Sonia Amin Thomas, PharmD, BCOP, was still in high school when she became interested in clinical pharmacy.
“I shadowed a clinical pharmacist at CHOA (Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta) in high school and was able to see the impact a clinical pharmacist can make,” she said. “At the time, I was working at Walgreens as a technician and was blown away at a pharmacist being able to work with the physician and see patients.”
A clinical pharmacist provides direct patient care, medication therapy management and patient counseling. Clinical pharmacists work directly with other healthcare professionals to optimize patient care.
According to Thomas, clinical pharmacy is very important.
“Studies show the improvement in patient care from working as a team,” she explained. “This reduces expenses for the health system and improves direct care.”
A clinical pharmacist reviews patient profiles, speaks with patients and works with healthcare providers to improve patient care.
“To succeed as a clinical pharmacist, it is necessary to be able to think clinically in terms of what is best for the patient,” Thomas said. “You also have to be able to understand the most important factors that affect a patient and disease state to be able to assist both the patient and healthcare provider.”
Thomas recounted a situation in which a breast cancer patient on hormone therapy was experiencing hot flashes. The oncologist asked Thomas to recommend a medication that would help the patient and not interact with her other medications.
“I get to counsel patients on chemotherapy, see the patients with the oncologist, recommend the next treatment, and help manage side effects of a chemotherapy medication,” she said.
The first step in becoming a pharmacist is to obtain a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. In the PharmD program at PCOM School of Pharmacy in Suwanee, Georgia, students have the opportunity to experience various areas of pharmacy during the first three years of the program. In the fourth year, students take part in clinical rotations which provide additional exposure to various pharmacy specialty areas and practices. Upon completion of the program, students may elect to pursue a residency program to prepare for a career as a clinical pharmacist.
Thomas, an associate professor, works to train these future clinical pharmacists. While a scientific background and PharmD degree is essential for those wishing to pursue a career in this field, Thomas emphasizes the benefit of psychology or sociology courses that can help future providers communicate with and understand their patients.
“My experience as a clinical pharmacist has been amazing and continues to grow on a daily basis in terms of knowledge, how to think and assisting patients/physicians,” Thomas said. “I am continuously learning from my own students with me on rotation as well.”
Her advice for those interested in pursuing a career in clinical pharmacy?
“Keep an open mind,” Thomas said. “And definitely think about pursuing a postgraduate residency as it will prepare you in ways that only years of experience can and opens the door up to many different opportunities.”
