This blog centers on the importance of collaboration — both within the IDS community and across organizations — to improve patient outcomes, access, and operational efficiency.
In the last blog, we discussed how Dr. Amin’s innovative projects are shaping the future of research pharmacy. In this final part of our Q&A series, we explore how collaboration — both within the Investigational Drug Service (IDS) community and across organizations — plays a crucial role in driving progress. Dr. Amin’s work exemplifies how sharing knowledge, standardizing practices, and working together across organizations can lead to more equitable access to clinical trials and better patient outcomes.
Q&A
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.
Q: What are your hopes for the future of research pharmacy?
Dr. Amin: Over the next five to 10 years, I see a shift in leadership within the IDS community, with new leaders coming into the field and gaining experience. My hope is that these new leaders will continue to collaborate, support each other, and build on the work that has already been done by pioneers in the field.
It’s important for the next generation of IDS leaders to foster the same spirit of collaboration and innovation that has brought us to where we are today. By continuing to engage with organizations like NCCN and ADCC, we can keep advancing the field and ensure that the progress we’ve made will continue to benefit future generations.
Conclusion
Dr. Amin’s focus on collaboration — both within her own team at MD Anderson and across the national research pharmacy community — highlights how shared knowledge and collective action can lead to best practices and substantial improvements in patient care and clinical trial access. Her work is a reminder of the power of teamwork in driving progress.
As you think about your own role in this field, consider how you can strengthen collaborations within your team and beyond, creating a network that not only drives success but also ensures that innovation and excellence are shared.
Celebrating Innovation in Research Pharmacy
2025 RPS Award for Excellence and Innovation
Last year, Dr. Sapna Amin was honored as the inaugural recipient of the RPS Award for Excellence and Innovation for her trailblazing work in research pharmacy.
Nominations are now open for the 2025 award, recognizing individuals or teams who are advancing the field through bold ideas and meaningful contributions. Self-nominations are welcome! Nominate by July 7, 2025
To submit:
(1) Review the Award Criteria and Submission Requirements
(2) Complete the online form or email your nomination to [email protected] with a detailed account of the nominee’s contributions.
Watch Sapna’s acceptance speech and award moment below.
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.