Chai, Clinical Trial Pharmacist at UCLA Health : Advize Career Interview
A career in clinical trial pharmacy offers exciting opportunities for those passionate about science and patient care.
A UCLA Health Clinical Trial Pharmacist's journey began with a microbiology degree, followed by biotech experience and a pharmacy doctorate.
This professional's daily work involves managing investigational drugs, coordinating clinical trials, and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance.
Strong communication, project management, and a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical industry are essential.
The most rewarding aspect is contributing to drug discovery and improving patient lives, particularly those with limited treatment options.
While challenges exist, such as occasional understaffing, effective prioritization and planning help manage workload.
The pharmaceutical industry provides flexibility and diverse career paths, from retail to hospital to research and development.
A key takeaway is the value of research and development experience prior to specializing in clinical trials, along with the importance of teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration for improved patient outcomes.
Success in this field hinges on a strong work ethic, resilience, and a goal-oriented approach during undergraduate studies, encompassing both academic pursuits and strategic extracurricular involvement.
For first-generation college graduates, determination and financial planning are key to achieving career aspirations, with loan repayment and forgiveness programs providing further support.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Chai Lam
Clinical Trial Pharmacist
UCLA Health
UCLA 2004
UCSF PharmD
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Biology & Related Sciences
Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical
Research and Development (R&D)
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
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Career Path of a Clinical Trial Pharmacist at UCLA Health
Chai's career journey began with a bachelor's in "microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics" from UCLA, followed by six years in biotech at LabCorp, performing "clinical diagnostic testing and R&D". After earning a pharmacy degree from UCSF, a pivot into clinical research led to their current role as a Clinical Trial Pharmacist at UCLA Health, a position they've held for six years after gaining experience in hospital and retail pharmacy settings.
Main Responsibilities of a Clinical Trial Pharmacist at UCLA Health
Chai's main responsibilities as a Clinical Trial Pharmacist at UCLA Health center on ensuring the safe storage and handling of "investigational drugs," acting as a crucial link between pharmaceutical companies and patients participating in clinical trials. This involves inventory management, reviewing trial startups, and ultimately, "giv[ing] the correct drug to the patients."
A Day in the Life of a Clinical Trial Pharmacist at UCLA Health
A Clinical Trial Pharmacist at UCLA Health acts as a "project manager," overseeing multiple clinical trials simultaneously, juggling tasks from initial setup and "making sure the operational setup is proper" in the electronic medical record (EMR) to inventory management, logistics, and data provision to sponsors. This involves coordinating with various stakeholders, including technicians and sponsor representatives, to ensure drug dispensing accuracy and adherence to regulations.
Most Important Skills for a Clinical Trial Pharmacist at UCLA Health
For a Clinical Trial Pharmacist, strong communication skills are crucial for interacting with "the pharmaceutical industry" and various stakeholders, maintaining HIPAA compliance. In addition to "clinical experience as a pharmacist," project management skills and understanding "the drug industry and overall hospital operations" are essential for ensuring smooth trial execution.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Clinical Trial Pharmacist At UCLA Health
Chai, a Clinical Trial Pharmacist at UCLA Health, finds the most rewarding aspect of the role to be "helping patients and saving lives," particularly through participation in the drug discovery process. This involves assisting patients who have exhausted standard treatment options by providing access to investigational therapies, a process made more promising by advancements in AI-driven drug research and development.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Clinical Trial Pharmacist at UCLA Health
Chai's biggest challenge as a Clinical Trial Pharmacist at UCLA Health is feeling "understaffed" and facing numerous deadlines; however, they address this by prioritizing tasks, focusing on urgent matters first, and planning their week to manage workload effectively.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Pharmaceutical Industry as a Clinical Trial Pharmacist
Chai enjoys the "flexibility and different avenues" within the pharmaceutical industry, citing their career progression from retail and hospital pharmacy to drug research and development as an example. The ability to interact with patients while working on the hospital side and in clinical trials is a key aspect of what makes the career fulfilling.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Pharmacy Industry, According To A Clinical Trial Pharmacist At UCLA Health
To thrive in the pharmaceutical industry, a "big open mind and hard work ethic" are crucial, as the field offers diverse specializations and career paths, such as moving from retail to hospital or biotech settings. Resilience and achieving work-life balance are also essential to avoid burnout in this dynamic and constantly evolving field.
What a Clinical Trial Pharmacist at UCLA Health Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Pharmaceutical Industry
Chai, a Clinical Trial Pharmacist at UCLA Health, advises aspiring professionals to gain "research and development experience," ideally "one or two years," before entering the field. This experience is crucial for understanding the pharmaceutical industry and clinical trials, as it significantly aids in navigating the complexities of a role as an R&D pharmacist or clinical trial pharmacist.
Entry-Level Jobs For Aspiring Clinical Trial Pharmacists At UCLA Health
For undergraduate students interested in entry-level positions, a pharmacy internship or part-time pharmacy work is recommended to "get your idea of what it's like," while research and development (R&D) roles offer valuable experience and participation in "research teams."
Significant Career Lesson from a Clinical Trial Pharmacist at UCLA Health
A significant career lesson for the Clinical Trial Pharmacist at UCLA Health was the importance of "working in an interdisciplinary team," finding that diverse perspectives help solve problems and create solutions that benefit patients. Different approaches to a problem, as a result, lead to more effective outcomes.
College Experiences That Helped a Clinical Trial Pharmacist at UCLA Health Succeed
To achieve success, Chai, a Clinical Trial Pharmacist at UCLA Health, emphasizes a "goal-oriented" approach, participating in "a few student organizations" focused on community engagement and mentoring, prioritizing quality over quantity in extracurricular activities. The importance of pursuing further education beyond a bachelor's degree, if necessary, is also highlighted, with the advice to "have fun" and enjoy the undergraduate experience.
How Identity Has Influenced A Clinical Trial Pharmacist At UCLA Health's Career
Chai, a first-generation college graduate and Clinical Trial Pharmacist at UCLA Health, attributes their career success to "determination" in overcoming socioeconomic disadvantages, advising students to "not worry about the money" and pursue higher education despite financial hurdles, leveraging loans and scholarships. The interviewee emphasizes that a degree and subsequent employment facilitate relatively quick loan repayment, and loan forgiveness programs exist.
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