Intern Perspectives: Joi Wanza, AMCP Foundation/Pfizer, Inc. Oncology Internship

This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to serve as the 2026 AMCP Foundation/Pfizer Inc. Oncology Intern at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. Throughout my internship, I gained invaluable exposure to managed care pharmacy, oncology, and the pharmaceutical industry. During the summer, I developed a variety of skills that will continue to shape me throughout my career as a pharmacist.

At Horizon, several meaningful experiences helped strengthen both my clinical and professional skills. I performed comprehensive medication reviews (CMRs), interacted with members, and assisted with Medicare adherence outreach. Speaking with members was meaningful as it provided direct insight into how important pharmacists are in making a difference in patients’ lives through identifying medication-related concerns, improving adherence, and helping patients understand their medication regimens. I was also able to improve my specialty knowledge through my work in oncology, which strengthened my ability to evaluate clinical evidence and apply it to managed care decision-making.

One of the most valuable aspects of my internship was having the chance to see how managed care pharmacy operates beyond direct patient interactions. I learned about formulary management, participated in P&T meetings, and learned how collaboration is facilitated across departments. My preceptor involved me in department meetings, which helped me develop professional communication and presentation skills and see how healthcare decisions are made.

My capstone research project further strengthened my skills in research, literature evaluation, data interpretation, and scientific communication. I’m also excited to present my work as a poster at AMCP Nexus 2026. Over the summer, I developed networking and time-management skills. Most importantly, what I gained from my internship was an opportunity to grow professionally and develop confidence. I know these skills will be invaluable regardless of where my career takes me.

I’m incredibly grateful to my preceptor, Dr. Timothy O’Shea, for making me feel so welcomed, including me in department activities, and always offering opportunities to learn and grow. His guidance throughout my internship and capstone project, along with his encouragement to develop my clinical skills, truly made the experience worthwhile. I’m also extremely grateful to my Pfizer contact, Dr. Bethany Boyd, for meeting with me weekly. Her kindness and guidance were so valuable throughout my internship and the development of my capstone project.

I would also like to thank everyone at Horizon BCBSNJ who took time to teach, mentor, and share their experiences with me. I’d also like to offer a huge thank you to Anne Fentress and Ebony Clay from the AMCP Foundation for their guidance and support during every step of the internship process. Last but certainly not least, I’m tremendously grateful to the AMCP Foundation and Pfizer for making this experience possible. It has contributed so much to my personal and professional development and reinforced my interest in pursuing a career where I can combine clinical knowledge, research, and collaboration while making a meaningful impact 
on patient care.

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