April 3, 2026, marks the first-ever Oncology Pharmacist Day – a new annual observance recognizing the essential role hematology/oncology pharmacists serve in improving the lives of people affected by cancer.
Oncology Pharmacist Day was established by the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) to honor the pharmacists whose expertise ensures that cancer treatments are effective, safe, personalized, and accessible.
The purpose of this new observance is to elevate awareness of the profession and its impact.
Hematology/oncology pharmacists contribute across the cancer care continuum by optimizing complex treatment regimens, safeguarding medication use, educating patients and caregivers, and advancing research and clinical practice. These professionals can also be found working within academia, the pharmaceutical industry, publications and journals, technology and informatics, and across administrative, leadership, and strategic roles.
“Oncology pharmacists are integral members of interdisciplinary teams, but their impact extends far beyond the point of care,” says HOPA President Amy Seung, PharmD, BCOP, FHOPA, CHCP. “On April 3, we recognize the expertise, compassion, and dedication that define this profession – and celebrate the meaningful difference oncology pharmacists make in the lives of patients every day.”
April 3 also marks the founding of the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association in 2004.
“HOPA established Oncology Pharmacist Day to recognize a group of professionals whose work often happens behind the scenes, but whose influence is felt at every step of the patient journey,” says Immediate Past President of HOPA Robert Mancini, PharmD, BCOP, FHOPA. Dr. Mancini was instrumental in establishing this distinction for oncology pharmacists, which is registered with the National Day Archives.
Organizations and individuals looking to participate in Oncology Pharmacist Day can take part by following HOPA on social media and sharing their own oncology pharmacist stories and tributes along with the hashtag #OncologyPharmacistDay.
This year's edition of Oncology Pharmacist Day marks only the beginning. HOPA, oncology pharmacists, and those impacted by their work across the globe will celebrate Oncology Pharmacist Day on every April 3, forever.
