Pharmacist Clinical Specialist II - Ambulatory/Primary Care

GENERAL PURPOSE:

The primary care clinical pharmacy specialist is responsible for the provision of comprehensive clinical pharmacy services related to their area of practice to optimize safe, effective and cost-effective drug therapy.  Activities may include participation as a member of an inter-disciplinary patient care team, provision of pharmacotherapeutic and pharmacokinetic consults, comprehensive medication management (CMM), comprehensive medication review (CMR), medication therapy problems (MTP), patient and provider education, and the development of best practice guidelines and policy related to pharmacotherapy.  The primary care clinical pharmacy specialist serves as a leader for the department in their specialty area of practice, organizing appropriate departmental initiatives and providing education and teaching for pharmacy colleagues, providers and trainees at all levels of practice.  The clinical pharmacy specialist will also have a working knowledge of the operational aspects of the department and will contribute to the overall objectives of the department as an integrated member of the pharmacy practice team.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Level II primary care clinical pharmacy specialist is Post Graduate-Year 1 (PGY-1) and Post Graduate-Year 2 (PGY-2) trained in the specialty area (or equivalent clinical experience). This may be a new resident graduate or a clinical specialist in the first 3-5 years of practice. 

Clinical Pharmacy Practice:

Primary focus will be on maximizing the value of medication therapy for members of the primary care population, with emphasis on those with chronic or complex diseases and/or high utilization patterns. The Primary Care Clinical Pharmacist will focus on population health, be able to use data, and will lead and participate in medication optimization initiatives.

Provides comprehensive clinical pharmacy services for a primary care or clinic based pharmacy practice including:  Participates on inter-disciplinary patient care team rounds as appropriate to the specialty, provides consultative input on safe and effective drug therapy, manages established clinical pharmacy programs or services, monitors assigned patient populations for clinical progress including renal/hepatic function, culture results, and other applicable laboratory tests,  recommends adjustments to therapy as necessary,  provides patient education and discharge counseling, authorizes/verifies orders, supervises drug distribution when appropriate and required.

Documents clinical pharmacy activities as appropriate in the medical record or other systems (e.g. event reporting system).

Works collaboratively with other clinicians and health-care providers to implement and maintain innovative disease or medication management programs and clinical pharmacy services. Develop and provide educational programs, tools and other resources for providers, care managers and patients.  Provide clinical consultations for patients meeting pre-specified criteria (e.g, polypharmacy) or by direct referral by a provider or care manager; consultations will include either enrollment into comprehensive medication management, comprehensive medication review, medication therapy problems (MTP), consultation on a specific pharmacotherapy query, or drug information response. Participates in the development of global medication use management programs within the University of Rochester Medical Center including clinical guidelines, critical pathways, disease management and drug use programs.

Recognizes the need for mentoring and education and reach out in a positive and constructive way to facilitate learning and professional growth.  Directs and supervises the work of technicians to ensure appropriate workflow as required Conducts QA, MUE, or other research to document the value and contribution of clinical pharmacy services at URMC within area of specialization.  Participates in departmental Q/A processes such as reporting and following up on medication incidents, reconciling MARs, and cost-savings initiatives etc. Liaise with healthcare professionals and clinical services across the AHP and URMC network. Develop and foster positive collaboration with payers, providers, pharmacists and other clinic staff.

Training:

Maintains a personal and professional commitment to the training of future generations of pharmacists as exemplified by serving as a preceptor for pharmacy residency training programs offered at the University of Rochester Medical Center or its affiliates, contributes to student training experiences for IPPE and APPE rotations as assigned, provides didactic lectures, case studies and other interactive teaching programs to pharmacy students, pharmacy residents, and pharmacists.  Provides didactic lectures to various divisions and departments of the medical center as requested including nursing, medical/surgical residents and students training in allied health professions.

Problem Solving:

Resolves problems with appropriate and direct communication to all pertinent staff in a clear and concise manner.  Identifies patient care problems and does not pass on problems without exhausting reasonable attempts at resolution and communicating progress.  Problem solving will often go beyond patient-specific issues, and may require participation on interdisciplinary teams  or revisiting policy, procedures or practice guidelines.  Contacts supervisor for assistance when solution is beyond his/her expertise or authority.

Service:

Holds active membership and participates in local, regional and national professional organizations in clinical pharmacy and/or specialty areas of practice.  Conducts presentation of clinical education or research results at local, regional and/or national meetings.  Provision of continuing professional education to peers in the community, region, and/or nationally. Recognition of expertise in specialty area of practice at a local and national level.  Serves on AHP,  or medical center committees or community workgroups, or committees, or task forces.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The Level II clinical pharmacy specialist is trained in the specialty area (or equivalent clinical experience). This may be a new resident graduate or a clinical specialist in the first 3-5 years of practice.  Doctor of Pharmacy degree, and a preference for specialty residency training.  New York State Pharmacy License. The Level II specialist is expected to be board certified in the most relevant specialty area within 2 years of hire or promotion to Level II.

NOTE:  This document describes typical duties and responsibilities and is not intended to limit management from assigning other work as required.