This blog focuses on innovation within the Investigational Drug Service (IDS) and the crucial role IDS staff, including technicians, play in driving change.
In the previous blog, we learned about Dr. Amin’s journey to becoming a leader in research pharmacy, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and strategic steps. In this second part of our Q&A series with the RPS Award recipient, we focus on how Dr. Amin drives innovation in research pharmacy and shapes the future of the field.
Innovation in research pharmacy doesn’t happen in isolation—it’s the result of collaboration, leadership, and empowering every member of the team. Dr. Sapna Amin’s work at MD Anderson Cancer Center exemplifies how driving innovation, particularly within the Investigational Drug Service (IDS), can lead to a lasting impact on clinical trials and patient outcomes.
Q&A
Q: Can you discuss a recent project or presentation you’re excited about?
Dr. Amin: One project I’m excited about focuses on standardizing processes and creating consensus recommendations for managing standard-of-care medications within research protocols. This is a major challenge for IDS teams across the U.S. Standard-of-care medications are critical to clinical trials, but managing them within research protocols has been complex, leading to increased workload and logistical issues for IDS. As the number of protocols we track grows exponentially, this challenge becomes even more significant.
Addressing this issue is not just about operational efficiency—it’s about improving access to clinical trials for patients. One of the most impactful outcomes of resolving this challenge is that it could enable more patients to receive these medications for free, which is crucial for ensuring equity in clinical research. By standardizing how we manage these medications, we can create a more sustainable and accessible system for clinical trials. So, I really feel like that’s the next driving step where we can make such a huge difference in clinical trial access and equitability.
Q: What advice would you give to IDS staff, including pharmacy technicians, on driving innovation at their sites?
Dr. Amin: IDS technicians are the heart of our service, and it’s crucial to provide them with the resources and support they need to excel. Technicians operate at the top of their game in this complex field, and their insights are invaluable. Involving them in standard operating procedures, workflow development, and creating leadership opportunities allows them to take ownership and contribute to innovation at a high level.
It’s also important to listen to their feedback and engage with them as true partners in driving change. Everything they touch reflects IDS leadership and values, so ensuring they have the resources to succeed is vital. When they feel supported and valued, their contributions can lead to significant innovations in how we operate.
Q: How can the IDS community continue to shape and influence the future?
Dr. Amin: The IDS community plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of research pharmacy by understanding not only how protocols work within individual organizations but also how decisions at one center can have a national impact. For example, something as small as a procedural adjustment at one hospital could influence practices at others. That interconnectedness means the decisions we make don’t exist in silos, but instead affect the broader community.
To continue shaping the future, it’s essential to lean into our shared knowledge and resources. Building a supportive network within the IDS community allows us to collaborate on common challenges and create standards that benefit everyone. By working together and supporting each other, we can set the stage for future success, ensuring that we have the necessary resources and knowledge to continue driving progress.
Conclusion
At MD Anderson and beyond, Dr. Amin has demonstrated how empowering IDS teams and standardizing processes can drive meaningful innovation. Her work highlights the importance of embracing change to solve real-world challenges, from managing increasing protocols to ensuring equitable access to clinical trials. By fostering collaboration and creating systems that enhance both efficiency and patient care, Dr. Amin shows that innovation in research pharmacy comes from empowering every team member to contribute to progress. As we look toward the future, consider how you and your organization can adopt a mindset of continuous improvement, finding innovative ways to address the challenges that lie ahead.
About Dr. Sapna Amin, PharmD, BCOP
Sapna Amin, PharmD, BCOP
Manager, Investigational Pharmacy Service
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Dr. Sapna Amin is a distinguished leader in research pharmacy, recognized for her significant contributions to advancing investigational drug services (IDS) nationwide. Through her work, she has played a vital role in shaping best practices that have strengthened IDS pharmacy policies and procedures, including her contributions to the NCCN and HOPA Best Practice Standards—cornerstone guidelines in the field of research pharmacy. Notably, Dr. Amin recently co-authored a publication in the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy focused on IDS metrics, further solidifying her expertise.
With an impressive portfolio of presentations, Dr. Amin shares valuable insights on standardization, policies, procedures, and best practices. Her advocacy for IDS extends beyond presentations; she actively champions awareness, as seen in her participation in an FDA-hosted forum advocating for investigational drug labeling standards. Her peers describe her as a tireless advocate for IDS and its critical role in advancing clinical research.
As a senior consultant for ASHP and Co-Chair of the HOPA IDS Special Interest Group, Dr. Amin exemplifies collaboration by uniting stakeholders to address key challenges in research pharmacy. Her innovative approach to problem-solving is evident in her ability to tackle complex challenges with novel ideas. Her achievements include developing secure transportation processes for research drugs to off-site clinics, integrating electronic systems for enhanced efficiency, and leading initiatives to improve billing compliance and reduce errors.
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