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