Clinical Pharmacist - Acute Care, Hematology/Oncology

The University of Iowa Health Care, Department of Pharmaceutical Care, is seeking a full-time Clinical Pharmacist to join our team.  The clinical pharmacist is responsible for delivering comprehensive pharmaceutical care to the adult acute care population. This role will provide pharmacy services in intermediate care areas, including but not limited to oncology, hematology, stem cell transplant and cellular therapies, surgical oncology, and urology. Additional cross-training to other inpatient clinical areas may be provided based on staffing needs. This position will have rotating shifts including weekdays, weekends, and evenings. At University of Iowa Health Care, clinical pharmacists are integral to all facets of patient care, encompassing therapeutic drug monitoring, medication reconciliation, patient education, and the precepting of pharmacy learners. This position ensures the highest standard of safe and effective patient care through meticulous clinical review and verification of medication orders. Collaboration is a key component of this role, as pharmacists work daily with the interdisciplinary team, including licensed independent practitioners, medical students and residents, nurses, social workers, and care coordinators.

Position Responsibilities:

Provide Oncology-Specific Clinical Pharmacy Services

1. Collaborate with healthcare providers on selecting chemotherapy regimens and making any necessary dose adjustments
2. Review and manage chemotherapy plans within the electronic medical record to ensure safe and accurate prescribing
3. Perform and document first and second clinical reviews of chemotherapy plans to maintain rigorous safety standards
4. Monitor chemotherapy patients daily, ensuring that appropriate supportive care is administered
5. Counsel all inpatients newly initiated on chemotherapy regimens, utilizing institutional handouts for comprehensive guidance 

Provide Cellular Therapy-Specific Clinical Pharmacy Services

1. Coordinate care of patients receiving therapy on clinical trials
2. Review and recommend updates for cellular therapy-specific chemotherapy plans
3. Communicate unique therapy needs with pharmacy supply chain team
4. Participate in CAR T-cell REMS audits, FACT re-accreditation preparedness and site visits, and attend quarterly Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Quality Council meetings
5. Assist in the development and implementation of controlled documents related to the pharmaceutical management of cellular therapy recipients
6. Complete a minimum of ten (10) hours of educational activities related to cellular therapy annually
7. Provide daily clinical monitoring for cellular therapy patients and ensure appropriate supportive care is provided 

Provide Clinical and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM)

1. Assess the appropriateness of all medication orders, including drug selection, dosage, route, and potential interactions
2. Enhance pharmacotherapy regimens through the application of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles
3. Identify and address drug incompatibilities, contraindications, and patient medication allergies as necessary
4. Employ clinical guidelines and evidence-based practices to inform medication therapy decisions
5. Engage in daily multidisciplinary rounds and review patient profiles
6. Offer drug information and medication therapy recommendations to the multidisciplinary team
7. Monitor patient responses to medications and suggest modifications as needed
8. Ensure thorough clinical documentation in accordance with departmental policies and procedures 

Effectively Communicate with Patients and the Multidisciplinary Team

1. Conduct comprehensive medication histories and perform reconciliation for all inpatients
2. Facilitate multidisciplinary educational sessions and patient teaching classes as necessary
3. Support discharge processes by managing prescription drug pending, performing reconciliations, and providing counseling for high-risk patient populations 

Participate in Ongoing Patient Care Initiatives

1. Develop and implement clinical practice standards, as well as medication management protocols and guidelines
2. Report medication errors using the institutional standard reporting system
3. Act as a liaison for investigational drug services, facilitating continuation of therapy during inpatient admissions as appropriate
4. Engage in multidisciplinary initiatives and research opportunities to advance clinical practices
5. Serve on intra- and inter-departmental committees as required
6. Coordinate discharge planning activities, including referrals to patient assistance programs, financial assistance coordinators, and support with the prior authorization process 

Provide Educational Services

At University of Iowa Health Care, a teaching institution, clinical pharmacists play a crucial role in the education of students, residents, and multidisciplinary team members. Responsibilities in this educational capacity are as follows:

1. Serve as the primary or supporting preceptor for pharmacy students and residents
2. Lead educational sessions or inservices for interdisciplinary team members
3. Deliver didactic lectures to pharmacy students at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy
4. Present at and participating in educational programs sponsored by the Department of Pharmaceutical Care, the College of Pharmacy, other UIHC or UI departments, and various state and national organizations
5. Act as a mentor and role model for fellow pharmacist practitioners within the department