Meet a pharmacogenomics researcher

Abstract

Jeffrey R. Bishop, PharmD, MS, BCPP, is an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Department of Pharmacy Practice and Department of Psychiatry. He received his Doctor of Pharmacy and Masters in Clinical Investigation from the University of Iowa. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship in pharmacogenetics and psychopharmacology at the same institution. Dr. Bishop will be presenting Understanding Genetic Variability and Pharmacogenomic Studies in Psychiatry at the 2012 CPNP Annual Meeting in Tampa, Florida.At UIC, Dr. Bishop acts as an investigator in the Pharmacogenetics Laboratory and Center for Cognitive Medicine. His primary focus is research, although he sets time aside for teaching and clinical work. His position gives him the creative freedom to ask and answer questions that may help our understanding of how medicines work in individual patients. Primarily, his research involves treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but he also participates in collaborative research with ADHD and antidepressant pharmacogenomics. The overarching theme of the research is Personalized Medicine, with aims to identify why individuals have different outcomes from treatments and how symptoms may differ based on genetic factors. This type of research resonates with patients and families seeking answers to these same questions. Many individuals have experienced difficulty finding medications that ‘work for them.’ Dr. Bishop hopes the progress made in pharmacogenomics research will one day translate from the laboratory into clinical applications for direct patient care.As an active member of CPNP, Dr. Bishop has been part of the research committee for a number of years. He is involved with the abstracts, awards, and poster session activities at the CPNP Annual Meeting and is always excited to see an increase in the number of abstracts being presented. Dr. Bishop is also a member of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy and the American College of Clinical Pharmacy. Outside of pharmacy, he regularly attends meetings of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology and International Congress on Psychiatric Research.For newer-trainees interested in pharmacogenomics research, Dr. Bishop recommends pursuing fellowships like those offered at UIC, or PhD programs in the field. For clinicians in established practices, self-directed education and attending pharmacogenomics CE sessions are alternatives to increase their knowledge of the field. Attending the exciting pharmacogenomic programming at the upcoming CPNP Annual Meeting will provide a background into the science and clinical application of pharmacogenomics in psychiatry. Another option is becoming a clinical collaborator in a pharmacogenomic study. This would be an avenue to get involved in pharmacogenomic research and learn more through practical experience.Dr. Bishop gives credit for his professional success to the people around him and for those who have served as mentors during his training and as a junior faculty member. He is very thankful for the mentorship and education he has received. He realizes the importance of surrounding himself with smart, genuine people who care about others. This helps make the hard work and long hours easier. Much credit is also given to his family for all of their support. This personal and professional support helps provide an environment where Dr. Bishop is happy and feels he is headed in a positive direction.