Clinical Pharmacist (Oncology)

Qualifications

· Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from an accredited institution.

· Valid license/registration to practice.

· Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Clinical Pharmacist, preferably in an oncology setting.

· Postgraduate certification or residency training in Oncology Pharmacy (preferred).

· Board Certification in Oncology Pharmacy or equivalent (Desirable).

· Master’s degree in Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmacology, or Oncology (Desirable).

· Additional certifications (e.g., Chemotherapy Compounding Certification, Hazardous Drug Management).

· In-depth knowledge of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and supportive care medications.

· Good understanding of cancer biology, tumor markers, and pharmacogenomics in oncology treatment.

· Familiarity with clinical trial protocols and investigational oncology drugs.

· Proficiency in drug interaction screening, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), and pharmacokinetics.

· Ability to interpret lab results for dose adjustments.

Oncology Medication Management

· Dispense and verify chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and supportive care medications.

· Conduct comprehensive medication reviews for oncology patients to assess appropriateness and safety.

· Monitor for drug interactions, contraindications, and adverse effects specific to cancer therapies.

· Manage high-risk medications (e.g., cytotoxic drugs) following institutional and international safety protocols.

· Ensure proper storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous oncology medications.

· Maintain accurate documentation of all oncology-related prescriptions and interventions.

Clinical Collaboration and Patient Care

· Participate in oncology ward rounds and tumor boards to provide pharmacological expertise.

· Collaborate with oncologists to develop individualized treatment plans for patients.

· Recommend evidence-based alternatives for refractory or high-toxicity cases.

· Conduct medication reconciliation during transitions of care (admission, transfer, discharge).

· Provide pharmacokinetic monitoring for drugs with narrow therapeutic indices (e.g., methotrexate).

· Support palliative care teams in pain and symptom management.

Patient and Caregiver Education

· Counsel patients and caregivers on chemotherapy regimens, side effects, and self-management strategies.

· Develop and distribute educational materials tailored to oncology patients (e.g., oral chemotherapy guides).

· Address medication adherence barriers and provide culturally sensitive education.

· Conduct follow-up calls or virtual consultations for high-risk patients post-discharge.

· Educate on infection prevention and neutropenia precautions.

· Facilitate support group sessions or workshops for cancer patients.

Medication Safety and Compliance:

· Implement and audit compliance with applicable/ relevant standards for hazardous drug handling.

· Report and analyze adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and near misses in oncology treatments.

· Lead root-cause analyses for medication errors and develop corrective actions.