From Patient to Advocate: The Impact of Oncology Pharmacy Research

In April, I had the opportunity to attend the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) meeting in Portland, Oregon, where McCreadie Group exhibited Vestigo®. I was thrilled to be part of the team representing our company. The event was a valuable opportunity to engage with pharmacy professionals specializing in oncology. I connected with individuals who have dedicated their careers to supporting patients undergoing cancer treatments. Having been a cancer patient myself, I deeply appreciate the expertise of committed oncology pharmacists who were instrumental in identifying the appropriate regimen to manage the nausea I experienced during my treatment. The Oncology specialty pharmacists were part of the care team that checked in with me after each cycle to see if any medications needed to be adjusted, and this contributed greatly to my quality of life during the course of my treatments.

I worked in pharmacy 35 years, and my passion for oncology and oncology research has increased with each passing year. In 1989 I enrolled in a Pharmacy Technician program where a basic pharmacology course sparked my interest in oncology agents including their mechanisms of action and their diverse origins. After completing the program, I began working at a local hospital and was soon selected for a position in oncology. The pharmacy department was set to take over the preparation of all oncology treatments for the outpatient clinic, a task previously handled by the nurses.

The clinic was remodeling a wing for a new treatment room, significantly expanding patient administration areas. During the renovation project, the pharmacist and I were situated in the middle of the existing treatment area. We compounded chemotherapy as well as support medications in a tight space prior to any cleanroom requirements. While working in the small biologic safety cabinet, four patient recliners were to my left, and three beds for treatments through the door on my right. While preparing drugs for one patient, I could lean on the nurse administering an IV push to another patient. While in this unique working situation, I learned a lot about oncology treatments, research, as well as the patient journey. Within a year, I transitioned to managing investigational products in oncology research, staying with the Oncology IDS at that hospital for 30 years before joining McCreadie Group.

As a Customer Success Manager at McCreadie Group, I am able to continue supporting investigational drug research, a calling that is personal to me not just because of my career, but because of my own cancer journey. While no longer working directly in clinical trials, I am still contributing and supporting research by helping our clients utilize Vestigo to streamline IDS management.

Join Us at HOPA 2026

We’re excited to exhibit at HOPA again next year in New Orleans! Stop by our booth to see Vestigo® in action and discover how it simplifies investigational drug workflows. We look forward to reconnecting with oncology pharmacy professionals and continuing to support the incredible work they do.

About the Author

Cheryl Morgan Maxey, BA, PhT

Customer Success Manager

Cheryl Morgan Maxey brings over three decades of experience as a pharmacy technician and clinical research coordinator at Duke University Hospital and Health System’s Oncology Investigational Pharmacy. She joined the McCreadie Group in January 2023, bringing with her extensive knowledge as a Vestigo user since 2011. Cheryl is also a graduate of Duke University, where she obtained her BA while working at Duke. As a Customer Success Manager with McCreadie Group, Cheryl meets regularly with Vestigo clients and provides valuable guidance and answers their questions, ensuring their success.