Helen S. Yee, Pharm.D.
Hepatitis C Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Chronic hepatitis C infection (HCV) is a public health concern that affects over 4 million people in the United States. HCV is a leading cause of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and end-stage liver disease requiring liver transplantation. As providers continue to actively screen for HCV and identify treatment candidates, pharmacists can play a key role in optimizing treatment and improving outcomes of HCV-infected patients.
Current therapies for the treatment of HCV are complex, difficult to tolerate, and require extensive patient counseling. The need for frequent visits, medication adjustments, and management of adverse effects, creates an ideal niche for pharmacists in caring for patients receiving HCV treatment.
The Hepatitis C Clinical Pharmacy Specialist is part of a multidisciplinary team and functions under protocol to provide direct care for patients referred to the Hepatitis C Treatment Clinic. The decision to treat and the development of a treatment plan are done in collaboration with the attending physician. Prescribing, based on protocol, is limited to HCV treatment and the management of treatment-related adverse effects.
Functions of the Hepatitis C Clinical Pharmacy Specialist include: (1) ensuring HCV treatment candidacy; (2) adjusting HCV treatment and medication; (3) evaluating treatment efficacy and adverse effects; (4) managing treatment-related adverse effects; (5) monitoring adherence to prescribed medications; (6) educating on the proper use of prescribed medications; (7) identifying potential drug interactions; (8) counseling on HCV prevention; (9) and identifying and referring candidates for hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations, as well as investigational studies. In addition, the pharmacist may conduct a monthly patient education class for HCV treatment candidates.
As the Assistant Director for Models of Pharmaceutical Care, Dr. Yee’s role is to develop and implement a national model of care for the treatment of HCV in the VA Healthcare System. This involves developing training modules, assisting with treatment guidelines, designing treatment algorithms, and developing preceptorship programs. Additional responsibilities include research, teaching, staff development, and evaluating patient outcomes.
How They Got There
Prior to Dr. Yee’s current positions, she was an Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacist and provided pharmaceutical care in anticoagulation, smoking cessation, medical practice, neurology, and urgent care clinics. In addition, she implemented a Pharmaceutical Care Clinic and evaluated its impact on the utilization of health care resources and patient satisfaction.
Other Professional Activities
Throughout her career, Dr. Yee has authored peer-reviewed articles and research abstracts, and has been the primary and sub-investigator for many research projects. She has been a reviewer for journals and various ASHP products. Dr. Yee has also served as faculty for the ASHP physical assessment workshops, presented at national and local pharmacy meetings, and given lectures to physicians, pharmacists, residents, and students.
Advanced Training: Dr. Yee completed a Doctor of Pharmacy program, a pharmacy practice residency, and a primary care specialty residency.
Advice
" Work hard at something you love and what you know is worth your talents and abilities. Strive to provide optimal care for your patients, and do not place limitations on the impact of a pharmacist. Make a conscious effort to find balance between your personal and professional goals.”