Involves all aspects of the medication use process, including procurement, prescribing, compounding, dispensing, storage of medications, administration and monitoring. Partners with physicians and other clinicians to provide treatments and advice to patients, records patient history relating to medication use and ensures the safe and secure storage of medications and related supplies. Advises physicians in determining the best possible treatments for specific diseases, stays current on pharmacy regulations, treatments and developments in research and design. Pharmacists are the experts on drug therapy and the primary health professionals who optimize use of medication for the benefit of the patients. Meets educational needs of patients, healthcare team, students and residents. Ensures adherence to regulatory and fiscal requirements.

The Investigational Drug Service division manages over 600 active trials. This position functions as a recognized expert, providing authoritative professional guidance and expertise in support of clinical investigational drug trials to clinicians, investigator and staff. Coordinates and supervises the activities of the staff of the Investigational Drug Service. These activities include, but are not limited to, initiation, monitoring, and auditing of all investigational drug studies approved by the UCSF Institutional Review Board to ensure compliance with federal, state, FDA, and other regulations. Develops policies and procedures and SOPs for safe and efficient storage, preparation, distribution and control of investigational drugs. Ensures compliance of comprehensive, accurate, and timely records and reports including usage and dispensing records, collection forms, financial and budgeting information. Serves as a resource and liaison for principle investigators, research sponsors, the IRB, and pharmacy. Other functions include ensuring adequate staffing, training new employees, performing evaluations, participation on inter- and intradepartmental committees, and ensuring that drug distribution, clinical services, and investigational services are provided according to established departmental policies and procedures. May also perform the day to day responsibilities of drug distribution, processing, and therapeutic intervention, as needed. Incumbents will provide training and educational lecture to other medical professionals. May be a co-principal investigator on patient clinical research, or an investigator on Pharmacy practice research. This position is a Direct Patient Care Provider as defined in Pharmacy Policy.