What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pharmacy Fellow position at Value Specialty Pharmacy?
Position Summary/Objective
The Value Specialty Pharmacy Fellowship is a training position designed to develop advanced clinical and operational skills in specialty pharmacy. The position is a one-year program that combines patient care, operational pharmacy services, research, and education, aimed at preparing fellows for a career in the specialty pharmacy field. It is an excellent opportunity for those interested in working with complex and high-cost medications in a dynamic healthcare environment.
Essential Functions
Clinical Pharmacy Services:
- Provide clinical onboarding and counseling to patients with complicated disease states.
- Collaborate with healthcare teams (physicians, nurses, etc.) to ensure the safe and effective use of medications.
- Conduct patient assessments, including reviewing patient histories and lab results.
- Educate patients on their medications, proper usage, potential side effects, and interactions.
- Monitor patient adherence to therapies and intervene as needed.
- Assist in developing individualized care plans for patients.
Pharmacy Operations:
- Dispense medications accurately and ensure proper storage, handling, and documentation.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory standards (e.g., FDA, DEA, URAC, ACHC, state laws).
- Assist in inventory management, including ordering medications and supplies.
Education and Training:
- Participate in didactic and clinical education for pharmacy staff, healthcare providers, and students.
- Present findings from clinical trials or patient case studies in meetings or conferences.
- Attend and contribute to specialty pharmacy training sessions and continuing education opportunities.
Research:
- Conduct research or participate in clinical trials related to specialty medications and their outcomes.
- Analyze data and interpret findings to improve patient care or pharmacy services.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals on research initiatives.
Leadership and Quality Improvement:
- Take an active role in quality improvement projects aimed at enhancing patient outcomes and pharmacy services.
- Monitor and evaluate the efficacy and safety of therapies and recommend changes when necessary.
- Assist in the development of policies and procedures within the specialty pharmacy.
Patient Advocacy:
- Act as an advocate for patients by coordinating with insurance companies to ensure coverage for specialty medications.
- Provide counseling on financial assistance programs for patients who may have difficulty affording medications.
Other duties as assigned.
Work Environment
This position operates in a quiet office environment with frequent supervision.
Competencies
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an accredited institution.
Knowledge of specialty medication therapies, their effects on the body and the disease state, side effects, adverse events, mechanism of drug action, drug-drug and drug-disease state interactions, dosing, and follow up with patients, including monitoring compliance and non-drug advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including diet. Knowledge of prior authorizations and insurance processes. Ability to operate pharmacy management system, ability to understand and follow policies and procedures, written and oral communication proficiency, accuracy, time management, multi-tasking, leadership, teamwork, problem solving ability, collaboration skills, presentation skills, calculator, expert telephone skills, and email skill. Ability to meet tight deadlines and handle changing priorities and emergencies.
Physical demands typical of this position
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and/or stand for long periods of time, walk, use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other computer or office equipment. Visual acuity to read printed material and a computer screen and ability to concentrate. May require occasional lifting of up to 30 lbs.
Supervisory Responsibility
None
Travel
Work-related travel may occasionally be required for continuing education purposes.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor of Science or PharmD Degree
Familiarity with state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to legal pharmacy operations. Complete required CEUs to maintain credentials and licensure.
Preferred Education and Experience
Specialty Pharmacy experience.
Security Clearance/Background Check
Pass a federal background check and drug screen.
AA/EEO Statement
If required.
Other Duties
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
This job description has been approved by all levels of management.