Pharmacogenomics Certificate Program

 

Program Features

The Test2Learn^TM Pharmacogenomics Certificate Program teaches the principles of pharmacogenomics as well as its practical implications in disease states such as cardiology, oncology, neurology and infectious diseases, among others. It trains pharmacists and physicians to make appropriate recommendations for pharmacogenomics testing, interpret results, integrate these data into patient care decision, counsel patients, and collaboration with prescribers to help optimize patient medication regimens.

The innovative 20-hour certificate (12 hours self-paced home study and 8 hours of live training) program enables students to learn by using real genetic data in highly-interactive exercises with an optional activity for learners to undergo personal genomic testing. 

The self-study component involves passing the self-study assessment quizzes with a grade of 80 percent or higher. Attendance and participation in the live session is required.  Learners complete five competency checks to demonstrate they can predict phenotypes from genetic data, leverage online information resources, apply pharmacogenomics clinical decision making skills, communicate with patients and providers, and apply core components of the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process to design a clinical PGx service. Successful completion of the entire is required to receive the certificate and continuing education credit.

Register for a upcoming program

 

Meet the Faculty Developers

	Philip E. Empey, PharmD, PhD Associate Director, Institute of Precision Medicine Pharmacy and Therapeutics, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy Faculty profile		James Coons, PharmD, FCCP, FACC, BCCP, PGY2 Cardiology residency Program Director, Associate Professor, Pharmacy and Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh Faculty profile
	Lucas Berenbrok, PharmD, MS, BCACP, TTS Assistant Professor, Pharmacy and Therapeutics School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh Faculty profile		James M. Stevenson, PharmD, MS, BCPP Assistant Professor Johns Hopkins University
	Solomon Adams, PharmD, PhD Assistant Professor Shenandoah University		Programs may also be led by over 100 trained trainers nationally

 

 

Learning Objectives

The program fulfils competency standards for pharmacists promulgated by the Genetics / Genomics Competency Center. Upon completion, the successful learner is able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of basic genetic/genomic concepts and nomenclature
• Describe advances in scientific knowledge and technology, which have led to innovations in personalized medicine
• Identify the role of behavioral, social and environmental factors (lifestyle, socioeconomic factors, pollutants, among others) to modify or influence genetics in the manifestation of disease.
• Compare and contrast different PGx study designs.
• Identify drug- and disease-associated genetic variations that facilitate development of prevention and treatment strategies and appreciate there are differences in testing methodologies and are aware of the need to explore these differences in drug literature evaluation
• Assess predisposition to disease and selection of drug treatment by using family history
• Describe the role of genetic factors in maintaining health and preventing disease
• Assess the difference between clinical diagnosis of disease and identification of genetic predisposition to disease (genetic variation is not strictly correlated with disease manifestation)
• Recognize that pharmacogenomic testing may also reveal certain genetic disease predispositions (e.g., the Apo E4 polymorphism)
• Demonstrate an understanding of how genetic variation in a large number of proteins influences pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics related to pharmacologic effect and drug response
• Use online resources to assign haplotypes and predicted drug response phenotypes from genetic data.
• Describe the influence (or lack thereof) of ethnicity in genetic polymorphisms and associations of polymorphisms with drug response
• Recognize the availability of evidence-based guidelines that synthesize information relevant to genomic/pharmacogenomic tests and selection of drug therapy (e.g. Clinical pharmacogenomics implementation consortium)
• Evaluate the availability of genetic testing under FDA, CLIA, and DTC regulations.
• Evaluate PGx test reports through group-based activities and role-playing to demonstrate the PGx knowledge/skill-based competencies
• Create a step-wise decision-making process for the integration of PGx with clinical variables known to impact PK/PD to make appropriate PGx-based recommendations for patients and populations.
• List drugs/clinical situations where PGx testing is likely to be most useful clinically
• Identify the potential physical and/or psychosocial benefits, limitations and risk of genomic/pharmacogenomic information for individuals, family members and communities, especially with genomic/pharmacogenomic tests that may relate to predisposition to disease
• Describe the increased liability that accompanies access to detailed genomic patient information and maintain confidentiality and security
• Define the cost, cost–effectiveness and reimbursement by insurers relevant to genomic or pharmacogenomic tests and test interpretation for patients and populations
• Identify the need to refer a patient to a genetic specialist or genetic counselor
• Describe proper documentation of test results in electronic patient record
• Adopt a culturally sensitive and ethical approach to patient counseling regarding PGx test results
• Demonstrate patient and provider communication about PGx testing and test results and counseling through group-based activities and role-playing
• Evaluate about different business models to integrate PGx in various practice sites
• Discuss different strategies to engage with local practitioners to optimize the delivery of PGx services prior to implementation
• Demonstrate proficiency in different types of sample collection practices for PGx testing, review of safety procedures for handling biospecimens and proper mailing