Clinical career ladders: Hamot Medical Center

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Practice
• Hospital Pharmacy Administration
• Clinical Pharmacy Development

Background:

• The Hamot Medical Center (HMC) established a clinical career ladder program for pharmacists between 1980 and 1989.
• The program's evolution paralleled the expansion of clinical pharmacy services and satellite pharmacy operations.
• A formal plan was implemented in 1984 with the opening of the first satellite pharmacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and structure of a clinical career ladder program for pharmacists at HMC.
• To highlight the impact of the career ladder on professional development and patient care quality.
• To identify challenges encountered during the implementation and management of the program.

Main Methods:

• The program established parallel administrative, business, and clinical tracks.
• Defined progression criteria for entry-level pharmacists to staff pharmacist, clinical pharmacist II (CP II), and clinical pharmacist specialist (CP I).
• Outlined requirements including experience, Pharm.D. degree, and demonstrated clinical expertise for advancement.

Main Results:

• The clinical ladder enhanced pharmacist job satisfaction and encouraged the development of clinical practitioners.
• Promoted improved patient care through specialized clinical roles.
• Facilitated the diversification of pharmaceutical services and growth of pharmacy practice.

Conclusions:

• The HMC clinical career ladder program successfully enhanced pharmacy practice and improved the quality of pharmaceutical care.
• Challenges such as time constraints and competition for positions were noted.
• The parallel career ladder structure supported professional growth and service expansion.