winner of the Rho Chi Talent Show fraternity competition.