Troy A. Moore, PharmD, MSPharm, BCPP
Troy A. Moore, PharmD, MSPharm, BCPP, is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Schizophrenia and Related Disorders at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Following his Doctor of Pharmacy training, Dr. Moore completed two years of residency training at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and South Texas Veterans Health Care System, specializing in Psychiatry. He earned his Master of Science degree from The University of Texas at Austin in 2005.
Since 2005, Dr. Moore has actively researched potential clinical interventions, evidence-based programs, and outcomes in patients with schizophrenia. He is a leader in the Mental Health Treatment Study (MHTS), active at 23 diverse sites in the United States, with nearly 2500 patients enrolled and over $60 million in federal funding. Each patient is in the study for two years, and the goal is to evaluate the outcomes of programs such as medication management and supported employment.
The most rewarding aspect of Dr. Moore’s work is the ability to help patients in a real clinical setting who are in great need of assistance and advocacy, while at the same time systematically evaluating interventions and monitoring outcomes. This allows direct patient benefit, and simultaneously establishes the foundation for effective long-term treatment options for patients. He studies whether or not programs and ideas are actually going to work consistently and be beneficial in the real world. In the end, this research will help guide government funding of the most beneficial programs and ultimately break the cycle of working “off and on” due to illness burden and inefficient utilization of the health care system.
The most challenging parts of Dr. Moore’s career have been learning the art of grant writing and how to secure research funding. Although these things take practice, time, and experience, the arduous work is rewarded by dissemination of the knowledge generated through clinical research that is readily applicable, with profound benefits for patients with mental illness. This work also benefits health care practitioners, whose careers are not research-based; they can integrate the most effective interventions to improve care of the patients they see.
Dr. Moore’s advice to anyone interested in research: seek individuals actively involved in research studies, develop dialogue, and try to arrange a shadowing opportunity, internship, or rotation to gather exposure to various types of research. CPNP is a great arena to network with leaders in the field of mental health research and practice. In addition, there are many resources on the website and among members who are eager to mentor motivated individuals. In the end, one must enjoy their work and find it fulfilling.
