Sandra Leal

Sandra Leal, PharmD, MPH, FAPhA, CDCES, is VP of Pharmacy Practice Innovation and Advocacy at CVS Health. She is the 166th President of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA). Dr. Leal has had diverse experience as a pharmacist, medical director, and public health clinician. She began her career at CVS Health as VP of Clinical Strategy and Collaborative Innovation with Aetna’s Medical Affairs group.

Dr. Leal received her PharmD from the University of Colorado and MPH in Public Health Practice from the University of Massachusetts. Dr. Leal completed her residency at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System and a Primary Health Care Policy Fellowship with the Department of Health and Human Services. 

She has published and presented her work in numerous national and international publications and venues. She has been recognized as the Good Government Pharmacist of the Year by APhA for her advocacy work on pharmacist provider status. Dr. Leal is a two-time recipient of the Pinnacle Award from the APhA Foundation for her progressive practice innovations and received the ASHP Best Practice Award for her leading practice in diabetes management.

Two themes that govern Dr. Leal’s professional life are a passion to eliminate barriers to care and to improve access and outcomes for patients. Dr. Leal has led efforts on both local and national levels to integrate pharmacy, public health, and advocacy to improve the healthcare system and to reduce health inequity.