The profession of a pharmacy is now more specialized and clinical as never before. Staff pharmacists who wish to advance their careers to become a clinical specialist will have to acquire not only knowledge of medications, but also innate understanding of the clinical needs of patients, the ability to lead, and research-based medical practices to achieve this outcome.
In this paper, we will discuss our career development as a pharmacist to the next level and make it as a successful clinical specialist, either through postgraduate training or experience and networking.
Step One: Attain Higher Learning and Clinical Surgery.
The additional education and practice are the starting point of specialization in clinical pharmacy. You should take two major residency programs in case you are serious about this field:
First year of postgraduate medical training (PGY1).
It is a year of training that enhances the knowledge of the pharmacist on the general clinical practice.
You also acquire the skills of handling medication therapy of patients in hospitals, understanding the effect of medication therapy, and making well-informed decisions with the healthcare team during your time in the hospital as a PGY1 resident.
2.2-year-old (PGY2) Residency.
PGY2 residency is the most appropriate choice in case you need to specialize in one of the mentioned areas Infectious Disease, Cardiology, or Critical Care.
The training is regarded as the most direct way to get yourself to the next level, i.e. a clinical specialist.
Step Two: Become Board Certified.
Once you are done with the residency or have enough experience in the field of your specialty, you are eligible to be board certified.
This certification ascertains your competency and distinguishes you amongst the rest of the individuals.
The specialized certifications, offered by the esteemed bodies, like the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) and some of them are:
- BCCCP (Board Certified Critical Care Pharmacist)
- BCIDP (Board Certified Infectious Diseases Pharmacist)
Obtaining any of these certifications does not only make your resume strong but also makes you eligible to higher roles in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
Step Three: Identify a More Experienced Mentor.
There is a great mentor behind any successful professional.
In case you are employed in a hospital or pharmacy network, reach out to an experienced clinical pharmacist or manager within the network.
A mentor will tell you the right direction to follow–
what classes or education will you find helpful,
what are the things that can speed up your career growth,
and which mistakes to avoid.
Mentorship is also a source of guidance but also a source of professional networking.
Step Four: Development Strategies based on experience.
In case, due to some reasons, you are not able to treat a formal residency program, you still have a chance to promote your career. Gaining clinical skills can be done through my present place of work with experience and initiative.
Expand Clinical responsibilities.
Willingly accept the tasks associated with patient care, e.g. rounds with patients, pharmacotherapy adjustments, or writing up medication review reports.
Become a Member in the Hospital Policy Formulation.
At the organizational level, help to create or revise drug policies and treatment guidelines. This does not only show that you are knowledgeable but also shows that you are a leader.
Mentor Junior Pharmacists
Share your experience with other people.
Being a preceptor or training staff pharmacist is a great way to build your credibility and leadership.
Step Five: Leadership Skills and Professional Development.
A clinical specialist should not only have medical knowledge but they should also possess leadership and management skills.
Effective Communication You have to be capable of expressing yourself very well and in a straightforward manner with the patients and other professionals in the healthcare facility.
Conflict Resolution The clinical teams are associated with disagreements. The ability to find solutions in the form of a healthy dialogue is essential.
Strategic Thinking You have to be able to contemplate on the way to promote pharmacy services in your department or field of specialty.
Emotional Intelligence Learning how to feel the team members and drive them towards the right direction is the characteristic of a good leader.
Step Six: Become a Member of Professional Organizations and Network.
Clinical pharmacy is an ever-changing field. Hence, one should always keep in touch with individuals who are in your profession.
The following organizations can be joined:
The American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP).
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
You can not only stay abreast of current research, techniques and opportunities by attending conferences, webinars and workshops offered by such organisations but also increase your network.
Step Seven: Be a specialist in an area.
Being a clinical specialist is not only promotion, but the acquisition of real expertise in your profession.
This involves unceasing education.
How to become a subject-matter expert:
Do Continuing Education courses in your subject.
Create a journal club/study group in which you can discuss case studies.
Deliver talks on conferences or serve on a medical committee, e.g. Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee.
Such activities enhance your learning and build your name in the industry.
Career Advancement and Development.
There are numerous opportunities that present themselves to you when you are a competent clinical specialist:
Hospital-based clinical leadership.
University pharmacy educators.
Research and Development (R&D) industry.
And clinical consultant jobs in other government and non-government health projects.
Besides this, you are also getting respect, high salaries and professional independence.
Conclusion
It is not an easy path to move to the clinical specialist, but it is all achievable with the help of hard work, constant education, and the proper advice. Your dedication will make you what you act upon whether you choose a residency program or use your experience to give you new responsibilities.
