What Makes the Community Oncology Pharmacist’s Role Unique? A Clinical Pharmacist Weighs In

In an interview with Pharmacy Times, Sabrina Obazughanmwen, PharmD, clinical oncology pharmacist at Texas Oncology, discussed what sets the pharmacist’s role in community oncology apart and reflected on her key takeaways from 2026. Obazughanmwen explained that community oncology pharmacists see patients at different phases of their diagnosis, from the beginning through the later stages, which allows them to build lasting relationships. She noted that this continuity fosters a unique sense of trust, giving patients a space to confide how they are feeling and talk through the treatments they are being recommended. Looking back on 2026, Obazughanmwen said that despite progress in artificial intelligence (AI) and in connecting patients with resources, accessibility remains a persistent barrier, both financially and in patients’ ability to physically reach clinics, underscoring the need for stronger advocacy for patients in harder-to-reach areas.

Pharmacy Times: Can you please introduce yourself?

Sabrina Obazughanmwen, PharmD: My name is Sabrina Obazughanmwen. I am a clinical oncology pharmacist.

Pharmacy Times: What makes the pharmacist’s role in community oncology unique?

Obazughanmwen: I think what makes the pharmacist’s role in community oncology unique is just the fact that you get to see patients at different phases of their diagnosis. Sometimes you see patients at the beginning, in the middle, or in the later parts of their diagnosis, and you get to build that relationship. It’s helpful because you also build trust with your patient. So, just having the kind of rapport where they feel like they can confide in me about how they’re feeling and go over different treatments that they’re being recommended. It’s a different sense of trust.

Pharmacy Times: What was your biggest takeaway from 2026 in community oncology practice?

Obazughanmwen: I would say—I think my biggest takeaway from community oncology practice in 2026 would just be that although we’re making strides with AI and just giving individuals the resources they need to get help, accessibility is still a problem. We see it in terms of finances and just a patient’s ability to even come to the clinics. So, just doing a better job of advocating for those patients who are in places that are harder to reach.