Pharmacist Spotlight: Jess Fiant, PharmD, CSP

What inspired you to pursue a career in clinical pharmacy?

My interest in pharmacy began when a family friend, who was a community pharmacist, introduced me to the profession. Seeing how genuinely he cared for each of his patients inspired me to become a pharmacist. After interning both in retail and hospital pharmacies, I found clinical pharmacy to be the most challenging and interesting. I worked in the home infusion industry for nearly 6 years after graduation, which is where I was able to develop as a clinical pharmacist, learn new things, and grow as a clinician. I absolutely loved working with complex pediatric populations on total parenteral nutrition and patients with gastrointestinal conditions on specialty medications. After witnessing firsthand the issues with access to care associated with high-dollar specialty medications, I felt called to do more. I found House Rx, whose company values resonated with me, and the rest is history. I am grateful every day to be a part of this amazing team dedicated to making specialty medications more accessible.

What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?

I love calling a patient to deliver the news that we secured them a grant to cover their expensive specialty medication. Getting to be the force that directly impacts when and how patients get these crucial medications is so rewarding. Building relationships with providers and provider partners is another part of my job that I truly love. I find it so rewarding when you are a part of the patient’s care team and able to make trusted and meaningful contributions.

What advice would you give students or other pharmacists interested in pursuing clinical pharmacy?

Take advantage of every opportunity you can. The more proverbial tools in your toolbox you can garner, the better off you will be. If you are able to get exposure to different areas of pharmacy as an intern and not just through rotations, I highly recommend it. Get comfortable with never knowing everything and learn something new every day. Critical thinking and customer service skills are so important, so hone them whenever you can.

For pharmacists already in practice, think outside the box and explore other areas of pharmacy that are not as common to gain different experiences. Get involved in pharmacy organizations and network with other pharmacy professionals. Shoot your shot because although it may not be easy to see at the time, things will work out the way they are supposed to, and often better than you could have dreamed.