Celebrating a Decade of Impact: Member Spotlight on Andrew Ruplin, PharmD

As part of NCODA’s 10-year anniversary celebration, we are proud to highlight members whose dedication has shaped our mission and advanced patient-centered oncology care. In this member spotlight, we introduce Andrew Ruplin, PharmD, of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and UW Medicine. His story exemplifies the passion, innovation, and commitment that NCODA members bring to their patients and the oncology community every day.

What is your role and what are some of your key areas of focus each day?

Andrew – I graduated with my PharmD in 2017, completing my PGY1 at the University of Chicago and PGY2 in hematology/oncology at Fred Hutch and the University of Washington. Since then, I’ve worked as a clinical pharmacist in breast, skin, renal cell, genitourinary, gynecologic, and neurologic oncology clinics.

If a medication is involved in a patient’s care, I’m part of it—whether advising oncologists on safe and effective cancer therapies, ensuring prescriptions reach the right pharmacy, or building workflows for patient care. Much of my day is spent reviewing treatment orders for accuracy, drug interactions, and dosing, while also overseeing broader concerns like treatment timing and order setup in the electronic health record.

What was it that drew you to the profession?

Andrew – I’ve always been fascinated by science and knew from a young age I wanted a career in healthcare. Many of my friends’ parents were pharmacists, so I shadowed them while exploring college options. I’ve always been drawn to science, even in hobbies like games where characters used potions and poisons. Pharmacy became the perfect blend of my interests and my desire to make a difference in people’s lives.

My career now far exceeds what I imagined at 17—I’m deeply engaged in direct patient care and the evolving science that drives oncology forward.

How does NCODA and its members support you in your continued growth?

Andrew – NCODA continually offers resources that become a part of my practice. I’m a huge fan of the patient education handouts. I use them nearly every day with the patients I see. I use and have also authored PQIs that allow me to review a comprehensive snapshot of a cancer therapy or other aspects of oncology patients’ care, and the webinar offerings feel seemingly endless.

Finally, I can’t give enough praise to the Fall and Spring meetings. I get to engage so many people across professions, many of whom are legitimate friends now, and every meeting blows me away with the diversity of ideas and information that are explored.

Is there a memory or moment that comes to mind where you were most proud of your work?

Andrew – A former coworker once told me her family member raved about the pharmacist who educated her on cancer treatment. When she checked, she wasn’t surprised it was me. That feedback meant so much. In visits, I often deliver tough news about side effects, but I always aim to give patients confidence and reassurance. Hearing directly that I made a difference was a wonderful reminder of why I do this work.

NCODA is committed to empowering medically integrated oncology professionals and is proud to have caring, exceptional members who are transforming patients’ lives. As we celebrate ten years of advancing patient-centered care, stories like Andrew’s remind us of the extraordinary impact our members have made—and continue to make—in shaping the future of oncology. Together, we look forward to the next decade of innovation, collaboration, and patient advocacy.