JOB DESCRIPTION
1. POSITION DETAILS
Job Title: Clinical Pharmacist – Oncology
Qualification: PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy)
Department: Clinical Pharmacy / Medical Oncology
Experience: Minimum 4 years of relevant clinical pharmacy experience, preferably in Oncology
Reports To: Head – Clinical Pharmacy / Chief Pharmacist / Medical Director
Works Closely With: Medical Oncologists, Radiation Oncologists, Surgical Oncologists, Haematologists, Oncology Nurses, Dietitians and Allied Healthcare Professionals
Employment Type: Full-Time
Location: Erode
2. JOB PURPOSE
To provide specialised, evidence-based and patient-centred clinical pharmacy services to oncology patients, ensuring the safe, rational, effective and cost-conscious use of medications, including anticancer therapy and supportive-care medicines.
The Clinical Pharmacist will work as an integral member of the multidisciplinary oncology team and will support medication review, chemotherapy and systemic therapy safety, medication reconciliation, drug-interaction assessment, adverse-drug-reaction monitoring, supportive-care optimisation, patient counselling, medication safety, antimicrobial stewardship and clinical pharmacy interventions.
3. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Clinical Pharmacy Services
- Provide clinical pharmacy services to inpatient and outpatient oncology patients.
- Review medication orders for:
- Correct drug
- Dose
- Route
- Frequency
- Duration
- Indication
- Patient-specific suitability
- Identify, prevent and resolve medication-related problems.
- Assess medication therapy based on:
- Diagnosis
- Age
- Weight / body surface area
- Renal function
- Hepatic function
- Laboratory parameters
- Previous treatment
- Drug interactions
- Allergies
- Participate in multidisciplinary clinical rounds.
- Provide evidence-based recommendations to oncologists and other treating physicians.
- Monitor therapeutic response and medication-related toxicity.
4. ONCOLOGY-SPECIFIC PHARMACY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Clinical Pharmacist should have strong working knowledge of pharmacotherapy used in:
- Solid tumours
- Gastrointestinal cancers
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Head and neck cancers
- Genitourinary cancers
- Gynaecological cancers
- Haematological malignancies
- Sarcomas
- Other cancers managed by the hospital
The pharmacist should understand the principles and safety requirements associated with:
- Cytotoxic chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Hormonal therapy
- Oral anticancer medicines
- Biological medicines
- Supportive-care therapy
5. ANTICANCER MEDICATION REVIEW
- Review anticancer medication orders according to approved treatment protocols.
- Verify patient-specific treatment parameters before administration.
- Review:
- Patient diagnosis
- Treatment protocol
- Cycle number
- Day of treatment
- Dose
- Dose calculation
- Body surface area / weight where applicable
- Treatment schedule
- Route
- Dilution
- Administration requirements
- Check relevant laboratory parameters before treatment.
- Identify potential contraindications and precautions.
- Review dose modifications required because of:
- Renal impairment
- Hepatic impairment
- Myelosuppression
- Previous toxicity
- Other clinically relevant factors
- Clarify discrepancies with the treating oncologist before medication administration.
- Ensure appropriate documentation of clinical interventions.
Note: Final prescribing and treatment decisions remain with the authorised treating oncologist in accordance with hospital policy and applicable professional regulations.
6. CHEMOTHERAPY SAFETY
- Support safe handling and administration processes for hazardous drugs.
- Verify chemotherapy-related medication orders according to approved institutional procedures.
- Participate in independent verification processes where required.
- Ensure appropriate labelling and documentation of chemotherapy preparations.
- Monitor for medication errors and near misses.
- Report and escalate chemotherapy-related discrepancies immediately.
- Promote compliance with hazardous-drug handling procedures.
- Coordinate with the Oncology Nursing and Pharmacy teams to ensure safe medication administration.
7. SUPPORTIVE-CARE PHARMACOTHERAPY
Optimise supportive treatment for common oncology-related complications, including:
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
- Cancer-related pain
- Febrile neutropenia
- Anaemia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Mucositis
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte abnormalities
- Neuropathy
- Fatigue
- Appetite loss
- Treatment-related gastrointestinal symptoms
- Infusion-related reactions
Review appropriate use of:
- Antiemetics
- Analgesics
- Antimicrobials
- Growth factors
- Corticosteroids
- Gastroprotective medicines
- Electrolyte replacements
- Nutritional supplements
- Bone-modifying agents
- Other supportive medicines
8. IMMUNOTHERAPY & TARGETED THERAPY
Develop and maintain knowledge of medications used in modern oncology practice, including targeted and immune-based therapies.
Monitor patients for potential adverse effects and communicate clinically significant concerns to the treating team.
Pay particular attention to potential immune-related adverse events and medication-related complications, while ensuring that diagnosis and clinical management remain under the treating physician's responsibility.
9. MEDICATION RECONCILIATION
- Perform medication reconciliation at:
- Admission
- Transfer
- Discharge
- Relevant outpatient oncology visits
- Obtain a complete medication history.
- Identify:
- Drug duplication
- Omissions
- Incorrect doses
- Drug interactions
- Allergies
- Contraindicated medicines
- Review prescription, OTC and complementary/alternative medicines where disclosed by the patient.
- Communicate discrepancies to the treating team.
- Document interventions appropriately.
10. DRUG–DRUG & DRUG–DISEASE INTERACTIONS
- Identify clinically significant interactions between anticancer medicines and other medications.
- Assess interactions involving:
- Anticoagulants
- Antiplatelets
- Antiepileptics
- Antimicrobials
- Cardiovascular medicines
- Gastrointestinal medicines
- Herbal/complementary products
- Assess drug-disease interactions.
- Provide appropriate alternatives or monitoring recommendations to the treating physician.
11. ADVERSE DRUG REACTION & TOXICITY MONITORING
- Monitor oncology patients for medication-related adverse effects.
- Identify suspected adverse drug reactions.
- Document and report ADRs according to hospital policy.
- Monitor relevant laboratory parameters.
- Support early identification of medication-related toxicity.
- Escalate serious or unexpected adverse reactions promptly.
- Participate in pharmacovigilance activities.
- Maintain appropriate ADR records.
12. ORAL ANTICANCER THERAPY
Provide clinical pharmacy support for patients receiving oral anticancer medicines.
Responsibilities include:
- Review medication appropriateness.
- Assess potential drug interactions.
- Educate patients about correct administration.
- Explain treatment schedules.
- Reinforce adherence.
- Explain important precautions and adverse effects.
- Identify missed doses and medication-management problems.
- Support safe storage and handling.
- Monitor adherence and toxicity.
- Coordinate with the treating oncologist regarding clinically significant concerns.
13. PATIENT & CAREGIVER COUNSELLING
Provide comprehensive counselling regarding:
- Purpose of treatment
- Medication names
- Dose and schedule
- Administration instructions
- Expected adverse effects
- Warning signs
- Drug interactions
- Food-related considerations where applicable
- Medication adherence
- Safe handling of oral anticancer medicines
- Storage requirements
- Missed-dose instructions according to the prescribed medication/protocol
- When to contact the hospital
Ensure counselling is understandable to the patient and caregiver.
14. DISCHARGE MEDICATION REVIEW
- Review discharge prescriptions.
- Compare admission, inpatient and discharge medications.
- Identify medication discrepancies.
- Check drug interactions and duplication.
- Verify appropriate dose and duration.
- Counsel patients and caregivers.
- Ensure understanding of important supportive medications.
- Provide an updated medication list where appropriate.
15. ANTIBIOTIC & ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP
- Participate in the hospital Antimicrobial Stewardship Program.
- Review antibiotic selection, dose, route and duration.
- Review culture and sensitivity results.
- Recommend appropriate de-escalation when clinically indicated.
- Monitor antimicrobial use in immunocompromised oncology patients.
- Support appropriate IV-to-oral conversion where clinically suitable.
- Participate in antimicrobial audits and quality-improvement activities.
16. PAIN MANAGEMENT
Provide clinical pharmacy support in cancer-pain management by:
- Reviewing analgesic therapy.
- Monitoring opioid-related adverse effects.
- Identifying drug interactions.
- Supporting appropriate dose adjustments as recommended by the treating physician.
- Monitoring constipation, nausea, sedation and other medication-related effects.
- Educating patients and caregivers regarding safe medication use.
17. RENAL & HEPATIC DOSE OPTIMISATION
- Review medication dosing in patients with renal impairment.
- Review medication dosing in patients with hepatic dysfunction.
- Monitor relevant laboratory values.
- Identify medications requiring dose modification or enhanced monitoring.
- Communicate recommendations to the treating oncologist.
18. NUTRITION & DRUG–NUTRIENT INTERACTIONS
- Identify drug–food and drug–nutrient interactions.
- Support medication management in malnourished oncology patients.
- Coordinate with Dietitians regarding medication-related nutritional concerns.
- Review nutritional supplements and complementary products for potential interactions.
- Provide appropriate patient education.
19. CLINICAL ROUNDS & MULTIDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION
Participate actively in clinical discussions with:
- Medical Oncologists
- Radiation Oncologists
- Surgical Oncologists
- Haematologists
- Palliative Care Physicians
- Intensivists
- Oncology Nurses
- Dietitians
- Laboratory Specialists
- Infection Control Team
- Other Clinical Pharmacists
Provide medication-related recommendations during patient care discussions.
20. MEDICATION SAFETY
- Promote a culture of medication safety.
- Identify high-alert medications.
- Participate in medication-error reporting.
- Investigate medication-related incidents and near misses.
- Assist in root-cause analysis where required.
- Develop preventive measures for recurring medication errors.
- Participate in medication-safety audits.
- Ensure compliance with institutional medication-management policies.
21. DRUG INFORMATION SERVICES
Provide accurate, evidence-based drug information to healthcare professionals regarding:
- Dosing
- Administration
- Compatibility
- Stability
- Drug interactions
- Contraindications
- Adverse effects
- Dose modifications
- Supportive-care therapy
- New oncology medicines
Use recognised and current clinical references and institutional protocols.
22. CLINICAL DOCUMENTATION
Maintain accurate records of:
- Clinical pharmacy interventions
- Medication reconciliation
- Prescription reviews
- Chemotherapy-related interventions
- ADRs
- Drug interactions
- Medication errors
- Patient counselling
- Antimicrobial interventions
- Drug-information requests
- Clinical-round activities
23. QUALITY IMPROVEMENT & AUDIT
Participate in:
- Chemotherapy medication audits
- Prescription audits
- Medication reconciliation audits
- ADR monitoring
- Medication-error analysis
- Antimicrobial stewardship audits
- Supportive-care medication audits
- Oral anticancer medication adherence programmes
- Clinical pharmacy intervention audits
- Patient-safety initiatives
24. EDUCATION & TRAINING
- Conduct medication-related education sessions for nurses and other healthcare professionals.
- Educate staff regarding high-alert and hazardous medications.
- Provide training on medication safety.
- Assist in training junior pharmacists and PharmD interns.
- Participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- Keep updated with current oncology treatment guidelines and evidence.
- Participate in departmental case discussions and academic activities.
25. RESEARCH & EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE
- Participate in clinical pharmacy research.
- Support oncology-related clinical studies and audits where appropriately authorised.
- Review current scientific literature.
- Assist in developing evidence-based clinical protocols.
- Participate in presentations, case studies and academic activities.
- Contribute to quality-improvement projects.
26. PHARMACY & FORMULARY COORDINATION
Coordinate with the Pharmacy Department regarding:
- Oncology medication availability
- Critical medicine shortages
- Formulary compliance
- Alternative medicines
- Medication utilisation
- Expiry management
- Rational use of high-cost medicines
27. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)
The Clinical Pharmacist may be evaluated on:
Clinical Performance
- Number and quality of clinical interventions
- Medication-related problems identified and resolved
- Participation in clinical rounds
- Prescription review compliance
Patient Safety
- Medication errors prevented
- ADR identification and reporting
- Chemotherapy-related discrepancies identified
- Medication reconciliation completion rate
Oncology Pharmacy
- Compliance with approved treatment protocols
- Supportive-care optimisation
- Oral anticancer medication counselling
- Drug-interaction identification
Patient Care
- Patient counselling completion
- Medication adherence support
- Discharge medication review
- Patient/caregiver education
Quality Improvement
- Audit participation
- Antimicrobial stewardship interventions
- Medication-safety initiatives
- Research and quality-improvement projects
Professional Development
- Training sessions conducted
- Continuing education
- Evidence-based practice
- Knowledge of emerging oncology therapies
28. AUTHORITY & ACCOUNTABILITY
Authority
Within the hospital's approved policies, procedures and professional scope, the Clinical Pharmacist may:
- Review medication orders.
- Identify medication-related risks.
- Recommend medication optimisation.
- Recommend dose modifications to the authorised prescriber.
- Identify clinically significant interactions.
- Recommend antimicrobial optimisation.
- Recommend supportive-care optimisation.
- Escalate medication-safety concerns.
- Intervene when a medication-related patient-safety risk is identified.
Accountability
The Clinical Pharmacist is accountable for:
- Quality of clinical pharmacy services
- Accuracy of medication reviews
- Timely communication of medication-related concerns
- Clinical documentation
- Patient medication safety
- Confidentiality
- Compliance with hospital policies
- Professional and ethical conduct
Prescribing and final treatment decisions remain with appropriately authorised treating physicians, unless specific prescribing authority is formally granted under applicable regulations and hospital policy.
29. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & COMPETENCIES
Clinical Competencies
Strong knowledge of:
- Oncology pharmacotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Supportive-care medicines
- Antimicrobial therapy
- Pain management
- Drug interactions
- ADR monitoring
- Renal/hepatic dose adjustment
- Medication safety
- Pharmacovigilance
- Clinical nutrition
Technical Competencies
Proficiency in:
- Hospital Information System / EMR
- Clinical pharmacy documentation
- Drug-information databases
- Medication-interaction resources
- Clinical literature search
- Microsoft Excel
- Pharmacy information systems
Behavioural Competencies
- Clinical judgement
- Attention to detail
- Critical thinking
- Patient-centred approach
- Effective communication
- Teamwork
- Accountability
- Professionalism
- Empathy
- Confidentiality
- Ability to work under pressure
30. QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE
Essential
Qualification: PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy)
Experience: Minimum 4 years of relevant clinical pharmacy experience, preferably with significant exposure to Oncology.
Preferred Experience
Experience in:
- Medical Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Haematology-Oncology
- Chemotherapy services
- Oral anticancer therapy
- Clinical pharmacy rounds
- Medication reconciliation
- ADR monitoring
- Drug-interaction management
- Antimicrobial stewardship
- Patient counselling
- Medication safety
Experience in a tertiary-care cancer centre or Gastro & Oncology Hospital is preferred.
31. PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES
The Clinical Pharmacist should demonstrate:
- Strong commitment to patient safety
- High ethical and professional standards
- Clinical competence
- Excellent attention to detail
- Evidence-based decision-making
- Effective communication
- Team-oriented approach
- Compassionate patient care
- Confidentiality
- Continuous learning
- Accountability
- Ability to handle high-pressure clinical situations
32. JOB SUMMARY
The Clinical Pharmacist (PharmD) – Oncology is responsible for providing specialised clinical pharmacy services to oncology patients, supporting safe and effective anticancer and supportive-care medication use, reviewing medication therapy, identifying drug-related problems, monitoring adverse effects and interactions, participating in clinical rounds, counselling patients, promoting medication safety and antimicrobial stewardship, and collaborating with the multidisciplinary oncology team to improve patient outcomes.
Pay: ₹35,000.00 - ₹50,000.00 per month
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
