Various Dept Based Elective Course Description

Understanding Pharmacy Benefit Management for the Public Health Sector (Medicaid programs)

Students will also begin to develop a basic understanding of the pharmaceutical industry as pertains to: new drug development, marketing/business practices, FDA-approval processes, and other implications to healthcare. In addition, students will begin to develop a basic understanding of the public and private healthcare systems, both locally and nationally.

Students will also have opportunities to work with pharmacy students and residents and pharmacists in a collaborative learning and work environment.

GOALS:

• Students will gain a basic understanding of how pharmacy benefit management through the Clinical Pharmacy Services (CPS) program is accomplished for the public health sector, with particular attention to the Massachusetts Medicaid Pharmacy program (MassHealth)
• Students will learn about new drugs to market and develop analytical skills to evaluate their place in therapy
• Students will gain basic knowledge of various aspects of the pharmaceutical industry and its impact on healthcare
• Students will begin to become familiar with the skills needed for efficient and effective practice in a managed care environment.
• Students will gain beginning knowledge of the Massachusetts Medicaid/Pharmacy program, the healthcare system and healthcare reform in MA and nationally
• Students will increase their experience working collaboratively with other health professionals

Grading:   This is a CR/NCR elective.

Note: There is no direct patient care. The student will be supervised by the Physician Advisor. Directed reading with topic discussion is a significant component of this elective.

* Offered to Umass Students Only

Location: University Campus, 333 South Street, Shrewsbury, MA  01545