November 2024 Diplomat Spotlight - Amy Nguyen, PharmD

How did you become involved in AMCP?
I initially joined AMCP as a student, where I was introduced to various non-traditional pharmacy career paths and had the opportunity to participate in the Annual P&T student competition. Joining AMCP as a student was a wonderful experience, allowing me to connect with so many inspiring managed care professionals – many of whom I still stay in contact with to this day! AMCP has a special place in my heart, and I want to continue to give back to the community that helped shape me to where I am today.

What interested you the most about managed care and ultimately led you to pursue a career in managed care pharmacy?
Networking with working professionals from my local AMCP affiliate chapter opened my eyes to the various career opportunities within health plan, pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), and pharma settings. However, my decision to pursue a career in managed care solidified after completing my rotations at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), where I was amazed at how pharmacists can make impacts on such large scales while exercising both their clinical and business acumen.

What was your first job or position in managed care?
My first role in managed care was as a PGY1 Managed Care Pharmacy Resident at Magellan Rx Management, which was also partnered with Yale Health at that time. Shout out to all of my preceptors for teaching me about managed care fundamentals!

What does a typical day or week look like in your current role?
After residency, I transitioned into a formulary role, where no two days are identical. Currently, my team and I are responsible for overseeing end-to-end formulary management services, including working on clinical, operational, and compliance-related projects and initiatives. My typical week involves cross-functional collaboration, clinical and strategy meetings, and individual project time. The spontaneity of the job keeps me on my toes and allows me to stay flexible and open to continue learning within our ever evolving and advancing profession.

What type of interactions have you had with your AMCP student chapter or school of pharmacy?
Marshall B. Ketchum College of Pharmacy does not have an AMCP student chapter. However, I’ve been in contact with the students and administration through e-mail and social media outreaches to provide resources about managed care and to share any updates from our Affiliate Chapter. Hopefully, we can work towards establishing an AMCP student chapter in the future, where I can provide additional support based on students’ needs/interests!

Words of advice?
The world of healthcare is full of exciting growth and opportunities, so keep learning and stay open to new ideas! Building connections with others can also open doors for you that you’ve never expected. Trust that each of your experiences will add to your journey and know that you’re on the right path. After all… it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey!