First Name: Zinkeng

Last Name: Asonganyi

Age: 37

City of Residence: League City

Current Title: System Director of Ambulatory Pharmacy & Infusion Services

Place of Business: UTMB Health

Education: Doctor of Pharmacy Degree, UFCOP

Family: Married to Larissa Zinkeng with 3 kids, Daniella, Jayden & Keana

Professional Responsibilities: Zinkeng Asonganyi is the System Director for Ambulatory Pharmacy Services at the University of Texas Medical Branch in the greater Houston area. He has oversight for all facets of ambulatory practice including retail, clinic-based outpatient pharmacies, specialty pharmacy services, outpatient infusion, revenue cycle management, and integrating pharmacists into ambulatory clinics. Prior to this role, he was Senior Pharmacy Manager at Anne Arundel Medical Center-Luminis Health in Annapolis, Maryland, overseeing oncology services, investigational drug services, and outpatient pharmacy operations. During this time, he helped develop a freestanding infusion clinic to combat payer site of care restrictions and helping transition to a transparent PBM for health system self-insured health plan.
Dr. Asonganyi is an active participant in the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and local pharmacy organization (TSHP). He was amongst one of 14 pharmacy leaders recently appointed by the ASHP CEO to serve on an ASHP Specialty Pharmacy State of Practice in Hospitals and Health Systems – Future Directions Summit Steering Committee. He is also actively involved with the Association for Community Cancer Centers (ACCC), serving as a member of the Financial Advocacy Advisory Committee, Oncology Pharmacy Education Network Advisory Committee, and a task force co-chair for Membership and Recruitment.
Dr. Asonganyi is a 2012 graduate of the University of Findlay College of Pharmacy in Ohio. He is very passionate about controlling pharmaceutical expenses through the adoption of biosimilars, supply chain and formulary management, and optimizing revenue integrity across all pharmacy service lines.

Accomplishments/Honors: -Established a specialty pharmacy program at UTMB League City campus supporting our specialty clinics and improving clinical outcomes for our patients by improving time to treatment initiation, and achieving medication adherence scores over 95%. In 4 years, this new service line has provided ~179M in financial contribution to the health system.
-Developed business plan that led to design, buildout and opening 2 outpatient pharmacies at UTMB Clear Lake and UTMB Galveston.
-Established a patient assistance program for patients with specialty infusions covered under medical benefits, to enhance affordability, reduce financial toxicity and improve adherence to treatment. In FY23, patients saved over $454,000 in copay assistance from drug manufacturers and foundations and another $3,500,000 in free drug was provided by drug manufacturers.
-Established a hardship program for patients who couldn't afford medications covered by pharmacy benefits. Commencing in August 2023, this program at UTMB has demonstrated success, saving patients a cumulative total of $718,823 as of February 2024. This initiative has been instrumental in assisting 1,892 patients, facilitating the processing of 2,377 claims, which has resulted in an average savings of $380.00 per patient.

Community Involvement: CCISD

Nominator's Comments: Health care visionary. Leader who has built a specialty and infusion program at UTMB that has impacted patient care and contributed to positive health outcomes.

Nominator's Comments: Meet Zikeng Asonganyi, a driving force behind UTMB's Ambulatory Pharmacy Program, where he's made an indelible mark serving Galveston County's patient population. Through his innovative thinking and bold initiatives, Zikeng spearheaded the creation of a Specialty Pharmacy catering specifically to UTMB patients in Galveston County. His dedication and vision have revolutionized health care accessibility in our community, ensuring that those in need receive the specialized care they deserve. Zikeng's unwavering commitment to improving lives exemplifies the spirit of the 40 Under 40 program. Let's shine a spotlight on his remarkable contributions!

Nominator's Comments: Zinkeng is the director of Ambulatory Pharmacy Operations at the University of Texas Medical Branch. He has contributed tremendously to the UTMB family and has transformed the ambulatory pharmacy setting for the better. He is an innovator and deserves to be recognized.

Nominator's Comments: "Z" as we call him is the directory of ambulatory pharmacy operations at UTMB. He has been more than a leader to us; he has been a mentor, a guide and a source of inspiration. He has tirelessly championed for UTMB Pharmacy's mission and vision, showing the impact and value of pharmacist and pharmacy technicians within a health system. Under his guidance, we have witnessed remarkable growth and transformation.