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The Challenging Career of a Clinical Oncology Pharmacist By Kristen Frankenfield I am interested in several career paths, and decided to participate in the RAMPS program in order to learn more about one area of pharmacy. I was matched with Dr. Julie Schwenka, a clinical hematology/oncology pharmacist. I was excited to have the opportunity to shadow her since I know very little about the field. My first impression of oncology is that it might be a fairly depressing job. The separation of personal and professional life is difficult enough, but working with cancer patients must add an emotional element that is tough to leave at work. Dr. Schwenka acknowledged my thoughts, but then described how grateful the patients are to have caring medical staff and the opportunity to lengthen their lives. She also spoke of how great it feels when a patient goes in remission or stops treatment. It was obvious that Dr. Schwenka is passionate about her job and her patients, yet she finds a personal/professional balance. These views helped to alleviate my hesitation about pursuing oncology. After talking with Dr. Schwenka, the most exciting part about being an oncology pharmacist seems to be that the field is always changing. Because there is no cure but only treatments for cancer, it is an area where novel drugs are constantly introduced, thus creating new challenges for pharmacists. In this field, the pharmacist is crucial to the medical team by providing information and advice about newer treatments, which requires the pharmacist to keep current with the literature. Dr. Schwenka took me to rounds, which allowed me to see how patient care requires a team effort from physicians, nurses, social workers, and (of course) pharmacists. Each patient was discussed and all members of the health-care team contributed suggestions. Difficult decisions are made as a group, and every opinion is considered before the best plan of action is decided. My involvement with the RAMPS program was valuable. The opportunity to shadow and talk with a pharmacist will help guide me in my future career choices. I appreciate Dr. Schwenka’s time and I really enjoyed learning more about becoming a clinical oncology pharmacist. Kristen Frankenfield is a second-year pharmacy student.
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