A multidisciplinary approach to treating cancer patients is very important and input from the clinical pharmacist in the management of chemotherapy and its side effects are essential. Porter has a full-time pharmacist dedicated to oncology, with the support of the clinical pharmacy department, specializing in pain management. The pharmacist ensures the optimum effectiveness of drug therapy through proper dosing and administration as well as anticipating potential side effects and drug interactions.

The pharmacist serves as a resource for drug and supplement information as well as education for the patient, family, nurses and physicians. Information sheets and personal instruction are provided for each medication and staff is available to answer additional questions.

The palliative care of cancer patients is also an important issue. The Porter Cancer Care Center pharmacist customizes an individual plan for each patient according to the type of pain, where the pain in located, organ function and other symptoms. The goal is to improve and expedite pain control.