Sandy Tzaferos, PharmD
President, Medilink Homecare
Hellenic Medical Society Board member
1. Who are you and what do you do professionally?
My name is Sotiria (Sandy) Tzaferos and was born in Thessaloniki, Greece. I have a PharmD degree from USP (Philadelphia College of Pharmacy & Science) and work in the Home Infusion & Specialty Pharmacy field
2. what is your career?
I founded MediLink Homecare in 1994. It began as a home infusion pharmacy providing IV, injectable and enteral therapies for patients in their homes, physician offices and infusion suites. Our nurses will visit patients and administer IV antibiotics, chemotherapy, TPN, IVIG, Remicade and any other prescribed medications.
Over the years services have expanded to include bedside PICC insertions for hospitals and nursing homes. Nursing homes do not have to send their patients to the hospital for PICC placement anymore as our nurse will place the PICC, order the X-Ray and confirm proper tip placement for use.
Education services are offered by our nurse who travels the country providing IV skills continuing education sessions and competency assessments for nurses.
Since traditional Medicare does not pay for home infusion, we have 3 physician based infusion suites for those patients. Patients have another way to receive their prescribed IV medication without having to stay in the hospital or SNF because of Medicare. Our nurses manage the suites and make sure the patients are coordinated with the physician’s and patient’s schedules.
MediLink RxCare was founded in 2007. My partner Gus and I realized there was a big need for a pharmacy that could provide easy access to an HIV patient’s total medication regimen. The pharmacy is located inside an infectious disease practice and physicians have access to an on-site pharmacy with an inventory customized to their prescribing habits.
3. What is your connection to Greece?
I was born in Greece and came to the US when I was 6 years old. My grandparents on both sides migrated from Asia minor to Greece. My father is from Kozani and mother from Thessaloniki. My parents moved back to Greece 15 years ago. My sister graduated HS in the US and moved back to Greece to start a school where she teaches English to children. I visit my family every summer and always look forward to a BIG family reunion!!
4. Why are you an HMS member?
I am the vice president of the HMS board and became a member because I wanted to give back to the Greek medical community. I feel honored meeting Greek healthcare professionals and want to be able to connect Greek families with our physicians, pharmacists, physical therapists and others.
5. What do you do outside of your profession?
When I am not working, I love spending time with my family. If we’re not in Greece in the summer you will find us at our shore house in Longport. My husband George is teaching me to golf (look out Annika Sorenstam!) and spend time traveling to places with a beach and golf course.
My children Nikoleta (with her husband Matt) – and Alexa live in Philadelphia – close enough to hang out and have great family meals!