Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Ambulatory Care, Heart Failure

Clinical Pharmacy Specialist I Heart Failure

Responsible for providing medication therapy management services for heart failure patients in a bridge clinic setting, including both clinical and distributive responsibilities as needed, in collaboration with interdisciplinary providers to ensure therapy is safe, effective, and cost-efficient. Services may include medication optimization and titration per guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), patient education, medication reconciliation, adherence monitoring, transitions of care support, and coordination of access to medications. Participates in interdisciplinary care coordination to reduce readmissions and improve clinical outcomes. Ensures compliance with departmental policies, Board of Pharmacy regulations, and other applicable standards. Provides oversight and guidance to pharmacy technicians and may contribute to training and education of staff and learners. Functions independently within scope of practice under established protocols and guidelines, with support from pharmacy leadership, and may assist in coverage or leadership activities as needed.

The Clinical Pharmacy Specialist I Heart Failure is recognized as a subject matter expert in heart failure management within the bridge clinic, applies specialized knowledge to optimize patient care, interprets clinical data to guide therapy decisions, addresses complex medication-related problems, and may lead or support quality improvement initiatives and care transition projects.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provides pharmaceutical care to patients including the promotion of optimal drug therapy and safe use of medications. Assesses patient-specific data to evaluate medication needs, verifies medication orders, and oversees the preparation, dispensing, distribution and monitoring of all medications.
• Collaborates and consults with and provides education to pharmacy and medical staff, nurses, allied health professionals, patients and caregivers. Acts as a preceptor for learners as directed.
• Manages care, quality, and costs by engaging in the systematic and continuous process of evaluating and improving the utilization of medications in a patient population in order to enhance the quality, safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the medication use process.
• Oversees and directs the work of other pharmacy staff and ensures service standards are met.
• Participates in and/or provides direct patient care in any setting or capacity.
• Supports interdisciplinary rounds, training, prepares materials, and participates in facility committees, and/or implements strategic initiatives.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Prioritizes work responsibilities and manages multiple demands.
• Demonstrates an awareness of self-responsibility and accountability for own professional practice.
• Adheres to all best practice standards and guidelines within scope of professional practice and follows all hospital policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Maintains competency in work- and pharmacy-related technology and applications and supports orientation and/or training of team members when appropriate.
• Seeks validation of knowledge base, skill level, and decision making as necessary and assertively seeks guidance in areas of question.
• Practices effective problem identification and resolution skills as a method of sound decision making. Accepts change as a part of the problem-solving process.
• Demonstrates effective communication methods and skills, using lines of authority appropriately.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, workshops, in-service meetings, etc.
• Identifies the extent of the health system's adherence to best practices and guidelines relevant to medication management.
• Attends hospital and departmental meetings as required.
• Utilizes appropriate customer relations skills when interacting with patients, their families, visitors, team members, and others, to ensure all customers are treated with respect and dignity.
• Represents the department on hospital committees, professional associates, and community organizations where appropriate.
• Participates in the development of policies, procedures, and guidelines pertaining to medication use and management.
• Maintains knowledgeability of the daily operations of UMMS, including the Pharmacy Department, through active engagement and awareness of departmental communications via mailbox, bulletin boards, and/or email.
• Maintains knowledgeability of the mission, vision, and values of UMMS.

Qualifications

Education & Experience - Required

• Bachelor of Pharmacy from an accredited college or university required
• Minimum of five (5) years of clinical pharmacy experience required with a Bachelor's degree
• Completion of a Pharmacy Practice Residency (PGY-1) or a minimum of three (3) years of clinical pharmacy experience required
• Maryland Pharmacist License

Education & Experience - Preferred

• Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), Master of Science (MS), or PhD preferred
• Completion of a Specialty Residency (PGY-2) preferred but not required
• Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS) certification preferred

University of Maryland Medical Center