Career expectations of pharmacists with postgraduate training in drug information

The career expectations of pharmacists who have completed postgraduate training in drug information were studied. A questionnaire was mailed to all pharmacists who completed fellowships or residencies in drug information from 1989 to 1993 and the current preceptors of such programs. Recipients were asked to provide information about past and present positions, residency or fellowship training goals, characteristics of an ideal practice setting, satisfaction with current positions, professional activities, and future career goals. Seventy-five pharmacists (26 preceptors and 49 former trainees) returned questionnaires with usable information, for an 86% response rate. Preceptors and former trainees gave similar responses regarding the desired characteristics of an ideal practice setting, overall satisfaction with one's current position, expectations after postgraduate training in drug information, and long-term career goals. However, many former trainees did not list drug information-related positions as the desired first job after training, suggesting that the career opportunities in drug information may need to be stressed more heavily in training programs. Former drug information residents and fellows had career expectations similar to those held by current program preceptors.