Solid Organ Transplant (Cardiothoracic) Clinical Pharmacist Specialist
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Houston, TX, 77030
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 49.78-74.05 HOUR
Date Posted : 15 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Job Summary / Purpose
The Solid Organ Transplant (Cardiothoracic) Clinical Pharmacist Specialist position is responsible for providing leadership and clinical pharmacy services, including the implementation of System, Region, and Facility Pharmacy Services initiatives. The incumbent will provide leadership in establishing and maintaining clinical pharmacy programs, mentor staff pharmacists to clinical pharmacy activities, educate pharmacy residents and students affiliated with the facility, provide clinical pharmacy support to one or more Service Lines, and collaborate with the facility Pharmacy leadership team in establishing action plans to support department initiatives at the campus level. Ensures that all actions taken and methods to produce the results outlined below incorporate and promote CSH’s mission, vision, and values.
85% or more time is spent:
- Performs all duties of a registered staff pharmacist working online/staffing
- Exempt status for the Specialist is the default, unless defined by contract or Region standard
Essential Key Job Responsibilities
- Promotes long and short-range planning to respond and integrate within the market, Region, and systems.
- Works collaboratively with pharmacy peers to standardize clinical pharmacy systems when appropriate
- Works, as directed by facility pharmacy leadership, on developing, coaching and mentoring pharmacy staff to maximize their scope of practice in the provision of clinical pharmacy services and scholarly activities across the continuum of care.
- Educates the medical staff regarding cost-effective, quality pharmaceutical care based on evidence based medicine and best practices.
- Participates in assigned committees relevant to their knowledge, experience and practice area
- Assures that clinical pharmacy initiatives are in compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Precepts Pharmacy Interns and Pharmacy Residents
- Functions as a clinical pharmacist (centralized/ decentralized staffing)
- This position may serve as the Residency Program Director as applicable.
Clinical Pharmacist Functions
- Demonstrates ability to document clinical activities and interventions such as consults, patient teachings and other patient specific information as defined by policy and procedure.
- Interprets medication orders and/or prescriptions for drug interactions, appropriate drug selection and appropriateness. Accurately enters the order or prescription into the computer system, labels, and dispenses medications in a timely manner.
- Verifies and checks medications prepared by other pharmacy personnel.
- Communicates drug information to patients and health professionals. Resolves drug related problems by consulting with other health care professionals to achieve appropriate patient outcomes. Unclear orders written by a licensed provider are clarified with the licensed provider. Assists the licensed provider in appropriate drug selection and therapeutic regimens.
- Achieves and maintains an adequate basic knowledge base to provide clinical services for all age groups served. Provides basic clinical services as required by policy and procedure.
- Maintains a working knowledge of automated systems
- Responsible for technician activities, performance, provides direction and guidance as needed.
- Participates in the orientation, instruction and training of pharmacy students and interns, pharmacy technicians, residents, pharmacists and other health professionals.
- Performs duties in documented accordance with requirements of all regulatory and governing bodies.
- Completing mandatory education from a system and department level is appropriate.
- Provides patient counseling and drug information and documentation as appropriate.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacy degree
- Residency completion or three (3) years of clinical experience
- Active Texas Pharmacist License in good standing
- Board Certification (e.g. BCCP, BCPS) required within 3 years of hire - any incumbents would not be required to obtain board certification
- BLS Certification issued by the American Heart Association
- ACLS Certification issued by the American Heart Association
Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center is an 881-bed quaternary care academic medical center that is a joint venture between Baylor College of Medicine and St. Luke’s Health. Located in the Texas Medical Center, the hospital is the home of the Texas Heart® Institute, a cardiovascular research and education institution founded in 1962 by Denton A. Cooley, MD. The hospital was the first facility in Texas and the Southwest designated a Magnet® hospital for Nursing Excellence by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, receiving the award five consecutive times. Baylor St. Luke’s also has three community emergency centers offering adult and pediatric care for the Greater Houston area.
St. Luke’s Health, now part of CommonSpirit Health formed by the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) and Dignity Health, has been serving our community since 1954. Operating 137 hospitals and more than 1,000 care sites across 21 states, making our services accessible to nearly 1 in 4 U.S. residents. We proudly provide a vast array of services that help us keep our community safe and healthy.
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Frequently asked questions
Mastery in cardiothoracic pharmacotherapy and transplant medicine is key. Candidates must understand immunosuppressive regimens, drug interactions specific to organ transplant patients, and evidence-based clinical pharmacy practices tailored to cardiopulmonary care, ensuring optimal patient outcomes in Houston's advanced medical centers.
Daily tasks include reviewing complex medication orders, mentoring pharmacy staff, providing consults on transplant pharmacology, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. This role demands balancing clinical interventions with operational duties like overseeing technician activities and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Achieving board certifications such as BCCP or BCPS significantly elevates career potential. Leadership roles, including residency program directorships, become accessible with experience. Continuous education and active involvement in transplant committees amplify professional development within this niche.
CHI emphasizes integrating system-wide pharmacy initiatives with a focus on mentorship and scholarly activities. Their collaborative environment supports clinical standardization and innovation, making this role a unique blend of leadership and hands-on clinical practice in a renowned healthcare network.
This position shapes patient outcomes by delivering expert drug therapy management and fosters pharmacy education through direct mentorship of residents and students. The role actively contributes to advancing clinical pharmacy programs aligned with CHI's mission and quality standards.
In Houston, specialists in this field typically earn between $110,000 and $145,000 annually, depending on experience and certifications. This compensation reflects the advanced clinical expertise required and the city's competitive healthcare market for transplant pharmacy professionals.
Houston's status as a medical hub increases demand but also competition for this specialty. Strong credentials, including board certifications and transplant experience, enhance hiring prospects amid a pool of skilled pharmacists focused on cardiothoracic transplant services.
Located in the Texas Medical Center, Baylor St. Luke’s benefits from extensive public transit options but may experience rush-hour congestion. Proximity to central Houston offers diverse housing choices, though planning for peak traffic times is advisable for timely shifts.
Candidates must hold a valid Texas pharmacist license and secure board certification (like BCCP or BCPS) within three years of hire. Additionally, current BLS and ACLS certifications from the American Heart Association are mandatory to maintain compliance with clinical standards.
Yes, incumbents often serve as residency program directors or preceptors, actively shaping pharmacy education. This responsibility enriches the role by combining clinical leadership with academic mentorship within a renowned healthcare system.