Career Path

Building a Successful Career in Clinical Pharmacology

“Clinical pharmacology is so vast and widely applied that a lifetime of learning is required to fully grasp the breadth and depth of the field.” - Bridgette L. Jones, MD, Assistant Professor, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine

The field of clinical pharmacology has a growing need for highly trained scientists. As an integral part of mainstream medicine, clinical pharmacologists pave the way for safe and effective treatments that help patients achieve longer, healthier lives.

Within the three branches of clinical pharmacology—academia, industry, and government—there is a world of opportunity to improve patient care. Choosing the right career track, however, can be a difficult decision.

Not unlike most young professionals embarking on a new career, many scientists have questions as they face the road ahead. Will I be able to interact with patients while working in a corporate environment? What does the future hold for academic medicine? How can I secure a career in the public health sector?

For clinical pharmacologists, a well-defined career path is a framework for the future. An awareness of career progression and opportunities for growth is of the utmost importance, as is long-term mentorship. The lab and classroom may be where mentoring begins, but it is by no means where it ends.

Clinical pharmacology training programs can impart both a broad and specific understanding of the discipline—broad in the teaching of basic principles, and specifically designed to address topics ranging from pharmacogenetics and rational prescribing to infectious diseases and endocrinology. Starter grants and fellowships, such as those awarded by the PhRMA Foundation, facilitate independent research and foster careers in all branches of the discipline.

Academia

A career in academic medicine often begins with a doctorate program in pharmacy, medicine, or related sciences, followed by a residency and fellowship, where students receive theoretical, practical, and medical training. Learn more about an academic career in clinical pharmacology.

Industry

Pharmaceutical companies develop and test new products before they enter the marketplace, and determine proper dosage, which is essential for safe and effective drug use. Learn more about an industry career in clinical pharmacology.

Government

New drug review, product regulation, and safety surveillance are just a few of the responsibilities of federal health agencies. Learn more about a regulatory career in clinical pharmacology.

The Career Path

Academia

Scott Waldman, MD, PhD, FCP Professor at Jefferson Medical College

Click here to read a Q&A session with Scott Waldman, MD, PhD, FCP
Professor at Jefferson Medical College

Industry

Steven Ryder, MD President of Astellas Pharma Global Development Inc.

Click here to read a Q&A session with Steven Ryder, MD
President of Astellas Pharma Global Development Inc.

Government

Kathleen Uhl, MD Director in the Office of Women’s Health, FDA

Click here to read Q&A session with Kathleen Uhl, MD
Director in the Office of Women’s Health, FDA

BENEFACTORS

The PHRMA Foundation owes its success to the pharmaceutical companies that have provided their generous support over the past 43 years.Use the arrows to scroll benefactors and click their logo to learn more about them.

View all benefactors.