Oncology pharmacy provides evidence-based and patient-centered care by pharmacists who are specialized and certified in oncology in conjunction with other disciplines to further advance patient care.
An oncology pharmacist is very involved in patient care. According to Sonia Amin Thomas, PharmD, BCOP, an associate professor of pharmacy practice at PCOM School of Pharmacy, an oncology pharmacist’s duties include, but are not limited to, checking and verifying chemotherapy orders, facilitating the making of chemotherapy, patient education and counseling, dispensing or facilitating the process to obtain oral chemotherapy, managing side effects, suggesting nonpharmacologic treatment, assisting the physician with recommending next line of treatment, helping the patient be comfortable, and providing supportive care resources.
Thomas was inspired to pursue a specialty in oncology by one of her professors in pharmacy school.
“Seeing it in practice in my first year residency really had an impact on me in terms of the role of a pharmacist and the amount of support that could be given to both oncologists and patients,” she said.
After graduating pharmacy school with a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, there are a few different routes that can be taken depending upon the goal, Thomas explained.
The first is working as an outpatient infusion center pharmacist in which experience may or may not be required.
The second option, Thomas said, is pursuing a postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) residency followed by a postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) residency specializing in oncology at a cancer hospital and then obtaining BCOP (board certified oncology pharmacist) certification.
A third option is working in an outpatient pharmacy that dispenses oral chemotherapy in which a residency may not be required.
Lastly, according to Thomas, a pharmacist may choose to work with a drug company for cancer-related research which may or may not require a one to two year fellowship.
Oncology pharmacists can work inside or outside of the hospital, in infusion centers, oncologists offices, outpatient oral chemotherapy specialty pharmacies or with drug companies.
Thomas, a board-certified oncology pharmacist, works as an oncology specialist pharmacist at a hospital and outpatient infusion center with an oncologist.
“I work in conjunction with the team for treatment selection, managing side effects and counseling patients,” she said. “My main role is to take students and residents on their oncology rotation and provide a valuable learning experience.”
The average oncology pharmacist salary in Atlanta, Georgia as of January 2023 is $129,949 according to salary.com, with reported salaries ranges typically falling between $122,397 and $138,187.
“The salary of an oncology pharmacist varies greatly and depends on many factors,” Thomas said. These factors include the type of institution (rural, urban, etc), years of experience, completing a PGY1 and/or PGY2 residency (each year typically equates to 3-5 years of experience), certification (BCOP) and whether or not there is research experience or involvement.
For those considering a career as an oncology pharmacist, Thomas emphasized the rapid growth in the field and the need to stay current with information and research.
“My biggest advice would be to get exposure early on with rotations,” she said. “And to have a knack for learning and continuous development long after leaving pharmacy school.”
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