Jill Bates, PharmD, MS, BCOP, DipACLM, FASHP, is the Deputy Executive Director of the National Pharmacogenomics Program within the National Oncology Program Office of the Veterans Affairs (VA). Dr. Bates is an expert in oncology and pharmacogenomics and has led the VA’s Pharmacogenomics program that is being rolled out nationwide. We talk through her background in both areas as well as the  VA’s investment in pharmacogenomics and precision medicine. As part of their investment, they are hiring 120 pharmacists in this space across the country. Enjoy all things pharmaocgenomics in this episode! 

Below are article links of the VA’s experience in pharmacogenomics. 

• This article describes the VA's pilot PHASER program: Veterans Affairs Pharmacogenomic Testing for Veterans (PHASER) clinical program - PubMed (nih.gov)
• This article  reviews the VA's first PDSA cycle on pharmacogenomics implementation: Evaluation of the Veterans Affairs Pharmacogenomic Testing for Veterans (PHASER) clinical program at initial test sites - PubMed (nih.gov)
• This article talks about the VA NPOP service and the importance of pharmacists within the precision oncology space: Oncology Pharmacists Help Bridge the Gap to Optimize Precision Oncology Services for Veterans With Cancer - PubMed (nih.gov)
• This article has an overview of the VA's PHASER program and other germline PGx programs throughout North Carolina: North Carolina's multi-institutional pharmacogenomics efforts with the North Carolina Precision Health Collaborative - PubMed (nih.gov)