Rho Chi Seminar Night
Nova Southeastern University, College of Pharmacy
April 1, 2016
Laura R. Bobolts, PharmD, BCOP
Director, Oncology Pharmaceutical Affairs
Oncology Analytics, Inc.
Oncology pharmacy – sky’s the limit: A career path to consider for
pharmacy students
• Almost everyone is touched by cancer
• Pet
• Friend
• Self
• Family member
• I knew at an early age that I wanted to make a difference
• Save families from the pain of losing a loved one to cancer
Why Oncology Pharmacy ?!?
• Plan A: Biochemistry major to make the “magic bullet”
• Plan A failed miserably!• Organic Chem lab was not my forte!!!
Why Oncology Pharmacy ?!?
Images from: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/01/03/chemistry-experiment-fails_n_4537127.html; http://www2.ljworld.com/photos/galleries/2007/jul/08
• Plan B: Become the pharmacist that ensures safe administration of chemo to the patient
Image from: http://www.hisuitestampa.com/business/moffitt.php
• Graduated from Nova Southeastern University’s COP
• PGY1 Residency at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital
• Began oncology pharmacy career at Moffitt Cancer Center
• Malignant Hematology
• Women’s Oncology Clinic -Breast & Gynecologic Oncology• Established the role of a full-time
clinical oncology pharmacist practicing in a solid tumor clinic
• Transitioned to pediatric oncology
Training Background…
• Director, Oncology Pharmaceutical Affairs
• Manage a team of oncology pharmacists
• Serve as the oncology medical information specialist
• Oncology pharmacy benefits management• Review oncology-related drug authorization requests
• Provide recommendations for anti-cancer therapy
• Offer advise on national oncology-related drug policies
• Review national drug fee schedules
• Participate in the sales & marketing of the company
My Current Role…
• Perform population-based research
My Current Role…
• National oncology meeting presence is a must!
My Current Role…
• In High Demand
• Many different work settings
• Inpatient hospital
• Outpatient clinic or infusion center
• Specialty pharmacy
• Pharmaceutical company
• Pharmacy benefits management
Job Market for an Oncology Pharmacist
Bennett CL, et al. Lancet Oncol. 2014;15:e594-605
• Residency, residency … (PGY1 & PGY2 Oncology)
• Board Certification in Oncology Pharmacy (BCOP)
• Publication experience
• Research experience
What Employers Want?
Image from: http://www.bpsweb.org/about-bps/annual-reports/; Ignoffo R, et al. JOP; epub March 22, 2016
Job Market for an Oncology Pharmacist
• As of 2014, only 1773 Board Certified Oncology Pharmacists (BCOP)• > 3000 BCOPs by 2020 ?
• Requirements to take BCOP exam (either one)• ≥ 4 yrs practice w/ focus
in oncology • PGY1 + ≥ 2 yrs practice w/
focus in oncology • PGY1 & Oncology PGY2
• Find your niche!• Pick your passion
• Shadow in your prospective field
• Set yourself apart from the crowd!• Treat all rotations like a job interview
• Teach yourself, don’t wait to be taught
• Get involved in projects that can lead to publications
• Work on a 5-year plan, set goals
• Strongly consider residency: PGY1 & PGY2
• Consider further even training: ?MBA
Prepare Now…
Thank You!
The Sky’s The Limit