Drug Topics - March 24, 2008 - (Page 3) 3 Of Interest to Students Medical communications: Pharmacy’s best kept secret Jason Babby, Patrick McDonnell, and Jaya Jacob hen students begin their pharmacy school education, it may seem like graduation is a lifetime away. However, before they know it, they are in their third professional year and are near the point of selecting their clinical clerkship sites. Many pharmacy students are not aware of the various pharmacy career opportunities that are available to them. Medical education and communication companies (MECCs) represent a growing area of pharmacy practice that has been described as “pharmacy’s best kept secret.” MECCs are companies that relay current unbiased medical information through live continuing education (CE) programs and enduring materials (monographs, Webbased activities). Pharmacists play various roles in the creation of these materials, and hold positions such as medical writer, education or program director, and medical director. Most of the MECCs are located in the Northeast due to their proximity to a large number of pharmaceutical company commercial supporters. W pharmaceutical industry sites are a great way to set yourself apart from your peers. It is also a good idea to complete at least two clinical clerkships in industry and drug information. If your pharmacy school does not offer clerkships in these areas, be proactive and research opportunities that are available nationwide. Chances are that a number of MECCs may be close to your college or home. You should also consult with your clerkship coordinator about establishing a new rotation site. Once you are aware of the procedures involved, you should contact sites that interest you. Consider a fellowship After completing pharmacy school, one may consider fellowship training. A pharmaceutical industry fellowship provides a variety of post-doctoral training opportunities in fields such as clinical development, marketing, regulatory affairs, drug safety, and medical communications/education. The Rutgers Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship Program, which is affiliated with the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers University, is an example of such a program, and it offers fellowship positions within a MECC. Although a fellowship is not required for employment by a MECC, it is highly recommended. A fellowship offers recent graduates the opportunity for systematic training in their respective field under the supervision of experienced colleagues. Keep an open mind to all areas of pharmacy practice; you may never know what might interest you. References are available upon request. Advice for students During our rotation at Bimark Center for Medical Education (BCME), we had the opportunity to speak with several senior managers, and they provided some insight into pursuing a career in MECC. Pharmacists working in this field must be proficient in market research, literature evaluation, and communication of pertinent conclusions to a target audience. The amount of medical information available is vast, and as such, the ability to search and extract relevant information is highly valued. Once information is retrieved, a pharmacist should be JASON BABBY is a Pharm.D. candidate, class of 2009, at St. John’s able to evaluate, assemble, and package the information University, N.Y. specifically for the end user. Persuasive communication PATRICK MCDONNELL is a Pharm.D. candidate, class of 2009, at St. John’s University, N.Y. of end results through both written and oral forms is also crucial: therefore, the pharmacist should possess JAYA JACOB is a Pharm.D. candidate, class of 2008, at Rutgers University, N.J. strong verbal and written communication skills. He or she should also be a team player, be able to manUseful links age multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks Here are some resources you can check out: well, and be deadline-driven. If you are considering a career in MECCs, then • Rutgers University Institute for Pharmaceutical Industry you can begin preparing for one long before graduFellowships: pharmafellows.rutgers.edu ation. During pharmacy school, enrolling in cours• Directory of Medical Education companies in the U.S.: es that may develop and utilize medical writing and meetingsnet.com/medicalmeetings/mecc_directory/ communication skills is recommended. Summer indirectory_medical_education_communication_ ternship experiences in medical communication companies/ companies, drug information centers, and other http://pharmafellows.rutgers.edu http://meetingsnet.com/medicalmeetings/mecc_directory/directory_medical_education_communication_companies/ http://meetingsnet.com/medicalmeetings/mecc_directory/directory_medical_education_communication_companies/ http://meetingsnet.com/medicalmeetings/mecc_directory/directory_medical_education_communication_companies/
Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Drug Topics - March 24, 2008 Drug Topics - March 24, 2008 Contents Medical Communication: Pharmacy's Best Kept Secret Pharmacies Bemoan Generics' Shrinking Margins More Groups Demand Pathway For Biogenerics Latest News Roundup Drug Topics - March 24, 2008 Drug Topics - March 24, 2008 - Contents (Page 1) Drug Topics - March 24, 2008 - Contents (Page 2) Drug Topics - March 24, 2008 - Medical Communication: Pharmacy's Best Kept Secret (Page 3) Drug Topics - March 24, 2008 - Pharmacies Bemoan Generics' Shrinking Margins (Page 4) Drug Topics - March 24, 2008 - More Groups Demand Pathway For Biogenerics (Page 5) Drug Topics - March 24, 2008 - Latest News Roundup (Page 6) Drug Topics - March 24, 2008 - Latest News Roundup (Page 7)
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