Huntington Hospital has added an oncology pharmacist to provide an additional level of care for cancer patients.
Oncology pharmacists manage all of a patient’s medications, including counseling patients on their chemotherapy; reconciling patient’s home medications at admission and discharge; and helping providers order appropriate pre-medications for chemotherapy, among other things.
This process helps patients find the best way to take these medicines, be aware of and manage side effects and avoid drug interactions. Oncology pharmacists also review and create chemotherapy polices, conduct various cost saving initiatives and provide education to hospital staff on new chemotherapy and disease states.
Syed Arafath, PharmD, completed his residency at New York Presbyterian and is
Huntington Hospital’s first oncology pharmacist.
“Cancer treatment has become increasingly personalized in the last several years,” said
Nick Fitterman, MD, executive director of Huntington Hospital. “Having a dedicated oncology
pharmacist who is well-versed in the latest biotherapies and immunotherapies is a great asset to the people with cancer in Suffolk County.”
Huntington Hospital is part of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute at Huntington, which offers an carray of cancer services, including medical oncology/hematology, radiation oncology, cancer surgery subspecialties, cancer infusion center, inpatient cancer unit, cancer navigation and a full range of screening and diagnostic imaging services at locations throughout the Town of Huntington and the surrounding area.
For more information about cancer services at Huntington Hospital, call 631-351-2568.