A Day in the Life of a Clinical Research Pharmacist at UCLA Health
A Clinical Research Pharmacist at UCLA Health spends mornings seeing "10 to 20 patients," preparing infusions, monitoring side effects, and ensuring proper drug storage and preparation for patients with rare cancers, often traveling from far distances. Afternoons involve collaborating with pharmaceutical companies to explore new clinical trial opportunities, leveraging UCLA's extensive patient database to secure trials for promising drug candidates.
Patient Care, Clinical Trials, Drug Regulations, Pharmaceutical Industry Collaboration, Research
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David Park
Clinical Research Pharmacist
UCLA Health
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
Medical, Sciences & Related
Healthcare, Medical & Wellness
Medical
International Student
Video Highlights
1. Patient interaction and care: A significant portion of the day involves direct patient interaction, monitoring their health, and managing medication, especially for patients with rare cancers.
2. Medication management and preparation: The role demands careful preparation and handling of medications, given the strict regulations and sensitivity required for many cancer treatments.
3. Collaboration with pharmaceutical companies: Research pharmacists work closely with pharmaceutical companies to explore new clinical trials and bring new drug candidates to institutions like UCLA, leveraging their expertise and patient database.
Transcript
What does the day in the life of a research pharmacist look like?
A day as a research pharmacist typically involves seeing morning patients and going on rounds. I see about 10 to 20 patients each morning to check on their progress.
I prepare infusions, monitor for side effects, and ensure all drugs are stored and prepared properly beforehand. Many of these drugs require very strict regulations and careful handling.
I make sure all logistics are in place to ensure that rare cancer patients, who may travel from far away, receive their correct treatment. That's essentially my morning routine.
In the afternoons, I usually speak with pharmaceutical companies. We discuss launching new clinical trials or explore drug candidates they wish to provide to large institutions like UCLA, given our extensive patient database.
I review whether our institution meets the criteria for sponsors with multiple drugs ready for testing.
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