In recognition of National Cancer Survivors Month, we spoke with Samantha Shi, PharmD ’15, BCOP, BCSCP, director of pharmacy at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. In this Q&A, she reflects on her journey from a frontline oncology pharmacist to director of pharmacy, shares what inspires her work in cancer care, and offers advice for students drawn to the fast-evolving field of oncology pharmacy.
What inspired you to specialize in oncology pharmacy, and what advice do you have for students considering this field?
My passion for oncology began in the classroom and was deeply solidified during my APPE rotation at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. Witnessing the oncologists’ compassion and the patients’ resilience in the face of life-threatening illness and managing the complexity of chemotherapy and supportive care fueled my desire to pursue PGY-2 oncology residency training.
This allowed me to shift from generalist to specialist and engage profoundly in a field that is always evolving and deeply rewarding. For students interested in oncology, my advice is to stay curious, embrace the complexity, and seek opportunities like oncology-focused rotations, research projects, or shadowing, to immerse themselves early. The impact you can make is profound, both clinically and personally.
What unique skills or qualities are essential for success in oncology pharmacy compared to other pharmacy specialties?
To succeed in oncology pharmacy, you need a blend of compassion, clinical curiosity, and meticulous attention to detail. The regimens we manage contain highly toxic drugs with narrow therapeutic indices and require careful calculation and monitoring, but they also carry significant emotional weight for patients and families. Pharmacists must stay up-to-date with rapidly evolving treatment landscapes while maintaining a humanistic approach to care. The ability to communicate clearly, advocate for patients, and work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams is also essential to thrive in this field.
What emerging trends in oncology pharmacy are you most excited about?
I’m particularly excited about the integration of artificial intelligence in cancer diagnostics and treatment planning, which has the potential to enhance precision and reduce variability in care. The development and approval of subcutaneous formulations of immunotherapies are also promising—they significantly reduce infusion times, making treatment more patient-friendly. Another area to follow is the advancement of allogeneic cell therapies, such as NK cell treatments, which could broaden access to cellular therapies and simplify logistics compared to autologous approaches.
Can you share a memorable experience or case that particularly impacted your perspective on patient care in oncology-pharmacy?
I will always remember an experience that occurred during my PGY2 residency at Norris, I worked on a particularly complex investigational drug protocol for glioblastoma patients involving intranasal drug delivery. Each treatment cycle required 1.5–2 hours of manual compounding by a pharmacist and a technician, an extremely complicated and demanding process. Initially, I was overwhelmed, but when I realized the drug we were preparing was the last and only remaining option for a patient with aggressive brain cancer, everything shifted. It reminded me that behind every order verification and IV bag is a real person fighting for their life. Every pharmacist and technician working to care for oncology patients can indeed make a tangible difference. That experience continues to anchor my belief in the importance and privilege of our work in oncology pharmacy.
What steps can pharmacy students take early in their education to better prepare themselves for a career in oncology-pharmacy?
Students can begin by building a strong foundation in pharmacology, particularly focusing on chemotherapy agents, immunotherapies, and supportive care drugs. I encourage them to pursue oncology-focused rotations, get involved in oncology-related research or professional organizations like the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA), and seek mentorship from practitioners in the field. Attending oncology conferences or grand rounds can also offer exposure to real-world challenges and innovations. Most importantly, be proactive—ask questions, show curiosity, and embrace the learning curve. The earlier you immerse yourself, the more prepared and passionate you’ll be when opportunities arise.