Her Story
About Molly
Molly Ekstrand, B.S.Pharm, BCACP, is a highly accomplished pharmacist and healthcare strategist with nearly 30 years of experience spanning clinical pharmacy, population health, and medical affairs. Currently serving as Senior Associate Director, Account Medical Advisor at Boehringer Ingelheim, she partners with organized healthcare systems to align clinical priorities with evidence-based population health strategies. Her work leverages implementation science, strategic account management, and cross-functional collaboration to optimize medication use, improve patient outcomes, and advance healthcare system performance. Throughout her career, Molly has combined clinical expertise with leadership and entrepreneurship. She founded North Star Medication Optimization, LLC, a consulting practice that transformed healthcare delivery through innovative pharmacist integration and quality improvement initiatives. Her prior experience includes leading medication management programs at Park Nicollet Health Services and providing comprehensive pharmaceutical care across multiple clinics and care teams. In addition to her clinical and strategic accomplishments, Molly has held certifications as a Board-Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist, Asthma Educator (AE-C), and Certified Diabetes Educator, reflecting her commitment to advancing specialized, patient-centered care. Passionate about mentorship and professional development, Molly actively supports the next generation of pharmacy leaders through initiatives such as the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy Leadership Network Partners Mentor program and Minnetonka High School's VANTAGE Global Business mentoring. She values integrity, authenticity, empowerment, and balance, and is dedicated to fostering inclusive and collaborative communities. Outside of her professional work, she is deeply engaged in community service and youth development programs, prioritizing work-life balance and meaningful contribution at every stage of her career.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Molly
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to authentic leadership, adaptability, and a commitment to empowering others. Embracing career pivots, being genuine in my interactions, and focusing on impact rather than titles have allowed me to create meaningful contributions in both clinical pharmacy and healthcare strategy.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to remain flexible and open to new opportunities, even when it means stepping outside of my comfort zone. Lateral moves can offer exposure to new perspectives, new skills, and help build your network. By being willing to pivot, learn continuously, and focus on making a difference, I’ve been able to navigate complex healthcare environments and grow professionally in ways I never anticipated.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I advise young women to embrace flexibility in their careers and give themselves permission to pivot when opportunities or circumstances change. It’s important not to feel pressured to “do it all” at once. I believe it’s perfectly acceptable to prioritize family or personal life during certain seasons and to refocus on professional growth at a later time. Patience, self-compassion, and adaptability are key to long-term success.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Healthcare continues to face challenges related to change management, the complexity of systems, and evolving workforce expectations. At the same time, I see significant opportunities in cross-sector collaboration, innovation in population health, and mentoring emerging professionals who are exploring non-traditional paths in pharmacy and healthcare.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, empowerment, authenticity, and balance are at the core of everything I do. I strive to inspire confidence, empower action, and remain genuine in both my personal and professional life. I recognize that success evolves over time, and it can look different at various stages of life.
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