Career path and skill set for PharmDs as successful clinical pharmacology scientists: A case study and perspective of a former industry scientist

ObjectiveMost pharmacy graduates are not fully informed of the highly specialized opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry. The purpose of this report is to outline a career path and define the skill set for PharmDs who want to pursue a career as clinical pharmacology (CP) scientists.MethodsThree case studies are presented of PharmDs who enrolled in postgraduate fellowship programs and gained employment in the industry as clinical pharmacologists. They were followed up after being on the job for at least two years with a questionnaire on training, mentorship and career path.ResultsData showed areas needing additional training included, how to efficiently design and run clinical studies, effective communication with team members, advanced pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) analysis and interpretation, dosage forms and bioavailability issues, and metabolism and transporter issues.ConclusionsInitiatives by academia and industry are needed to coordinate the training of PharmD scientists preparing to pursue careers in CP. Efforts should include academic institutions offering electives and redesigning fellowships to address today's complex drug-development needs.