Lucy Phan Vo, PharmD, BCPS, BCEMP, on Advancing Pharmacy Practice Through Education

Pharmacy Times interviewed Lucy Phan Vo, PharmD, BCPS, BCEMP, on her journey into research as a pharmacist. Vo is an emergency medicine clinical pharmacist and residency program coordinator at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center in Chula Vista, California.

Pharmacy Times: What brought you to research as a pharmacist, and how has research shaped your work in the field?

Lucy Phan Vo, PharmD, BCPS, BCEMP.

Lucy Phan Vo, PharmD, BCPS, BCEMP: I have always had a strong appreciation for research given my background and double majors in public health and molecular and cell biology from the University of California, Berkeley. While pursuing my doctorate in pharmacy at Touro University California [in Vallejo], one of my priorities was to take advantage of the academic resources and connections available for research opportunities. I was involved in 4 different research initiatives throughout pharmacy school, 3 of which I spearheaded with the support of amazing mentors and faculty members. I enjoyed the research process, which allowed me another avenue to learn and pursue different interests, and being able to share my findings at state and national conferences. I am fortunate to be able to continue being involved in research as a pharmacist in the hospital setting.

I have been serving as the research and advancing pharmacy practice preceptor for pharmacy residents at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center for several years. Research has shaped my day-to-day work by providing me [with] a strong foundation to solve problems and contribute to decision-making involving medicines based on scientific evidence. It helps me be a confident drug information resource and promptly answer clinical questions from other providers and interdisciplinary team members on a daily basis, especially in a high-stress environment such as the emergency department. Research has provided me with the opportunity to provide better care for patients through the creation of initiatives and implementation of best practices that align with both guidelines and new findings.

Pharmacy Times: Traditionally, what is your role within the research team, and how often are you involved in pharmacist-led research?

Phan Vo: I usually serve as the lead investigator within the research team or main research adviser to residents on a research project. I help provide research proposals for residents to choose from for their required year-long Western States Conference projects.

I am involved in at least 1 pharmacist-led research project each year. Traditionally, my role as the main preceptor for pharmacy residents during their longitudinal research and advancing pharmacy practice learning experience includes helping residents 1) identify steps in conducting a residency research project, 2) perform statistical tests and analysis, and 3) learn tools to navigate and conduct a successful research project.

Pharmacy Times: When getting involved with a research team, are you most frequently connected through your institution or have associations or other groups provided opportunities for research collaboration?

Phan Vo: When getting involved with a research team, I am usually connected through my institution. Sharp HealthCare is a regional health care group based in San Diego, California, with 4 acute care hospitals, 3 specialty hospitals, and 3 affiliated medical groups. Research projects have varied and can involve just one hospital or sometimes multiple entities.

Pharmacy Times: What are some of your greatest accomplishments as a pharmacy researcher?

Phan Vo: My greatest accomplishments as a pharmacy researcher include being able to empower others to recognize and value the importance of research, mentoring students and residents to become researchers themselves, and making real-world impact through practice changes or improvements supported by findings of a research project. Research has enriched my teaching and allowed me to contribute to existing knowledge, which subsequently can lead to better patient care, such as using the results to influence policies and procedures, establish care pathway protocols, and create digital educational content. I am most proud of being able to use research to guide pharmacy students and residents to master project management, time management, and leadership skills that allow for success in any setting.

Pharmacy Times: What is a recent publication showcasing your research that you are proud of?

Phan Vo: A recent publication showcasing my research that I am proud of is “The Impact of Annual Neonatal and Pediatric Mock Code Training” published in the September 2024 issue of Pharmacy Practice in Focus: Health Systems. This was a research project involving the implementation of annual mock code training to reinforce essential knowledge and increase pharmacists’ clinical competence and confidence when faced with actual neonatal and pediatric emergencies.

This is a special research project because it showcased the power of teaching. Due to scarce training resources for neonatal and pediatric emergencies and limited materials tailored to pharmacists, especially with a focus on medication dosing and preparation during codes, the initiation of annual neonatal and pediatric mock code training was imperative to aid pharmacists in establishing satisfactory clinical knowledge and comfort. This research project demonstrates the value of knowledge sharing and highlights one of my career objectives and interests, which is to advance pharmacy practice through education.