Summer Intern Perspectives: Harvard Huynh, AMCP Foundation/Pfizer, Inc. Managed Care Oncology Intern
Published October 2021
This past summer, I had the privilege of accepting an offer for the AMCP Foundation/Pfizer, Inc. Managed Care Oncology Summer Internship. I had the opportunity to work with the AMCP Foundation, Envolve Pharmacy Solutions, and the Pfizer FMD & MOS teams. The internship was a rewarding experience as I was able to gain practical experience and insights into the various cross-functional areas of managed care and the pharmaceutical industry.
During my internship, I was involved with many projects and presentations, with my capstone research project for AMCP Nexus 2021 being a personal highlight. My capstone project was a retrospective analysis of appropriate biomarker testing before receiving HR+/HER2- mBC therapy and real-world treatment patterns. Throughout the project, I collaborated with internal and external partners to continuously improve the study. Other projects that I participated in included an antineoplastic enzyme inhibitor drug utilization review and a pharmacy audit with the fraud, waste, and abuse committee. Furthermore, I created utilization management criteria and support the drug information team in tracking new drugs with priority designations. Through participation in various projects, I developed transferable skills that I am excited to utilize in other areas of pharmacy.
Pfizer also provided weekly informative lectures, one of which was an interactive Oncology 3-D lecture. I developed a better understanding of the oncology drug approval process as well as the considerations that are made throughout the drug development and post-marketing. I cherish the numerous 1-on-1 opportunities to speak with various team members at Pfizer, Inc. regarding their career paths and job responsibilities. I was given great career advice that I will remember while moving forward in my career.
I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the AMCP Foundation, Envolve Pharmacy Solutions, and Pfizer for making this opportunity possible. Collaborating and working within prominent organizations with diverse perspectives was an invaluable experience that contributed greatly to my professional development. I wish the organization continued success with the internship, and I hope future interns will have the same opportunity I have enjoyed.
I would also like to personally thank my preceptors, Rodney Gedey, PharmD at Envolve Pharmacy Solutions, and Ann Wicker, PharmD, BCPS, at Pfizer, who have mentored and supported me throughout the virtual environment and have truly made this an exceptional internship experience. Thank you for your patience, time, and guidance. Without your support, I would have never met the incredible individuals at both Envolve Pharmacy Solutions and Pfizer, who also took the time to make my virtual internship experience the best it could possibly be. I would also like to thank the AMCP Foundation and Ebony Clay, PMP, for always ensuring that the internship programs went smoothly. Thank you all for supporting my growth throughout the internship!
After this introduction into the pharmaceutical industry and managed care, I am excited to apply for future post-graduate opportunities.