Clinical Pharmacist - Ambulatory Oncology

Clinical Pharmacists assume responsibility and accountability for the provision of safe, effective, and prompt medication therapy. Clinical Pharmacists proficiently provide direct patient-centered care and integrated pharmacy operational services in a practice setting with physicians, nurses, and other hospital personnel to deliver optimal medication therapy to patients with a broad range of disease states. These clinicians are aligned with target interdisciplinary programs and specialty services to deliver medication therapy management within specialty patient care services and to ensure pharmaceutical care programs are appropriately integrated throughout the institution. Pharmaceutical care services include but are not limited to assessing patient needs, incorporating age and disease specific characteristics into drug therapy and patient education, adjusting care according to patient response, and providing clinical interventions to detect, mitigate, and prevent medication adverse events. Clinical Pharmacists serve as a departmental resources and liaisons to other departments, hospital personnel, or external groups. They proficiently manage and facilitate the appropriate use of medications according to professional and regulatory standards. They also conduct clinical research and practice advancement projects as well as patient care quality and regulatory compliance initiatives designed to improve medication-use processes or pharmacy practice. Clinical Pharmacists provide medication and practice-related education/training and actively serve as preceptors for pharmacy residents and Doctor of Pharmacy students.

Inpatient/Ambulatory Oncology Clinical Pharmacist:

An Outpatient Oncology Clinical Pharmacist collaborates with and serves as a resource for nurses, physicians and other clinicians who participate in the management of the oncology/hematology patient as well as other patients receiving care at the MGH Cancer Center. He/she is responsible for coordinating and delivering pharmacy services in compliance with all applicable policies, regulatory agency requirements and state and federal laws.

Job-specific Responsibilities:

• Reviews and monitors patient treatment (chemotherapy and ancillary) medications for appropriateness based on current clinical and institutional guidelines as well as patient-specific criteria.
• Monitors patients' medication regimens for drugs interactions, toxicities, and cost-effectiveness.
• Assesses all medication orders to ensure they meet established standards and practice guidelines of MGH Cancer Center. Reports order discrepancies to appropriate staff promptly.
• Advises clinicians on drug selection based on current clinical guidelines to optimize drug therapy.
• Oversees the safe handling and preparation of various medications, including IV chemotherapy, IV antiemetics, IV steroids, and investigational chemotherapy drugs for outpatient and inpatient use.
• Checks admixtures for accurate preparation, including the additive(s), parent solution, and label.
• In conjunction with the Senior Attending Technician, oversees technician activities and performs quality control checks.
• Accesses current clinical trial documents when reviewing clinical trial orders to ensure accuracy.
• Maintains investigational medication logs.
• Maintains current patient information files and records in the pharmacy department to maintain and support safe and consistent drug administration.
• Adheres to safety requirements in the handling and preparation of chemotherapy and other hazardous agents according to current guidelines (USP 797, ASHP, NIOSH).
• Oversees the ordering, storage and handling of medications and supplies.
• Participates in education activities such as inservices.
• Answers drug information questions.
• Participates in the Safety Reporting System. Identifies and reports therapy errors and adverse drug reactions.
• Participates in the training, education and mentoring of other pharmacists and technicians and precepting of pharmacy students.
• Participate in area specific staff and department meetings as necessary.
• Participates in quality, safety and other project work outside of regular staffing duties.
• May participate in research activities with publication or presentation at local and/or national meetings.
• Assists in the development of policy and procedures.
• May educate patients and their families to ensure their understanding of the goal, administration schedule and toxicity management of chemotherapy treatment and documents the activity and interventions in the medical record.

Supervise pharmacy technicians in
area of practice. This may include
addressing personnel issues in lieu of the supervisor.

Enforces the formulary system.

Minimizes drug waste.

BS or PharmD degree in Pharmacy

Valid license to practice as a pharmacist in MA

Completion of ASHP accredited PGY1 Pharmacy Residency preferred.

Clinical pharmacy experience (2-4 years) in a hospital setting preferred (required if no PGY1 residency).

Exceptional aptitude or knowledge may be considered in lieu of experience. Extensive clinical experience and development may be considered in lieu of formal training.

1. Knowledge of contemporary hospital/clinical practice and service

2. Knowledge and understanding of general hospital operations and regulatory compliance.

3. Strong written and verbal communication skills.

4. Ability to interact constructively with supervisors, peers, and support personnel.

5. Ability to integrate clinical and distributive pharmacy services with quality improvement, teaching, research, and professional development activities.

6. Significant general clinical knowledge and expertise in traditional therapeutics and patient centered care.

7. Significant knowledge and expertise in advanced pharmacy practice, specialty medication therapy management, and specialty evidence-based medicine in area appropriate for clinical assignments.

8. Strong teaching and precepting skills and expertise in experiential training.

Able to lift up to 20 lbs.

Able to stand or sit for extended periods of time.

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. Applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.