6 minute read
Beyond the PharmD: Exploring Residency and Fellowship Paths for Pharmacists
I. Introduction
As the role of pharmacists in healthcare continues to expand, postgraduate training has become a critical step in career advancement and professional growth for many. Pharmacists typically spend 5-8 years completing their PharmD through undergraduate and graduate studies, but many opt for additional postgraduate training to further specialize and align their expertise with their career goals [1].
Two common pathways for postgraduate training are residency and fellowship. A residency is a postgraduate training program that allows pharmacists to further hone their direct patient care skills within a healthcare setting [2]. In contrast, industry fellowships provide pharmacists the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a specific functional area of the pharmaceutical industry [3,4].
II. Pharmacy Residencies
A pharmacy residency is a one- or two-year postgraduate training program that provides hands-on experience working in a clinical setting alongside other healthcare professionals. It also includes focused mentoring, leadership development, and research experiences which prepare pharmacists for more advanced pharmacy positions in a hospital or healthcare system.
Postgraduate year one (PGY-1) is generalized training, to build on the knowledge gained from pharmacy school while providing exposure to managing medication use and supporting optimal medication therapy outcomes in a broad range of disease states. Pharmacists may choose to complete a PGY-1 in hospital, community, or managed care settings.
Postgraduate year two (PGY-2) is an optional more specialized training that builds upon year one of residency training. A PGY-2 focuses on a specific area of practice, for example, oncology, or critical care. As an extension of a PGY-1, a PGY-2 increases the resident's depth of knowledge, skills, and expertise in medication therapy management and clinical leadership in their area of focus [2].
Completing a residency is a great way to start a career as a clinical pharmacist. The extensive training affords a pharmacist more opportunities than an entry-level staff pharmacist, accelerating their career growth. Furthermore, residency provides pharmacists with a competitive advantage in the job market. Another benefit of completing a residency is that it helps a pharmacist define their career goals, by providing them the perspective of practicing in a variety of areas [5].
The residency application portal opens in December and pharmacy students apply during their final year of pharmacy school using the online tool, Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service (PhORCAS), where they interview with programs and rank their preferences, and programs rank the candidates. The results are released on Match Day, where candidates and programs are matched as determined by their rankings [6]. While the official application process doesn’t begin until the final year of the PharmD program, students can start preparing as early as their first year in pharmacy school by building a strong application consisting of their Curriculum Vitae (CV) and letters of recommendation, while also readying themselves for interviews. Students' academic performances, CVs, and interviewing skills are key to differentiating themselves from the other candidates [7].
III. Industry Fellowships
A fellowship is a 1 to 2-year postgraduate training program within the pharmaceutical industry that allows pharmacists to gain experience in specified functional areas. There are several reasons why PharmDs are valuable in the industry including their extensive drug knowledge, experience with interprofessional collaboration, and training in developing and utilizing evidence-based guidelines.
There are several types of fellowships that focus on defined functional areas such as clinical research, regulatory affairs, medical affairs, commercial, and pharmacovigilance/safety. Completing an industry fellowship is not a requirement to pursue a career within the pharmaceutical industry; however, fellowships provide PharmDs with leadership skills, networking opportunities, and specialized knowledge in their chosen functional area, and these added benefits can help propel one's career path. Upon graduation, many fellows achieve upper management positions, whereas those who pursue direct-entry roles within the pharmaceutical industry may require more years of employment to secure similar positions [8].
The fellowship application process is less centralized compared to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) residency match and more like a typical job application process. Many organizations offer fellowship programs including Rutgers University, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, the Food and Drug Association (FDA), Industry Pharmacists Organization, and individual pharmaceutical companies. Crafting a strong CV and Letter of Intent is equally important in the fellowship application process, whereas industry experience, leadership, and research are highly valued. Interviews showcasing the applicant’s experience and personality are the key differentiators for employers when selecting a candidate. Interviews can involve presentations, site visits, and often attendance at the ASHP Midyear Meeting. Fellowship offers are not organized through a match
Beyond the PharmD: Exploring Residency and Fellowship Paths for Pharmacists Continued process; rather, individual companies extend offers and the applicants can accept the offer that is best for them [3,4].
IV. Comparing Residencies and Fellowships
Choosing between a residency and a fellowship depends on a student’s career aspirations. It’s important that a student takes time to reflect on their interests and their strengths and weaknesses to choose the right path. A major difference between the two is direct patient care. Residencies involve direct patient interactions, while fellowships are more for those who seek a role in drug development.
After completing postgraduate training, most pharmacists continue to work in their respective areas. For residency, the next step is becoming a clinical pharmacist and/or specializing in a specific disease state, perhaps with the intention of advancing to leadership positions in a hospital or a healthcare system [5]. For fellowships, the next step in career development is becoming a full-time employee in a specified functional area, usually starting out in a managerial role, with the intention of progressing to higher-level management [8].
V. Conclusion
Overall, there are many different paths that PharmDs can pursue within the field of pharmacy with or without postgraduate training. It is important that students consider their individual goals and interests when it comes to choosing a career path, whether that be residency, fellowship, or direct entry roles in community, hospital, or industry settings. PharmDs are equipped with versatile skill sets, therefore it’s important that pharmacy schools provide resources for students to explore the multitude of options available to them post-graduation.
Shannon Gallo, PharmD, Global Regulatory Affairs Fellow at Sanofi/MCPHSEmail: shannon.gallo@sanofi.com
Anthony Chan, PharmD, MBA, Global Regulatory Affairs Fellow at Sanofi/MCPHSEmail: anthony.chan@sanofi.com
Helen Pervanas, PharmD, Professor of Pharmacy Practice Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health ScienceEmail: helen.pervanas@mcphs.edu
