The specialist provides evidence-based drug information to healthcare professionals to support safe patient care and formulary management. They are responsible for evaluating clinical literature, developing medication-use policies, and leading interdisciplinary workgroups for quality improvement.
Requirements summary
Requires a Bachelor of Science or Doctor of Pharmacy degree and a valid Texas pharmacy license. Completion of an ASHP accredited PGY1 residency is required, while a PGY2 and board certification are preferred.
The mission of Correctional Managed Care is to address the healthcare needs of underserved patient populations within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD).
JOB SUMMARY: The Pharmacy Clinical Practice Specialist in Drug Information serves as a medication expert responsible for providing timely, evidence-based drug information to healthcare professionals to support safe and effective patient care.
This role evaluates and synthesizes clinical literature, responds to complex medication-related inquiries, and contributes to formulary management, guideline development, and medication-use policies.
The specialist presents evidence-based recommendations to the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and leads interdisciplinary workgroups to support formulary decisions, policy development, and quality improvement initiatives.
Additionally, the position collaborates with healthcare teams and supports education of staff and learners while ensuring dissemination of unbiased, clinically relevant drug information.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Develops and maintains a clinical practice with a patient care service, cooperating with medical and nursing personnel to optimize the pharmacotherapeutic aspects of patient care.
Provides optimal selection of pharmacologic agents and design of a regimen to maximize therapeutic benefit and minimize toxicity; ensures therapy is appropriate for patient’s diagnosis, weight, and age.
Provides daily follow-up on the clinical effects of the regimen with adjustments as necessary to achieve desired outcomes.
Provides other health professionals with drug and clinical information in response to specific questions or relating to new, evolving issues related to the care of patients.
Provides other health professionals with professional education regarding new drugs or technologies for specialized drug delivery.
Provides education and counseling about the drug therapy provided to patients.
Participates in clinical guideline development, critical pathways, disease management, and drug use programs.
Provides clinical education and training to students, satellite pharmacists, residents, and fellows in the Department of Pharmacy.
Participates in quality assurance programs in the Department of Pharmacy.
Supports and performs operational components in the pharmacy.
Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure established for department.
Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES: Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus.
Exhibits strong interpersonal, teamwork and leadership skills with all levels of the healthcare team.
Takes ownership in solving problems effectively and efficiently and participates in resolution in a proactive and positive manner.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrates through verbal and non-verbal communications openness to change or new ideas.
Willingly learns and adapts to changes in work environment and new work methods as introduced.
Self-motivated to independently manage time, demonstrates flexibility to fluctuating workload, and effectively prioritizes assignments.
Actively enhances personal growth and development by participating in educational programs and professional organizations and meetings.
EQUIPMENT: Standard pharmaceutical equipment.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Standard pharmacy environment.
May work weekends and shift rotations based on location.
May be required to work overtime and extended shifts during emergencies.
May be exposed to such occupational hazards as communicable diseases, bloodborne pathogens, ionizing & non-ionizing radiation, hazardous medications and disoriented or combative patients or others.
Security clearance is required; pre-employment drug testing is also required.
Required education/Experience
Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Licensed to practice pharmacy in the state of Texas or eligible to practice pharmacy in the state of Texas. Must be licensed to practice pharmacy in the state of Texas at the time of hire. Completion of an ASHP accredited post-graduate year 1 residency program. Obtain Immunization Certification within six (6) months of hire.
Preferred
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Board certification through the Board of Pharmacy Specialties. Completion of an ASHP accredited post-graduate year 1 residency program. Completion of an ASHP accredited post-graduate year 2 residency program for specialty areas. Two (2) years of related experience. Salary is commensurate with years of relevant work experience. Equal Employment Opportunity UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
