Academic Pharmacy Fellowship Programs are an Innovative Solution to Improve the Faculty Pipeline

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Academic Pharmacy

Background:

• Academic pharmacy fellowship programs are crucial for training future clinical faculty.
• A standardized program blueprint is currently lacking for these fellowships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the academic pharmacy fellowship program at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy.
• To discuss the implications of implementing similar programs in other pharmacy colleges.

Main Methods:

• The fellowship program includes monthly rotations in academic areas.
• Training encompasses teaching, curriculum development, college service, mentoring, scholarship, and clinical practice.
• Key components include didactic and skills lab teaching, committee service, and research project leadership.

Main Results:

• The structured program provides comprehensive training for aspiring pharmacy educators.
• Graduates gain essential skills and experiences for transitioning into clinical faculty positions.
• Significant student interaction is integrated into the fellowship experience.

Conclusions:

• The University of Houston's academic pharmacy fellowship model offers a viable blueprint.
• Implementing such programs can enhance the preparation of pharmacists for academic careers.
• These fellowships are vital for developing skilled educators in pharmacy.