Hi, I was wondering for ambulatory care pharmacists, what is the major difference in responsibilities from retail pharmacy? I know ambulatory care pharmacists usually have more long term patient care, especially for patients with chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, etc. I also know that they work directly with a team of other health care professionals, but I feel as though retail pharmacists also interact with other health professionals via phone call.
To me, it doesn't seem like there's a huge difference in responsibilities between retail and ambulatory care when I researched online. It would be great to hear from a professional who actually experienced the residency. Thank you!
My first question is, are you a pharmacy student or a pre-pharmer? There are many different kinds of ambulatory care clinics with different specialties. They can range from primary care and chronic disease management (DM2, HTN, HLD, Asthma to Anticoag, neprho, geriatrics, oncology, HIV clinic, Hep C clinic, MTM, home infusion, etc.)
Ambulatory care is very different for straight outpatient (CVS, walgreens, etc).
Speaking to my specific line of work, at least a PGY-1 residency is required to work as an ambulatory care pharmacist. I work in a primary care clinic mainly with DM2 patients. Additionally I work with patients that have HTN, HLD and asthma. I start/stop medications, make med adjustments and order labs under my name. I see patients in clinic and speak to them over the phone as a PCP would. I get patients referred to me for management by their PCP. I have my own office in the clinic. I also work with the endocrinologist during multidisciplinary round with complex DM2 patients.
Most outpatient pharmacists do not make medication adjustments or order labs. They call doctor offices to make recommendations for inappropriate medication therapy or if significant DDI's are found. Outpatient pharmacy does not require a residency.
Outpatient pharmacists are critical to making sure a patient is taking medications appropriately, follow up on significant medication interactions, recommend alternative therapies if expensive or inappropriate and also provide important medication education to patients.
I hope this answers your questions.