Iris Zhao
Contact:
izhao@ucdavis.edu

Titles:

  • Senior Pharmacist, UCD Health, Oncology Specialty Pharmacy
  • Assistant Clinical Professor, University of California, San Francisco School of Pharmacy

Education:
PharmD., University of California, San Diego, 2013

Post-graduate Training:
PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency, City of Hope National Medical Center, 2013-2014

Research Interests:

  • Oral oncolytics and reducing barriers to access such as financial toxicity
  • Improving clinical outcomes through a pharmacist-led adherence program

Practice Philosophy:
I am a hematology/oncology pharmacist and my goal to create patient specific plans to maximize efficacy while minimizing toxicity.  In a field where the cost of care easily equal a mortgage, I want to reduce barriers to access to ensure all patients can have their best chance at receiving the care they deserve.

Rotations Precepted:
Oncology Specialty Pharmacy (Oncology Ambulatory Care – Clinic) (PGY1 and PGY2)

Bio:
Dr. Iris Zhao is board certified in Oncology Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy. She is also licensed as an advanced practice pharmacist. Dr. Zhao began her pharmacy career at UCD Health in 2014 after completing residency at City of Hope National Medical Center. She also serves as volunteer faculty as an assistant professor with the University of California, San Francisco School of Pharmacy.  At UCDH, she spearheaded the development of the Oncology Specialty Program to improve patient adherence to oral oncolytics and reduce barriers to access to medications.  In 2015, she won the Chinese American Hematologist Oncologist Network (CAHON) Young Investigator Award for her research in improving adherence through the Oncology Specialty Pharmacy program.  In 2016, she also received the CSHP Innovative Pharmacy Practice Award for her work in paving the way for pharmacy practitioners in managing adherence for oral oncolytics.  She has also actively participated in the successful ASCO QOPI certification of the UCD Cancer Center since 2016. After practicing for five years at UCDH, Dr. Zhao was promoted to Senior Pharmacist. She continues to contribute to the care of patients by actively working with the medical staff in the clinic setting, teaching and mentoring students and residents, performing research, committee work, and workflow development.