Dr. Chi-Han Cheng: A Rising Star in Social and Administrative Pharmacy
Dr. Chi-Han Cheng is a prominent figure in the field of Social and Administrative Pharmacy (SAPh), particularly known for his contributions to pharmacoeconomics, pharmacoepidemiology, and machine learning in clinical pharmacy. Currently a PhD student at the University of Minnesota’s College of Pharmacy, Cheng’s work stands out for its interdisciplinary approach, combining clinical expertise with advanced data analytics. His career trajectory, research endeavors, and academic contributions make him an influential figure in pharmacy and healthcare.
This article delves into Dr. Cheng’s journey, exploring his academic background, professional experience, research interests, and the impact he is making in the field of pharmacy. With a strong focus on innovation and evidence-based practices, Dr. Cheng is redefining the role of pharmacists in the healthcare ecosystem.
Early Education and Professional Development
Academic Foundation in Pharmacy
Dr. Chi-Han Cheng’s academic career began at Taipei Medical University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. His undergraduate education laid the foundation for his future endeavors in clinical pharmacy, pharmacoeconomics, and pharmacoepidemiology. At Taipei Medical University, he honed his skills in both academic and extracurricular activities, taking on leadership roles such as captain of the TMU Pharmacy Basketball Team and vice officer of the TMU DREAMERS Enterprise-Oriented-Boosting group.
This early involvement in leadership and teamwork has continued to shape his approach to healthcare and clinical research, emphasizing collaboration and strategic planning.
Master’s Degree at National Cheng Kung University
After completing his undergraduate studies, Dr. Cheng pursued a Master of Science in Clinical Pharmacy at National Cheng Kung University. Here, his focus shifted towards more specialized areas of pharmacy, including pharmacoeconomics, pharmacoepidemiology, machine learning, and clinical pharmacy. His thesis and research projects during this time explored the financial and clinical implications of pharmaceutical care, aiming to improve patient outcomes while reducing healthcare costs.
His master’s degree provided him with in-depth knowledge of healthcare economics, which he would later apply in both clinical and administrative roles. His contributions during this time, particularly his work on inappropriate medications and adverse drug reactions (ADR), garnered attention in academic and clinical settings.
Professional Experience
Clinical Pharmacy Intern at National Cheng Kung University Hospital
During his time at National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Dr. Cheng gained hands-on experience in clinical rotations across 15 wards. His responsibilities included reviewing patients’ medication histories, identifying drug-drug interactions, and providing evidence-based recommendations. He was also an active speaker at 13 case conferences, where he presented systematic reviews and streamlined information from various clinical guidelines.
His ability to evaluate complex cases, such as those involving antibiotics consultations and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), positioned him as a crucial member of the clinical pharmacy team. His involvement in monitoring potential inappropriate medications (PIMs) demonstrated his commitment to improving patient safety and optimizing medication management.
Clinical Pharmacy Intern at Taipei Veterans General Hospital
At Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Dr. Cheng focused on more specialized areas of clinical pharmacy, including the combination of Pembrolizumab and chemotherapy in non-small-cell lung cancer. He was a key speaker for case reports, summarizing critical findings from studies like KEYNOTE-189, and educating both patients and healthcare professionals on the latest advancements in treatment protocols.
His work in dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and bronchodilator usage further highlighted his expertise in patient education and safety, reinforcing the importance of clinical pharmacists in bridging the gap between medical knowledge and patient care.
Marketing Intern at TTY Biopharm
Expanding his skill set beyond clinical pharmacy, Dr. Cheng also worked as a Marketing Intern at TTY Biopharm Company Limited, where he conducted market potential analyses for anesthesia products. His role involved extracting essential information from healthcare databases and analyzing the market potential of unlaunched products. This experience gave him valuable insights into the commercial side of pharmaceuticals, which complemented his clinical expertise and strengthened his understanding of healthcare systems at a macro level.
Research Contributions
Focus on Pharmacoeconomics and Pharmacoepidemiology
Dr. Cheng’s research interests lie primarily in the fields of pharmacoeconomics and pharmacoepidemiology, where he uses data-driven methods to optimize healthcare delivery. By applying machine learning algorithms and advanced statistical tools, he seeks to enhance the efficiency of healthcare systems while ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.
His work has focused on evaluating the economic impact of pharmaceutical interventions, particularly in the context of national health insurance (NHI). Through his research, Dr. Cheng has contributed to policy discussions on how to allocate healthcare resources more effectively, especially in low- and middle-income countries where cost-effectiveness is paramount.
Machine Learning in Clinical Pharmacy
One of Dr. Cheng’s most notable contributions is the integration of machine learning into clinical pharmacy. By using data analytics, he has been able to predict patient outcomes, assess the risks of drug interactions, and streamline medication management processes. His work in this area is part of a larger movement to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare, which has the potential to revolutionize patient care by providing more personalized and accurate treatment plans.
His contributions in this field have not only improved clinical decision-making but have also paved the way for future innovations in pharmacy and healthcare. As machine learning continues to evolve, Dr. Cheng’s work stands at the forefront of this exciting and transformative field.
Leadership and Community Engagement
Social Media Mediator at UMN ISPOR Student Chapter
In addition to his academic and clinical pursuits, Dr. Cheng serves as a Social Media Mediator for the UMN ISPOR Student Chapter. In this role, he promotes the latest research findings and engages with the student community on topics related to health economics and outcomes research (HEOR). His efforts in this area demonstrate his commitment to knowledge dissemination and the importance of making scientific information accessible to a broader audience.
Through his leadership in social media, Dr. Cheng has helped bridge the gap between academia and the public, ensuring that the latest research is shared and understood by a wide range of stakeholders, from healthcare professionals to policymakers and the general public.
Future Directions
Dr. Chi-Han Cheng’s future in the field of pharmacy looks incredibly promising. With his unique combination of clinical expertise, research acumen, and leadership skills, he is poised to make even greater contributions to healthcare. His work in pharmacoeconomics, machine learning, and clinical pharmacy will continue to shape the way healthcare is delivered, making it more efficient, cost-effective, and patient-centered.
As healthcare systems around the world grapple with rising costs and increasing demand, professionals like Dr. Cheng are essential in driving innovation and ensuring that patients receive the best possible care. His commitment to improving healthcare outcomes, combined with his expertise in cutting-edge technologies, makes him a key figure in the future of pharmacy.
Conclusion
Dr. Chi-Han Cheng is a trailblazer in the field of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, with a particular focus on pharmacoeconomics, pharmacoepidemiology, and machine learning. His academic background, professional experience, and research contributions make him a standout figure in the pharmacy world. As healthcare continues to evolve, Dr. Cheng’s innovative approach to clinical pharmacy and healthcare economics will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping the future of patient care.
By combining his expertise in clinical settings with his advanced knowledge of healthcare systems and data analytics, Dr. Cheng is well-equipped to tackle the challenges of modern healthcare. His work not only improves individual patient outcomes but also contributes to the broader goal of making healthcare systems more efficient and sustainable.
With his eye on the future, Dr. Cheng is set to continue making significant contributions to the field of pharmacy, ensuring that patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike benefit from his knowledge and expertise.
