Intern Perspectives: Lexie Bennet, AMCP Foundation/Pfizer Managed Care Internship

This summer, I had the privilege of completing the AMCP Foundation/Pfizer Managed Care Internship at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas City. As a current third-year student pharmacist at Drake University, this internship stands out as the most impactful experience in my pharmacy career to date. It not only broadened my horizons regarding the many opportunities in managed care and the pharmaceutical industry, but it also provided me with the invaluable opportunity to hone my clinical skills and actively contribute to decision-making processes related to utilization and formulary management. 

During my time at BlueKC, I had the opportunity to present a case study to the executive team, investigating various weight loss benefit offerings. I collaborated closely with departments internally to explore different benefit designs and considerations. My on-site experience in Kansas City involved tasks such as developing medical policies, evaluating prior authorizations, and preparing informative documents on medication importation, exclusionary programs and other topics highly relevant to managed care. 

In addition to these hands-on experiences, the program offered weekly virtual educational sessions from Pfizer, engaging journal clubs organized by AMCP Foundation, and capstone presentations involving fellow interns. These components provided me with a broader understanding of the diverse roles within the pharmaceutical industry and facilitated networking opportunities with established pharmacy professionals. 

A highlight of the program was our capstone research project, which will be presented at AMCP Nexus in the fall. Our research focused on analyzing the risk factors for severe COVID-19 within BlueKC’s Medicare population to identify potential treatment populations for antiviral therapies. This project addressed a critical population health concern and exemplified key goals of managed care: optimizing healthcare resources and enhancing patient care outcomes. 

Mentorship played an integral role in my journey throughout this internship. I had the privilege of engaging with numerous experienced and accomplished professionals who were genuinely invested in my growth and success. I extend special appreciation to Dr. Amy Christensen, Dr. Lori Blackner, Dr. Teresa Haile, Dr. Danny Weiss, and Ebony Clay for their unwavering support throughout and beyond the program. 

I express my heartfelt gratitude to Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas City, AMCP Foundation, and Pfizer, Inc. for hosting, organizing, and generously sponsoring this unique and enriching program. The skills I gained during this internship are truly invaluable, and I am immensely thankful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute as a pharmacy student and aspiring managed care professional!

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