Job Abstract

The Clinical Oncology Pharmacist Specialist provides comprehensive and evidence-based oncology, hematology, bone marrow transplant (BMT), and/or cellular therapy pharmaceutical care services through integrated drug distribution, clinical services, and staff education. The Clinical Oncology Pharmacist Specialist functions at the highest level of clinical practice and works independently to develop, implement, and maintain systems that promote desirable clinical outcomes through use of safe, cost-effective drug therapies. The Clinical Oncology Pharmacist Specialist possesses the education, training and skills and is considered the pharmacy's top subject matter expert in medication management in the specific area of specialty.

Essential Duties:

• Core Clinical Responsibilities: Possesses in-depth knowledge of oncology disease states in the assigned specialty area, with knowledge of evidence-based treatment, including standard-of-care treatment guidelines (e.g., those of NCCN, ASCO, and MASCC). Participates in pharmacy clinical programs and adheres to therapeutic guidelines, making appropriate recommendations for optimization of patient therapy. Develops and maintains safe medication prescribing and dispensing practices in accordance with best practice and most up to date clinical guidelines. Provides evidence-based, patient-centered oncology and supportive care pharmacotherapy management while serving as the subject matter expert in the assigned specialty area for the multidisciplinary care team. Evaluates patient profile for appropriateness of medication orders (i.e, appropriate dosage based on patient parameters, duplicate therapy, side effect profile, cost-effectiveness and accuracy). Provides effective patient education and medication counseling. Has knowledge of storage, safe handling, administration, and disposal of hazardous medications. Able to communicate effectively with healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers. Has knowledge of availability, structure, and design of clinical trials. Enforces adherence to hospital formulary, i.e., non-formulary requests filled out; applies therapeutic interchange policies. Assists with therapeutic drug monitoring of immunosuppression regimens, chemotherapy, anti-infectives, and graft-versus-host disease treatment, etc. Assists in discharge and admission planning, transitions of care, and patient/caregiver education. Participates in hospital-established programs for adverse drug reactions and medication error reporting. Documents interventions in department-approved clinical documentation system. Has knowledge of reimbursement practices, including payment models and patient assistance programs. Develops patient-specific treatment plan in Cerner if standardized order set is unavailable. Contributes to institutional and collaborative research and scholarly activities.
• Administrative Responsibilities: Participates in pharmacy continuous quality improvement activities. Reviews and ensures that practice meets regulatory requirements, certifications, and accreditation. Participates on institutional committees (e.g., pharmacy and therapeutics). Assists with policy, guideline, and/or drug monograph development. Practices fiscal responsibility to patient and health system. Assists with management of drug shortages. Ensures compliance of pharmacy policies in accordance with federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to the dispensing of medications.
• Education and Mentorship: Provides formal and informal drug education to pharmacy, medical staff, nursing, and other health care professionals (i.e., Pharmacist Meeting clinical update, Pharmacy Capsule submission, formulary monograph submission). Serves as a preceptor for pharmacy residents and/or students in area of expertise at least once a year. Actively participates in the education and development of pharmacists, pharmacy residents, and pharmacy students.
• Professional Development: Maintains current knowledge, skills, and competencies through involvement in professional continuing education activities.
• Completes all assigned patient-care related or administrative projects and activities. Develops and presents educational activities to pharmacists, nursing staff, and/or providers at least twice a year. Involvement in National or Local Professional Organizations such as ASHP, HOPA, ASCO, ASH, etc.
• Works toward achieving Oncology Board Certification (BCOP). Seeks opportunities to participate in research activities, publishing, or presenting at local and national meetings at least once a year. Maintains current knowledge, skills, and competencies through involvement in professional continuing education activities.
• Teamwork: Maintains strong working relationships and open communication with medical and nursing staff. Willing/able to perform duties outside of normal responsibilities when needed. Based on departmental needs, assists with sick call coverage, covers additional shifts, and aids areas of pharmacy in need of additional support.
• Performs at a high level with minimal supervision. Independently solves problems, and/or provides solutions when problems arise. (i.e. drug shortages, non-formulary reviews, therapeutic substitutions). Consistently models service excellence. Assists with other duties as assigned by the pharmacy management team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Req Doctorate Pharmacy Pharm.D degree from an accredited School of Pharmacy

• Req Pharmacy Practice Residency (PGY1) and Specialty Residency (PGY2) from an ACPE-accredited program. Previous experience as a clinical pharmacist in the specified area of specialty for at least 5 years may substitute for the required residency experience.

• Req Organization/time management skills.
• Req Excellent analytical, problem-solving, planning and evaluation skills.
• Req Demonstrates ability to effectively work with physicians, staff, and patients.
• Req Able to function independently and as a member of a team.
• Req Committed to excellence in patient care and customer service

Preferred Qualifications:

• Pref Board Certified Board Certification in the area of specialty

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Req Registered Pharmacist (CA DCA) Current pharmacy licensure with California State Board of Pharmacy
• Req Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Req Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Not required for all off-site clinics
• Req Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) If no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date. (Required within LA City only)

USC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring ordinance. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu.  Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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