Denise Scarpelli is vice president and chief pharmacy officer at UChicago Medicine, where she leads systemwide pharmacy operations with a focus on strategic alignment, workforce development and the advancement of pharmaceutical care.
Her collaborative leadership connects internal clinical teams with external partners to expand and elevate pharmacy services across the academic health system.
In 2023 she oversaw the opening of a new outpatient pharmacy facility that doubled daily prescription volume and introduced a home-delivery service.
Under her leadership, the department earned the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists’ Center of Excellence designation in medication-use safety, one of only a small number of programs nationwide to receive the recognition. Dr. Scarpelli also serves in statewide pharmacy policy leadership, including as a chair of the Illinois Board of Pharmacy, extending her influence beyond her own institution.
She holds a doctor of pharmacy degree and a master of business administration, pairing clinical depth with operational and financial acumen. A frequent speaker at national pharmacy forums, she is recognized among the country’s leading health-system chief pharmacy officers.
Her career reflects a sustained commitment to medication safety, patient access and the strategic positioning of pharmacy within the broader health system.