Bernice Y. Man,
PharmD, BCPS, CPHQ, CSP

The University of Chicago Medicine’s motto is “At the Forefront of Medicine,” a creed that Bernice Y. Man, Clinical Pharmacy Manager, embodies every day. As part of her system’s specialty pharmacy, Bernice and her team bring a level of patient-focused care that is second-to-none.

Bernice helps drive this level of care as the specialty pharmacy manager because she’s embedded as part of the care team and is involved in patients’ care at nearly every step of their journeys.

“All the pharmacists within our system are seen as highly contributing members of the care team for every patient. We are integrated into the team, working alongside other healthcare providers to provide our deep knowledge base about the medication side of patient care.”

All the pharmacists within our system are seen as highly contributing members of the care team for every patient.”

As part of her role, Bernice and her team are in constant communication with the rest of the care team. This allows them to understand first-hand each patient’s personal experience and discuss with other care team members how to best handle specialty medication and follow up for each individual patient.

“There is a pharmacist touching every single medication that is ordered. Not only that, we’re part of the team that makes the decision on what is prescribed, so you have a pharmacist with deep specialization making sure your medication is safe and effective.”

Bernice has been managing cardiology patients and makes sure that her patients know she’s on their side and that she’s working for their best interest. She strives to build a rapport with her patients to ensure that they’re adhering to their therapy plans.

“We do clinical consultations with patients to let them know why a specific medication has been prescribed and how it impacts their condition. We complete follow-up phone calls to let patients know when their medication gets approved, so they’re able to access it.”

Bernice knows that accessing medicine is key to getting the best outcome possible.

“Our ability to onboard patients with their drug therapies allows them faster access to their medications and significantly improves patient outcomes.” In her role, she works with many patients who are on Medicaid or have limited access to pharmacy care. For Bernice, it’s not enough that patients get the right medication. They have to be able to access the medication for it to work.

Our ability to onboard patients with their drug therapies allows them faster access to their medications and significantly improves patient outcomes.”

“At UChicago Medicine, a large proportion of our patients are underserved and living within pharmacy deserts, where it’s difficult for them to pick up their medications. Others are under-insured and have difficulty affording medication. I think every health-system pharmacist deals with that, and we all look for solutions to these challenges.”

For Bernice, that means sometimes working with insurers and manufacturers to find assistance programs or alternatives. She and her team also tap into grant programs to help make sure patients get the care they need.

“I work a lot in cardiology. There’s a medication for cardiac amyloidosis that would cost $25,000 a month if a patient had to pay directly out of pocket. Many insurers have a percentage co-pay that still makes this drug unaffordable, sometimes costing $2,500 a month, for a life-saving drug. I don’t want my patients choosing between heart medicine and a roof over their head, so my team and I research foundation grants and programs to help provide assistance. It’s really gratifying to know that I’ve not only done something to prolong a patient’s life, but I may have also changed their life through my care.”

For Bernice, that’s what it means to serve her patients, and that’s what it means to be your pharmacist.