Ambulatory Care Track

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacy formally defines ambulatory care pharmacy practice as ‘the provision of integrated, accessible healthcare sevices by pharmacists who are accountable for addressing medication needs, developing sustained partnerships with patients, and practicing in the context of family and community’. 

It is estimated that approximately 67% of pharmacists practice in an ambulatory setting. Chronic conditions impact all ages; therefore, Ambulatory Care is a field of pharmacy that works with patients ranging from newborn to older adults. About 76% of US adults have at least 1 chronic condition (e.g., diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, COPD, heart failure). Per the CDC, about 8% of children have chronic conditions impacting their daily lives. Ambulatory Care pharmacists are uniquely positioned to provide sevices including, but not limited to, comprehensive medication management, initiating and adjusting medications, ordering and monitoring laboratory studies, performing physical assessments, providing patient education, and advocating for patients. 

The Ambulatory Care Track was approved in 2013 with the first graduate in 2016. The ambulatory care track was developed to provide students with additional skills and experiences in ambulatory care. Students are introduced to topics such as developing a clinical service, reimbursement, motivational interviewing, health literacy/cultural competence, documenting, and credentialing/privileging. In addition, the ambulatory care track will provide a foundation for students interested in advanced training experiences through post-graduate residencies and fellowships. The OU College of Pharmacy has several faculty clinicians trained in ambulatory care. The faculty maintain active practice sites in various ambulatory care settings. 

Fall of P2 Year (Call for applications goes out in November)

https://redcap.link/pharmacycommonapp

• Didactic courses:
  • PHAR 7773: Ambulatory Care [3 credit hours]
  • PHAR 7543: Advanced Diabetes Care [3 credit hours]
• Experiential courses [Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) Rotations]: 
  • PHAR 7090: Clinical Research Practicum [4 credit hours]—1 required rotation
  • PHAR 7094: Ambulatory Care [4 credit hours]—1 required rotations (Students will be given the opportunity to select from a variety of practice areas)

• Community pharmacy 
• Primary care clinics
• Health-system pharmacy with transitions of care services
• Federally Qualified Health Centers
• Veterans Affairs Medical Centers
• Patient Centered Medical Homes
• Accountable Care Organizations
• Indian Health Service Clinics

Katherine O’Neal, Pharm.D., MBA, BCACP, CDCES, BC-ADM, AE-C, CLS, FADCES, FAPhA
Professor and Sam K. Viersen Family Foundation Presidential Professor;
Ambulatory Care Track Director
OU College of Pharmacy
katherine-oneal@ou.edu