At two pivotal moments in his professional journey, David G. Mitchell ’00, PharmD, MBA, CSP, FCPhA played a central role in transforming an idea into reality. As a doctor of pharmacy student at Pacific, he and three other students established the Operation Immunization health care outreach committee. In 2010, he had an instrumental role in establishing the University of California, Davis Specialty Pharmacy. These initiatives have had far-reaching impact. Now, as president-elect of the California Pharmacists Association (CPhA) he can champion the implementation of landmark legislation, California Assembly Bill 1503, which reshapes the pharmacy profession under a standard of care model.

Years before it was widely adopted, Dr. Mitchell and his peers realized that pharmacists offering immunizations could have a meaningful, direct impact on patient care. The efforts of the inaugural Operation Immunization leadership team received national recognition and led to immunization training being integrated into the curriculum. In the years since, Operation Immunization has vaccinated thousands of community members and played a critical role in Pacific’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For his third-year pharmacy practice experience rotations, Dr. Mitchell was assigned to the San Diego region. There, he reconnected with Christopher Allen Woo ’88, PharmD, FCPhA, who he had met through their mutual involvement in CPhA and the Kappa Psi pharmaceutical fraternity. Dr. Woo was impressed with the young leader’s ideas and ambition. Together they worked to promote pharmacist-based immunizations throughout San Diego County.

After a few years in San Diego, Dr. Mitchell accepted a management position with Rite Aid and returned to Northern California. In 2008, after 12 years with Rite Aid, he transitioned to a role with UC Davis Health. Shortly thereafter, he was presented with an ambitious goal: closing the gaps between medication management and the medical center’s advanced, specialized critical care.

“Leading this project taught me the value of interdisciplinary teamwork, data-driven design and building systems that allow pharmacists to leverage their expertise in the ambulatory setting,” said Dr. Mitchell.

The initial focus was medication management for transplant patients. From there, services expanded to oncology, neurology and other disease states.

“We provide services for nearly 10,000 patients throughout Northern California and Nevada,” he said. “We have trained our staff to provide high-touch, concierge dispensing services.”

In recognition of his unwavering commitment to patient care, he received the CPhA Excellence in Innovation Award in 2018 and the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy Distinguished Service Award in 2024.

In March 2027, he will take on a new challenge, leading his peers throughout California as CPhA president.

“My goal as president is to ensure that CPhA continues to drive the future of pharmacy by strengthening our advocacy efforts, elevating professional development opportunities and advancing policy initiatives that allow pharmacists to deliver the highest level of patient care,” he said. “I am equally committed to expanding member value by enhancing our membership services, deepening member engagement and fostering a more connected and empowered pharmacy community.”

He credits his time at Pacific, and the support of alumni throughout his career, with instilling in him the confidence to pursue leadership roles.

“The university emphasizes innovation, communication and community involvement — qualities that have been essential as I’ve taken on leadership roles within CPhA,” he shared.

His advice for pharmacists and future pharmacists who want to make an impact: “Lead early and lead often. Don’t wait for a title to start making a difference. Get involved in professional organizations, ask questions and pursue opportunities that stretch your skills. Surround yourself with mentors who will challenge and champion you. Innovation in health care comes from curiosity, courage and collaboration — traits that can be practiced at any stage of your career.”