Fellows Posters at DIA (March 2008)

Comparison of Hiring Rates at Host Companies for Medical Information Post-Doctoral Fellows versus Other Disciplines and Potential Influencing Factors
Rachel D. Savidge, Pharm.D., Adenike M. Abiodun, Pharm.D., James G. Alexander, Pharm.D., Evelyn R. Hermes-DeSantis, Pharm.D., BCPS

Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Industry-Based Medical Information Websites for Healthcare Providers
James DeMicco, Pharm.D., Nisha Patel, Pharm.D., Rajesh Patel, Pharm.D., Evelyn R. Hermes-DeSantis, Pharm.D., BCPS

Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Companies' Current Practices Surrounding Dossier Development
Paulina Estrada, Pharm.D., Jennifer Pocoski, Pharm.D., J. Gricar, Pharm.D., M. Roychowdhury, Pharm.D.

Health Care Professionals' Satisfaction of Services Provided by Medical Information Booths
Jein Song, Pharm.D., Emalie Burks, Pharm.D., BCPP, Steve Ascher, Ph.D., Lewis Manera, M.S., Kristin Reilly, Pharm.D.

Benchmarking the Dossier Preparation Process
Jessie Li, Pharm.D., Emalie Burks, Pharm.D., BCPP, Seema Patel, Pharm.D., Alexander P. Danyluk, Pharm.D.

Fellows Posters at ASHP (December 2007)

Day in the Life of a Rutgers Fellow
Snehal Patel, Pharm.D., Ami S. Patel, Pharm.D., Leslie Servidio, Pharm.D., Chirag K. Patel, Pharm.D.,
Natasha Singh, Pharm.D., Nikul Shulka, Pharm.D., Alexander, Pharm.D., Joseph A. Barone, Pharm.D., FCCP

Post-Doctoral Fellowship Career Opportunities: A Clinical Research Focus
Natanya M. Jennings, Pharm.D., Salah El-Saheb, Pharm.D., Neelum Patel, Pharm.D.,
Jay Paul Singh, Pharm.D., James G. Alexander, Pharm.D., Joseph A. Barone, Pharm.D., FCCP

Survey of Fellowship Experiences of Current and Recent Medical Science Liaisons
S. Elizabeth Lucini, Pharm.D., Trixia A. Camacho, Pharm.D., Bhavini Patel, Pharm.D., Jack Bradley, Pharm.D., Esq., James G. Alexander, Pharm.D., Joseph A. Barone, Pharm.D., FCCP

Applicant Analysis of Three Post-Graduate Pharmacist Training Programs
Farrell A. Simon, Christopher C. Nieset, Kavita N. Singh, Jonathan T. Weiner, Rebecca J. Harmon,
Allison J. Nourie, Travis S. Fisher, James G. Alexander, Joseph A. Barone, David L. Riggs

Fellows Posters at DIA (March 2007)

Introspective Look at the Medical Information Process within Partnership Companies
James Lau, Pharm.D., Christine Ghobrial, Pharm.D., Evelyn Hermes-DeSantis, Pharm.D., BCPS

Partnerships for products are formed between pharmaceutical companies on the belief that this may lead to more efficient work processes and the minimization of business risks.1 The types of collaborations for pharmaceutical products can vary from a joint venture to a co-promotion, co-marketing, or co-licensing agreement. In a joint venture agreement, both partner companies contribute equities and assets to create a legal partnership to develop and market the collaborative product.2 In a co-promotion collaboration two companies manage the sales and marketing of their product, whereas in a co-marketing agreement, both companies collaborate to jointly market the product.2,3 Co-licensing partnership agreements allow both companies to negotiate specific terms in the agreement ranging from full development rights for only one company to sharing development and marketing costs for both companies.1 These types of collaborations can vary from product to product within one individual company. Alignment of medical information (MI) across the different types of partnerships is an essential part of successful partnership work processes.

Contact Center Training Methods: Best Practices
Tony Lan, Pharm.D.

In recent years there has been an increased use of web-based training throughout various industries. Some companies have realized cost savings as well as increased efficiency in learning.1 With the trend moving towards more web-based programs for employees, we assessed whether this method of training is as effective as traditional methods such as instructor-led training.

Evaluating Business Practices to Identify, Track, Report, and Respond to Counterfeit Medications: The ITRR Study
J. Stover, Pharm.D., S. Mathew, Pharm.D., E. Hermes-DeSantis, Pharm.D., BCPS

The World Health Organization (WHO) considers drugs to be counterfeit “if it has been deliberately and fraudulently mislabeled with respect to its identity and/or source.” Studies by WHO estimate counterfeit drugs to be a $32 billion-a-year business and that 8 to 10 percent of the global medicine supply chain is counterfeit. Despite the system of laws and regulations to deter counterfeiting, the United States remains a target for the distribution of counterfeit medications because it is the largest market for retail pharmaceutical sales in the world. Counterfeit drugs pose serious threats to public safety and endanger the health and well-being of patients. To secure the U.S. drug supply chain, there are several areas that deserve attention, including the areas of technology, business practices, legislation, and international cooperation. Within the pharmaceutical industry, business practices for identifying, tracking, reporting, and responding to inquiries regarding counterfeit drugs vary. However, regardless of the company or product, it is essential that best practices are followed to ensure that prompt and accurate information is delivered in order to protect patient safety.

Impact of Medical Affairs Involvement with Sales Training at Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.
Chhaya J. Shah, Pharm.D. and Jessa A. Ford, Pharm.D.

Primary sales training at Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. consists of an intense 3 week period, where Sales Representatives learn about key product information, background disease states, and strategic selling points. Historically, National Sales Trainers and District Managers have facilitated all workshops during this training period, without a specific scientific person on board. To address this, the Fellows initiated involvement with the training class beginning in July of 2006, either in person or via e-mail. Since Medical Affairs participation in facilitating scientific workshops, the National Sales Trainers as well as the Sales Representatives have realized the added value a full-time scientific person would add when assisting with the training process. The specific impact provided by the Medical Affairs Fellows during sales training is assessed here.

Internet-Based Medical Information Resource
Mary Cheriyan, Pharm.D.

Increasing numbers of healthcare practitioners (HCPs) are using the internet as a vital resource to search for medical information. Various medical information departments within pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies have created a searchable database on the internet to allow HCPs to access medical information. Internet-based medical information may provide external HCP customers with an alternate, timely, and convenient method of obtaining medical information. The objective of this study is to evaluate how pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are using the internet as a tool for HCPs to access medical information. The research included two phases. A survey phase and an independent research phase. The survey phase entailed distribution of an electronic survey to 50 pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies identified from The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) website to learn about the existence of an internet-based medical information tool as well as its structure and design. In the independent research phase, websites of companies with an internet-based medical information resource were further assessed to establish key features common among them. Study results will provide insight to companies that may consider offering an internet-based medical information resource tool.

Fellows Posters at ASHP (December 2006)

Fellowship/Residency Application Process and the Successful Candidate
Melissa Gallo, Pharm.D., Heather Schiappacasse, Pharm.D., MBA, Nissa Pisano, Pharm.D., Elizabeth Fung, Pharm.D., Drilon Saliu, Pharm.D.

The transition from academic studies to professional career can be challenging in any profession. Career decisions are especially complex in the field of pharmacy as it has developed dramatically, expanding the number of job options. In an effort to gain work experience, thereby increasing their chance of attaining a job, thousands of pharmacy students attend the American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists (ASHP) Midyear Clinical Meeting (MCM) and vie for a residency/fellowship. Due to the level of competition, securing a position in such a program can be exceptionally challenging. With a myriad of different approaches to be utilized in the preparation for the MCM, we researched those aspects that are considered to be the most favorable in attaining such a position from the experiences of past/current residents and fellows.

Participants’ Perception of Knowledge Level During and After the Rutgers Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship (RPIF) Program
J. Vaile, Pharm.D., J. McBride, Pharm.D., T. Dang, Pharm.D., A. Patel, Pharm.D., James G. Alexander, Pharm.D., Joseph A. Barone, Pharm.D., FCCP

During pharmacy school, Doctors of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.s) are well trained in the key aspects of drug therapy, including pathophysiology, pharmacology, and clinical applications. By contrast, pharmaceutical industry-based postgraduate training programs provide Pharm.D.s with an opportunity to develop new knowledge and skill sets through specialized training and hands-on experience in a particular discipline. Little has been done to evaluate the change in knowledge as a result of participating in these types of programs.

Evaluating Awareness of Pharmaceutical Industry Career Options and the Rutgers Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship Program
Amit Duggal Pharm.D., MPH, Nikul Shukla Pharm.D., Kinnari Patel Pharm.D., Manita Singh Pharm.D., Na Goh Pharm.D., James G. Alexander Pharm.D., Joseph A. Barone Pharm.D. FCCP, Donna M. Feudo R.Ph.

Pharmaceutical industry-based postgraduate training programs aim to prepare Pharm.D.s to pursue a career within various disciplines of the pharmaceutical industry. Over the past 20 years, there has been a significant increase in the presence and interest level for these programs, however, a study conducted by Yung et al1 indicated that there was a high degree of variability among pharmacy schools in terms of i) faculty support and ii) availability of opportunities for pharmacy students to gain experience in the pharmaceutical industry. In 2005, a survey of 147 Rutgers Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship (RPIF) Program candidates revealed that there were many sources of information available regarding the RPIF Program and career opportunities for pharmacists in the pharmaceutical industry. However, the perceived effectiveness of these sources was not evaluated. The RPIF Program, the largest pharmaceutical industrybased postgraduate training program in the nation, expends considerable energy and resources to build awareness among pharmacy students of various pharmaceutical industry opportunities. This study investigated which awareness-building methods are most effective.

Trends Analysis: Evaluating Preferred Career Positions Within Industry from Rutgers Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship Program (RPIFP)
Arpan Shah, PharmD; Annette Gbemudu, PharmD, MBA; James G. Alexander, PharmD; Joseph A. Barone, PharmD, FCCP

The pharmaceutical industry offers a diverse array of career opportunities for PharmDs with an interest in that practice setting. Postgraduate training or experience is frequently a necessary prerequisite to securing a full-time position in a PharmD’s preferred area of interest. Pharmaceutical industry-based postgraduate training programs provide pharmacists with an opportunity to gain sufficient practical experience in an area of specialty to secure a full time position. This study evaluated factors influencing industry career choices for pharmacists participating in, or recently having completed, the Rutgers Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship (RPIF) Program.

Fellows Posters at APhA (March 2006)

Assessing Current and Future Pharmacists’ Perceptions of Establishing a “Third Class” of Medications
Maricel C. De Jesus, Pharm.D., Kinnari N. Patel, Pharm.D., Palak P. Shah, Pharm.D. James G. Alexander, Pharm.D., Donna M. Feudo, RPh, Joseph A. Barone, Pharm.D., FCCP, Edwin Schaart, MD, Ms. Ed.

In recent years, consumers have become increasingly involved in managing their own health and continue to call for greater accessibility to healthcare.1 Consumer accessibility to certain prescription medications has increased with the growth in the number of Rx-to-OTC switches. Some have suggested that the movement towards consumer self-care and the intricate nature of current and future switches warrant the evaluation of developing a transitional class of medications referred to as the “Third Class of Medications.”2,3 This classification could include medications that would not require a prescription from a physician and would be accessible to consumers under the supervision of a pharmacist. This classification could offer placement for medications that could potentially provide greater public health benefit through greater accessibility, such as the statins or Plan B, but would require guidance for use from healthcare professionals, such as pharmacists.3,4 The role of pharmacists would be significantly affected if this new drug classification were to be established. This survey evaluated pharmacy students’ and pharmacists’ general perceptions, their day to day work concerns, and their readiness to advance the profession of pharmacy with the establishment of the “Third Class of Medications.”

Fellows Posters at DIA (March 2006)

Handling Medical Information Novel Inquiries Within the Pharmaceutical Industry
Ursula Marek, Pharm.D., Christine Pang, Pharm.D., Evelyn Hermes-DeSantis, Pharm.D., BCPS

Pharmaceutical companies often receive novel requests for medical information that have not been previously received, require evaluation of literature, preparation of a response, and follow-up with the inquirer. There is limited information on effective processes for handling novel inquiries and it is unknown what best practices currently exist.

Assessing and Evaluating the Efficiency and Consistency of Medical Information Dissemination
C. Davis, Pharm.D., K. Yi, Pharm.D., E. Hermes-DeSantis, Pharm.D., BCPS

Due to the increasing progress of technological change, the process of obtaining information has evolved significantly. These advancements have altered the approaches to retrieval, accessibility, and distribution of medical information. The response methods to unsolicited requests has the capability to become even more efficient. Within the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, the incorporation of technology into medical information practice varies. However, regardless of company or product, it is critical that best practices are followed to ensure prompt, appropriate, and consistent delivery of medical information.

Fellows Posters at ASHP (December 2005)

Unique PharmD Career Options: A National Survey Examining Pharmaceutical Industry-Based Postgraduate Training Programs
Tim Mikhelashvili, Pharm.D., James G. Alexander, Pharm.D., Andrew W. Lam, Pharm.D., Mahesh Tawney, Pharm.D., Joseph A. Barone, Pharm.D.

Objectives: To assess the current pharmaceutical industry-based PharmD fellows’ and residents’ exposure to career and training opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry during pharmacy school, level of satisfaction with their 1 or 2-year postgraduate training program in the industry, and perceptions of overall value of their respective programs in regards to the pharmacy profession and career advancement.

Evaluation of Medical Science Liaisons’ Perception of Job Satisfaction and Career Path Options
K. Yi, Pharm.D., L. Shui, Pharm.D., N. Wiafe-Ababio, Pharm.D., A. Padalia, Pharm.D., A. Patel, Pharm.D., A. Alrawi, Pharm.D., James G. Alexander, Pharm.D., Joseph A. Barone, Pharm.D., FCCP

A medical science liaison (MSL) is a field-based therapeutic specialist employed by a pharmaceutical company, often possessing advanced scientific training and degrees. The MSL serves as a catalyst for collaboration between a pharmaceutical company and external thought leaders. Responsibilities of a MSL may include establishing and cultivating relationships with key opinion leaders, supporting the medical needs of a therapeutic area, disseminating medical information, facilitating the clinical research process, and collecting competitive information from the field. The MSL position is relatively new to the pharmaceutical industry and little has been done to characterize or document trends in this population.

Evaluation of the Rutgers Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship Program by 2005 Program Alumni
M. Bunn, Pharm.D., A. Fornal, Pharm.D., J. Linton, Pharm.D., A. Tschand, Pharm.D. James G. Alexander, Pharm.D., Joseph A. Barone, Pharm.D., FCCP

A medical science liaison (MSL) is a field-based therapeutic specialist employed by a pharmaceutical company, often possessing advanced scientific training and degrees. The MSL serves as a catalyst for collaboration between a pharmaceutical company and external thought leaders. Responsibilities of a MSL may include establishing and cultivating relationships with key opinion leaders, supporting the medical needs of a therapeutic area, disseminating medical information, facilitating the clinical research process, and collecting competitive information from the field. The MSL position is relatively new to the pharmaceutical industry and little has been done to characterize or document trends in this population.

Fellows Posters at AACP (July 2005)

Fellowship Candidates' Awareness of Pharmaceutical Industry-Based Postgraduate Training Programs and Career Opportunities

Lotus Yung, PharmD; Kavita Johal, PharmD; James Pan, PharmD; Ankur N. Patel, PharmD; Windy Wang, PharmD; James G. Alexander, PharmD; Joseph A. Barone, PharmD, FCCP

Pharmaceutical industry-based training programs (both academic affiliated and sole-sponsored fellowships and residencies) offer PharmDs an opportunity to gain specialized experience in a particular
discipline within the pharmaceutical industry, with the goal of providing sufficient training to the participant to pursue a career within industry. A retrospective study conducted by Lam et al.1 demonstrated a substantial, steady rate of growth of these programs over the last 20 years (1981-2004). In fact, nearly 3% of pharmacy school graduates apply to these programs annually, yet the means through which candidates become aware of opportunities within industry are poorly
understood.

Fellows Posters at ASHP (December 2004)

Trends in Pharmacists Employment in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Nesreen El-Toukhy, PharmD; Wynter Kogit, PharmD; James G. Alexander, PharmD; Joseph A. Barone, PharmD, FCCP

Currently there is a myriad of career opportunities available to pharmacists

Post-Doctoral Fellowship Penetration into Pharmaceutical Industry: Outcomes of a 17-Year Retrospective Study
Phaneth Keo, Pharm.D., Ashley L.E. Pereira, Pharm.D., Merlene Varughese, Pharm.D., James G. Alexander, Pharm.D. Joseph A. Barone, Pharm.D., FCCP

In 1984, the Rutgers College of Pharmacy, now the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, and two pharmaceutical companies initiated a collaborative pilot program to evaluate the potential contributions of clinically trained pharmacists within a pharmaceutical industry practice setting. Over the past 20 years, the program has grown exponentially. Since its first graduate in 1987, the Rutgers Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship (RPIF) program has expanded to include 13 different companies within the pharmaceutical industry and related medical communications businesses.

Approximately 300 post-doctoral fellows have completed the program to date and nearly 70 Pharm.D.’s now participate in the fellowship program annually. The growth of the program has been due to the emergence of the Pharm.D. degree as well as an industry-wide desire to employ pharmacists throughout the pharmaceutical industry’s corporate structure. Each year about 3% of the nation’s graduating pharmacists apply to the program. Although the program is approaching its 20th anniversary, this is the first comprehensive study undertaken to evaluate and assess the impact of the Rutgers Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship Program on career advancement of its graduates within the pharmaceutical industry.

Fellows Posters at ASHP (December 2003)

Economic Analysis of Post-Doctoral Programs in a Pharmaceutical Company
Steven Toma, Pharm.D., Wing Chow, Pharm.D., Concetta Crivera, Pharm.D., Jennifer Evans, Pharm.D., Lisa Thomas, Pharm.D., James Alexander, Pharm.D., Joseph Barone, Pharm.D., FCCP, Lesley Fierro, M.S., Pharm.D., Margaret Maltese-Miller, Pharm.D., Phillip Sarocco, M.Sc, Sonia Schweers, Pharm.D., Heather Schiappacasse, Pharm.D.

Post-doctoral development programs for Pharm.D. graduates have evolved substantially over the past decade and have made a significant impact on the pharmaceutical industry. Few retrospective analyses have taken into account the overall economic implications of initiating and expanding company sponsored and academic affiliated post-doctoral programs. The goals of such programs are to mentor future pharmaceutical industrial leaders through real world corporate experiences. Over the years, alumni of industry-based fellowships and residencies have formed a pool of highly marketable professionals. Unfortunately, the value of investing in a Fellow or Resident from the perspective of a hosting company is often overlooked. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the economic benefit of investing in a post-doctoral candidate, in order to provide company sponsors with evidence that a return on investment is ultimately achieved. The purpose of this analysis is to establish the economic value of hosting a post-doctoral Fellow or Resident as compared to hiring an additional full-time employee (FTE) within related disciplines in a pharmaceutical company. Evidence from this economic analysis will demonstrate that hiring a post-doctoral Fellow or Resident will provide a substantial return on investment to the host company.

A Review of Major Post-Doctoral Pharmaceutical Industry Programs
Jillian B. Yee, Pharm.D., Brooke M. Fair, Pharm.D., Patty P. Burkhardt, Pharm.D., James G. Alexander, Pharm.D., Joseph A. Barone, Pharm.D., Lois M. Jessen, Pharm.D.

The goal of post-doctoral fellowships/residencies is to provide specialized postgraduate training in a particular discipline. Such is the case for pharmaceutical industry-based postgraduate training programs, which have been available to pharmacists for more than twenty years. Although these programs have grown significantly in size and scope, awareness and understanding of the different offerings remains low. The lack of awareness is compounded by the complexity of evaluating the wide variety of different program options and how they relate to career goals of prospective program candidates. This project compares the major postgraduate fellowship/residency programs that provide pharmaceutical industry-based training, including the Rutgers Post-Doctoral Industry Fellowship Program, the Eli Lilly Visiting Scientist Program, and the various programs offered by GlaxoSmithKline. Some of these programs are structured as University/Industry collaborations and may include an academic component.

Emerging Trends Within Industry-Based Post-Graduate Training Programs For Pharmacists [TRENDS Phase 1]
Andrew W. Lam, Pharm.D., Patrick K. Brady, Pharm.D., Wing Chow, Pharm.D., Concetta Crivera, Pharm.D., Vishal Goyal, Pharm.D., Adam Shprecher, Pharm.D., Steven Toma, Pharm.D., Eric Williams, Pharm.D., James G. Alexander, Pharm.D., Joseph A. Barone, Pharm.D., FCCP, Bryan A. Hill, Pharm.D., MBA, Kathryn E. Ramseyer, Pharm.D., Martha C. Romney, RN, MS, Esq., Neil Smith, Pharm.D., RAC, Dong-Churl Suh, MBA, Ph.D.

Industry-based post-graduate training programs for pharmacists have experienced substantial growth over the past 20 years. Pharmaceutical companies recognize the value of incorporating pharmacists in the drug development process. Many companies have established training programs for pharmacists within key disciplines, including clinical research, drug information, marketing, regulatory affairs and pharmacoeconomics, in order to prepare them for a career within the industrial practice setting. The growth of these programs has been further accelerated with the transition in pharmacy education to the doctorate of pharmacy degree. Pharmacists today are as prepared to utilize their clinical knowledge in the forefront of drug development as they are in the front lines of patient care. Industry-based training programs that supplement pharmacists. clinical education will help ensure industry as one of the practice settings of choice within pharmacy. An analysis of the growth of these training programs provides a better understanding of the implications of growth and helps to improve awareness of the unique opportunities available. Additionally, this analysis aids in the development of a comprehensive directory of the industry-based post-graduate training programs that are available for pharmacists. This reference will provide current and potential program sponsors and interested students a comprehensive overview of industry-based training opportunities as well as an evaluation of the recent growth of these programs.

Fellows Posters at DIA (March 2005)

Crisis Management in the Drug INformation Center
Manuel G. Espinosa, PharmD, Kelly S. Park, PharmD, MBA, William Zachok, PharmD

The objective of our study is to evaluate crisis management methods in industry and hospital-based drug information (DI) centers. Crisis management is the process of responding to urgent situations that could affect the normal operations of an organization. Catastrophic events affecting a DI center were classified as: natural disaster, human-caused, or technology failure. A questionnaire was developed to determine the preparedness of various DI centers in the event of a crisis. These questions were compiled according to the temporal relationship between a potential crisis and emergency procedures. Lines of communication, personnel redeployment, emergency education, and technology support were our primary focus. The survey results will increase awareness and preparedness in the event of a crisis situation in a DI center.

Assessing the impact of industrial drug information fellowship and residency programs on career development
Kim L. Nguyen, PharmD, Sobha M. Michael, PharmD, Christy M. Copeland, PharmD, Evelyn R. Hermes-DeSantis, PharmD, BCPS

The role of drug information specialists, particularly pharmacists, in the industrial setting includes a broad range of responsibilities beyond the scope of providing medical information. Post-doctoral fellowship/residency programs within the pharmaceutical industry are designed to provide pharmacists with the opportunity to gain a variety of experiences.
The objective of the study is to assess the impact of industrial drug information fellowships and residencies in career development. In addition, the study evaluates the qualifications attained, marketability, and satisfaction following the completion of an industrial drug information fellowship/residency program. A survey will be distributed to industrial drug information fellowship/residency alumni. The results of this study will determine the value of pursuing a post doctoral industrial drug information fellowship/residency towards career development.

Fellows Posters at DIA (March 2004)

Exploring the Diversity Available in Post-Doctoral Pharmaceutical Industry Drug Information Fellowship Programs
Irene Sheng, Pharm.D., Kamila A. Curry, Pharm.D., Priya S. Maheshwari, Pharm.D., Evelyn Hermes DeSantis, Pharm.D., BCPS

The expanding roles and responsibilities of pharmacists in the healthcare field have lead to increased pharmacist participation in post-doctoral residency and fellowship positions. While many of the fundamentals of these programs are similar, the scope of responsibilities in each program provides a broad range of unique learning opportunities. The study objective is to identify ways to improve upon current pharmaceutical drug information fellowships/residencies by comparing the training and opportunities amongst various programs. Current fellows/residents will respond to a questionnaire, which will identify their roles in their current program. These results will determine the core set of elements for an optimal drug information program as well as identify trends to fellow satisfaction within their individual programs.

Fellows Posters at APhA (March 2004)

Analysis of the Growing Trends in Industry-based Post-Graduate Training Programs for Pharmacists [TRENDS Phase 2]
Andrew W. Lam, Pharm.D., Patrick K. Brady, Pharm.D., Wing Chow, Pharm.D., Concetta Crivera, Pharm.D., Vishal Goyal, Pharm.D., Steven Toma, Pharm.D., James G. Alexander, Pharm.D., Joseph A. Barone, Pharm.D., FCCP, Kathryn E. Ramseyer, Pharm.D.

Objectives: The objectives of this project are: (1)to conduct a retrospective analysis of the proliferation of industry-based post-graduate training programs over a 20-year time period (1983-2003) in order to better understand the implications of growth.(2)to evaluate the trends within specific training disciplines. (3)to improve awareness of the opportunities available to pharmacists with the pharmaceutical industry. Background: Industry-based post-graduate training programs for pharmacists (e.g. residencies, visiting scientists, and fellowships) have experienced substantial growth over the past 20 years. Many companies have established these training programs for pharmacists within key disciplines, including Clinical Research, Drug Information, Medical Affairs, Marketing, Pharmacoeconomics, and Regulatory Affairs, to better prepare pharmacists for a career within the industrial practice setting.

Methods: A 20-year retrospective analysis of industry-based post-graduate training programs will be conducted based on data obtained from multiple sources. Data will be collected from electronic and printed material published by professional pharmacy and industry-related associations (AACP, APhA, ASHP, DIA, ISPOR), and data contributed from program sponsors. Due to the historical nature of this project, programs that have been discontinued may also be accounted for through anecdotal evidence. In this analysis, industry-based post-graduate training programs include residencies, visiting scientist programs, and fellowships that recruit pharmacists for training within pharmaceutical research and manufacturing companies, biotechnology companies, and industry-affiliated consultants. The analysis of these programs will be based upon the number of participants that have completed the program.

Results: Based on preliminary results of our data, we expect to see a growth in the number of post-graduate industry-based training programs for pharmacists over the last 20 years. The scope of this project also allows for the development of a comprehensive directory of industry-based post-graduate training programs available for pharmacists.