A Look Inside: Meet the Pharmacy Team at MSK
Discover the varying roles and members in the Department of Pharmacy that work collaboratively to provide excellence in safety & quality assurance for our patients everyday.
You’ll have the opportunity to read about their career path to MSK and how you can grow professionally within our team.
Name: Dr. Irfan Hoque
Title: Pharmacy Manager of Investigational Drug Service
Dr. Irfan Hoque began working at MSK in 2008 as an Inpatient satellite Pharmacist, he later became an adult Chemotherapy Pharmacist and then transitioned to become an Investigational Drug Service Pharmacist. He was then promoted to his current position as the Pharmacy Manager of Investigational Drug Service. In this role he onboards and oversees the pharmacy department’s participation within clinical drug trials throughout MSK.
Dr. Hoque stated, “I was giving the space and opportunity to explore, learn, and expand on new clinical and technical pharmacy skills. I was lucky enough to be surrounded by likeminded, passionate coworkers which fostered my development as a pharmacist. I am also fortunate enough to be challenged every day, and trusted to build a new team who embody a culture of trust, development, and success.”
Name: Dr. Lauren Koranteng
Title: Clinical Pharmacist Specialist in Pain and Palliative Care
Dr. Lauren Koranteng has worked at MSK for 9 years as a Clinical Pharmacist Specialist in Pain and Palliative Care. She has also worked with the Global Cancer Disparities Program where clinicians work to improve cancer outcomes in low and middle countries, including Nigeria.
Dr. Koranteng stated, “MSK is a forward-thinking organization and supportive work place.”
Name: Dr. Michelle Chan
Title: Floater Oncology Pharmacist
Dr. Michelle Chan has been working at MSK for 5 years and began as an inpatient floater pharmacist. In 2019 she transitioned to a Floater Oncology Pharmacist. In this role Dr. Chan reviews and verifies chemotherapy orders, prepares conventional (standard of care treatment) & investigational chemotherapy, in addition to non-chemotherapy support medications for adult
and pediatric patients being treated at Main Campus. She also works closely with the Adult Oncology Investigational Clinical Coordinator and assists with maintaining the investigational drug inventory for clinical trials at the main campus and the transferring of assigned study medications to our regional sites.
Dr. Chan shared, “What I love most about MSK is the opportunity for professional growth. My role allows me to work closely with everyone in different disciplinaries and I am learning something new every day. Everyone plays a role and contributes to a patient's treatment and experience, so it is very rewarding to see the positive impact.”
Name: Dr. Neyla Abramova
Title: Medication Reconciliation Pharmacist
Dr. Neyla Abramova has been a Medication Reconciliation Pharmacist at MSK close to 8 years. In this role she works closely with physicians, nurses, case managers, as well as Physical and Occupational Therapists. In 2016, she participated in the initiation of the OpEx program that designed an innovative
process for safe and efficient discharges. Since 2020, she has been a member of the Patient Education Committee, as a medication reconciliation pharmacy representative.
Dr. Abramova stated, “I love that MSK is a well-diversified institution which hires the most talented individuals. At MSK you have the ability to interact and help patients at their most vulnerable moments.”
Name: Ms. Yat Ling So
Title: Smart Infusion Pumps Clinical Coordinator
Ms. Yat Ling So began working at MSK in 2006 as an Inpatient satellite pharmacist. In 2009 she became the Smart Infusion Pumps Clinical Coordinator, where she manages all smart pump related projects and works with different departments across MSK to develop safe and efficient infusion
parameters within smart pump systems to promote best infusion practice and improve patient safety. She is certified in PharmGuard, Medfusion, Smiths Medical CADD pumps and BD knowledge Portal for Infusion Technical software and systems.
Ms. So stated, “I love that MSK provides ample opportunities for staff to advance themselves and provides an inclusive environment where I can express my view without fear.”
Name: Mrs. Cathy Sender
Title: Clinical Coordinator for the CORT Team
Mrs. Cathy Sender has worked at MSK for 22 years. She was an adult chemotherapy pharmacist, a floater pharmacist at the Solid Tumor site on 53rd and 68th street, a pharmacy manager and then transitioned to her current role as a Clinical Coordinator for the CORT Team (Chemo Order Review Team).
In her current role she is a CIS analyst for the eTO (electronic transcribed order) functionality. She reviews, tests, develops, and approves new electronic orders for (parenteral chemotherapy/ biotherapy/oral chemotherapy) conventional regimens and investigational protocols. Mrs. Sender shared, “I love that MSK fosters collaboration and provides a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving. I also love that everyone I work with cares deeply about the job they are doing to provide the best care for our patients.”