Intern Perspectives: Zi Yin Zhou, AMCP Foundation/Pfizer, Inc. Managed Care Internship

This summer, I had the privilege of participating in the AMCP Foundation/Pfizer Managed Care Internship at MedImpact Healthcare Systems. Before beginning the internship, my exposure to managed care came primarily through pharmacy school coursework and the AMCP National Pharmacy & Therapeutics Competition. While those experiences introduced me to the foundations of managed care, this internship provided practical experience and a broader perspective. 

Throughout the summer, I worked on evaluating emerging therapies for chronic hepatitis B while participating in educational sessions, journal clubs, project discussions, and learning from the MedImpact and Pfizer teams. Every experience encouraged me to think critically, ask questions, and consider healthcare decisions from multiple perspectives. I developed a deeper understanding of how clinical evidence, pharmacoeconomic research, and real-world considerations inform healthcare decision-making and ultimately improve patient care. I look forward to presenting my research as a poster at the AMCP Nexus 2026 Meeting and sharing what I learned through this internship. 

The most memorable part of this internship was the people. The mentorship I received reminded me that some of the most valuable learning happens through conversations, shared experiences, and the generosity of people willing to invest in others. I am grateful to my MedImpact preceptors and mentors, including Dr. Huyen Vu, Dr. Shellie Keast, Dr. 

Laura Tidmore, Dr. Jing Kang, Dr. Erin Vrban, Dr. Charlene Dohanh, Dr. Sarah Glover, Dr. Sarah Blain, Dr. James Chamberlain, Dr. Benjamin LaBaw, and Dr. Bimal Patel, and the many other members of the MedImpact team, for sharing their knowledge and experiences throughout the summer. 

I would also like to thank my Pfizer preceptor, Dr. Eric Millheim, along with the Payer Account Medical Lead and Field Medical Director teams, for providing additional educational opportunities and perspectives. My sincere thanks extend to the AMCP Foundation team, especially Anne Fentress, Ebony Clay, Julie Ruminski, and Mitzi Wasik, for coordinating such a meaningful program. Finally, I would like to thank my fellow AMCP Foundation interns for their support, encouragement, and camaraderie. Learning alongside such a talented group of student pharmacists made the experience even more rewarding. 

I am deeply grateful to everyone who has invested in my growth, shared their experiences, and contributed to such a welcoming and enriching learning environment. This internship strengthened the foundation I built through pharmacy school and provided the mentorship, perspective, and experience that will continue to guide me throughout my career in managed care pharmacy. 

Support managed care research and the cultivation of tomorrow's leaders by making a gift today!