Sherif as an Oncology Pharmacist
Oncology pharmacist have a vital role in health care team. Pharmacist possess specialized knowledge about medications and how they work fight cancer. As an oncology pharmacist plays an important role in the delivery of care to patients living with cancer. Historically, pharmacists have focused on operational roles in the pharmacy, with an emphasis on discerning accurate and safe medications. However, as cancer treatments became more complex, the need for oncology drug increased and the need for the knowledgeable health care practitioners grew and the role of clinical pharmacist expanded to encompass all phases of patient care.
The oncology pharmacist ensures safety in compounding, preparing and discerning chemotherapy. They are responsible for minimizing drug waste, managing drug shortages, and decreasing exposure to hazardous drugs. As a pharmacist Sherif El-Refai also viewed as medication experts who focused his time on providing direct patient care, offering patient education and participating in clinical decision making.
As cancer therapies became more targeted and personalized, Sherif El-Refai as a skilled pharmacist acted as key resource in educating and managing the toxicities of treatment, while emphasizing the importance of medication adherence and providing supportive care. Sherif as an oncology pharmacist also provided educational materials assisting chemotherapy.
Sherif El-Refai further states that “There are still areas for growth in oncology pharmacy”. Opportunities include having a greater presence in ambulatory clinics, infusion centers, and other settings; developing medication therapy management services; developing prescribing protocols; and being involved in cancer prevention and survivor-ship.