Pharmacy Clinical Specialist

At Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital, the Pharmacy Clinical Specialist performs advanced clinical pharmacy duties to enable optimal pharmacotherapy delivery, ensuring safe, efficacious, and cost-effective medication use for the served population(s). This role includes daily medication regimen reviews, support for pharmacy-managed protocols, formulary processes, and medication reconciliation. The specialist also educates pharmacists, nurses, and medical staff, precepts pharmacy students and residents, and contributes to the organization’s mission of innovative, personalized, and safe pharmaceutical care.

Responsibilities

• Perform reactive and proactive medication regimen reviews for designated patient populations.
• Support pharmacy-managed protocols, formulary processes, and medication reconciliation activities.
• Provide education to pharmacists, nurses, medical staff, and other healthcare professionals.
• Precept pharmacy students and residents on clinical rotations within assigned areas.
• Collaborate with healthcare teams to manage patient drug therapy for maximal effectiveness while minimizing adverse effects.
• Participate in quality management initiatives, including medication use evaluations, adverse drug reaction reporting, and clinical interventions.
• Contribute to pharmacoeconomically sound medication therapy by upholding formulary standards and preventing medication-related complications.
• Develop and present educational materials and programs for pharmacy and hospital staff.
• Engage in research projects, quality improvement programs, and scholarly work for publication or presentation.
• Serve as a member of Medical Staff Committees and actively contribute to committee goals.
• Provide drug information support for patient-specific and non-patient-specific inquiries.
• Demonstrate leadership in coordinating activities within a major pharmacy service area.

Requirements

• Graduate of an education program approved by the credentialing body for required certifications.
• One of the following:
  • Successful completion of an ASHP-accredited PGY1 residency or equivalent experience (three years of pharmacy experience per residency year).
  • ASHP-accredited PGY2 residency or fellowship (preferred).
  • Three years of clinical practice experience.
• Meets Houston Methodist standards as an ASHP-Qualified Residency Preceptor within one year of employment.

Qualifications

• Required Licenses and Certifications:
  • Texas Pharmacist License (or eligibility).
  • Pharmacist Preceptor Certification (Texas).
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) or Instructor (AHA).
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Instructor (AHA).
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or Instructor (AHA).
• Preferred Certifications:
  • Intravenous (IV) Certification.
  • Board of Pharmacy Specialty Certification.

Skills

• Proficiency in English (speaking, reading, writing) for safe and effective communication.
• Strong interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership skills across all levels of the healthcare team.
• Customer service focus with positive language principles.
• Professional and technical competence in drug selection, evaluation, utilization, and distribution for all patient groups (neonate to geriatric).
• Knowledge of rational drug therapy principles, evidence-based guidelines, and innovative clinical practices.
• Experience in direct patient care and interactions with nursing and medical staff.
• Competence in pharmacy-related research and active credentialing with Houston Methodist Academic Institute (as applicable).

Schedule

• Exempt (salaried) position.
• On-call requirements during emergencies (e.g., disasters, severe weather).
• May require travel within or outside the Houston Metropolitan area.