The field of oncology pharmacy is constantly evolving, calling for a patient-centered approach that can adapt to its dynamic challenges. The medically integrated oncology pharmacy (MIOP) residency program, accredited by the National Community Oncology Dispensing Association (NCODA) and presented at the 2024 Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO) Fall Session, is designed for aspiring oncology pharmacists with comprehensive experience who are ready to navigate these complexities. This residency program aims to shape future oncology pharmacists by combining clinical and business competencies in a medically integrated setting.
Participating Programs and Residency Sites
Key sites nationwide participate in the NCODA MIOP program, including Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute in Fort Myers, Texas Oncology in Dallas/Fort Worth, and Tennessee Oncology in Nashville. Each participating institution gives residents hands-on experience in outpatient and infusion-based oncology practices, providing valuable insights into medically integrated pharmacy.
Comprehensive Training Pathway
The NCODA MIOP program is structured into 4 specialized rotations to create well-rounded oncology pharmacists:
- Oral Outpatient Oncology Practice: This rotation focuses on dispensing oral oncolytic therapies and providing safe and effective oncology care in collaboration with the medically integrated team to manage oral chemotherapy, emphasizing patient education and adherence strategies.
- Intravenous/Infusion Oncology Practice: This rotation concentrates on preparing, administering, and managing intravenous therapies within a medically integrated oncology team.
- Pharmacy Business/Leadership: This rotation covers essential skills in operations, management, and leadership, preparing residents for future pharmacy administrative roles.
- Research (12 months, longitudinal): This is a key component in which residents conduct clinical research and present their findings at the NCODA Spring Forum.
To apply, candidates must hold a doctor of pharmacy degree, demonstrate an interest in oncology pharmacy, and have a strong foundation in patient-centered care. The residency seeks candidates eager to contribute to patient care and pharmacy operations, embodying a strong commitment to the oncology field and continuous learning. The residency structure is patient centered, blending clinical responsibilities with hands-on pharmacy management within a medically integrated practice. Residents play a crucial role in direct patient care, collaborating within a multidisciplinary team to optimize therapeutic outcomes, manage adverse effects, and ensure adherence. This approach has proven highly rewarding, fostering close patient interaction and enabling proactive engagement with evolving treatment needs.
Developing Advanced Oncology Pharmacist Skills
About the Authors
Nicole Bentivegna, PharmD, BCOP, is a clinical pharmacy services manager and NCODA MIOP residency program director at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute and Rx To Go, LLC, in Fort Myers, Florida.
Gabriela Aponte-Melendez, PharmD, is a pharmacy resident at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute.
Natalie Kaufman, PharmD, is a clinical staff pharmacist and past MIOP resident at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute.
Cooper Bailey, PharmD, is a manager, Program Development & Strategy at NCODA in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The NCODA MIOP residency offers comprehensive training across diverse oncology pharmacy areas, equipping residents with essential skills in patient counseling, medication management, and business operations. Beyond clinical training, the program offers significant professional growth opportunities in pharmacy leadership. Research and data-driven projects allow residents to positively impact oncology practices. This program encourages innovation by integrating NCODA’s quality standards and best practices into pharmacists’ daily work. Residents are encouraged to adopt evidence-based practices through NCODA’s positive quality interventions and best-practice sharing, fostering a culture of continuous improvement that is essential in oncology. NCODA’s accreditation supports the residency’s high standards, assuring a structured approach prioritizing quality and efficiency in patient care. This accreditation provides a valuable foundation, affirming that residents are part of a network dedicated to advancing oncology pharmacy practice.
As the NCODA MIOP residency progresses, each experience reaffirms the impactful role oncology pharmacists play in patients’ cancer journeys. In this way, the NCODA MIOP residency program is a pathway that lays the groundwork for a career driven by excellence in clinical knowledge, compassion, and adaptability, which are essential qualities for making a difference in oncology pharmacy.
