Students Learn New Aspect of Pharmacy Through State Service

When people think of a pharmacist, a person in a white coat filling prescriptions behind a drugstore counter is what generally comes to mind. However, another kind of pharmacist, called a managed care pharmacist, helps larger groups of people behind the scenes.

Managed care pharmacists use scientific and clinical evidence to ensure people get the correct treatment while also keeping an eye on health care costs, said John Bentley, professor of pharmacy administration and marketing and director of the Center for Pharmaceutical Marketing and Management.

Ole Miss pharmacy students can explore managed care pharmacy as interns through the school's contract with the Mississippi Division of Medicaid.

"The School of Pharmacy has a long partnership with the Division of Medicaid, providing Retrospective Drug Utilization Review and other services since 2011," said Eric Pittman, research assistant professor and clinical director and assistant professor of pharmacy administration.

"And we're excited to be able to offer students a new managed care pharmacy intern program this year as part of that contract."

Part of managed care pharmacy is drug utilization review. It involves Ole Miss pharmacy professors, doctoral students and interns compiling and analyzing data of what medications doctors prescribe for Medicaid members.

The analysis includes:

• Reviewing prescriptions to ensure they don't interfere with other drugs and possibly harm patients
• Reviewing the effectiveness of medicines at different price levels
• Reviewing whether medical providers follow recommended prescribing guidelines

"This is all done to ensure the safety of Medicaid members and to help the agency identify instances of fraud, waste and abuse," Pittman said.

The school reports its results back to Medicaid to help enable policy and procedures about medications and care, Bentley said.

Pharmacy students are sometimes unaware of this type of pharmacy practice, so Bentley and Pittman hope to expose students to the world of managed care pharmacy. They also hope to increase awareness and interest in this growing sector through the internships.

Third-year student Connor Callahan, from Valdosta, Georgia, said he is honored and appreciative to learn these skills before he graduates.

"I believe this is a great example of the opportunities students have at the School of Pharmacy and how our relationship with our professor goes beyond the classroom," he said. "It shows they care about our future and truly value setting students up for success in the future."

That this type of learning opportunity is rare for students while still in pharmacy school, Callahan said.

"A lot of the things I'm doing as an intern, many students are not able to do while in school and are expected to learn after graduation," he said.

This internship program prepares students for their future, Bentley said.

"Not only is this a service to Medicaid, but we're also educating and training future health outcome scientists, and pharmacists," he said. "Experience in this environment will open many doors in terms of future career opportunities."

Bentley and Pittman agree that they have a vested interest in this program.

"This is our state," Pittman said. "We're working with Medicaid to provide the best care that we can for Medicaid members. At the end of the day, that is our primary focus."

Top: Ole Miss pharmacy students have opportunities to explore many facets of managed care pharmacy as interns through the school's contract with the Mississippi Division of Medicaid. Illustration by John McCustion/University Marketing and Communications