Pharmacy Times offers relevant, clinical information for pharmacists that they can use in their daily practice. These include OTC and Rx product news, disease conditions, patient education guides, drug diversion and abuse, and more.
Issue link: http://pharmacytimes.epubxp.com/i/614520
T hese days, pharmacists tend to be general practitioners, handling most problems in community and hospital settings and referring problems beyond their abilities to specialists. Some pharmacists have areas of special interest that engross and challenge them. They wonder how they can fan that spark of interest into a fire of a career. This article uses cardiology as an example to discuss ways to develop specialty professional credentials. Residencies Residencies deliver professional creden- tials. The American Society of Health- System Pharmacists Resident Matching Program (natmatch.com/ashprmp) is the starting point for anyone looking for a residency. In 2015, 2811 pharmacists were matched with residencies; 1547 were not. If you failed to obtain a resi- dency, do not despair. Many pharmacists are not interested in residencies, often because they cannot commit to years of clinical training at a reduced salary. There are other ways to build credentials, however. The Back-to-School Myth A postgraduate degree in business, epi- demiology, biology, or statistics, or a plethora of other fields of study builds credentials. On the other hand, if you cannot commit to another degree, consider other opportunities that will develop your professional skills. For example, enroll in online classes, attend conferences or seminars, and network. Consider teaching, as it forces you to learn. All of these opportunities freshen skills, maintain competitiveness, and promote growth. The ABCs When building credentials, it often helps to make SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-tagged) goals. Focus on small steps that work around your concurrent obligations and financial responsibilities. Set short- and long-term goals, and, at first, pick goals that are quick, easy, and feed your soul. For example, initial goals for cardiac specialization might include completing 6 continuing education (CE) modules in cardiology-related topics (Table 1) within 4 months. As you learn, you will find areas about which you want to know more. Once you have com- pleted some basic CE programs, look for ones in advanced areas where new treatment strategies are emerging and/ or areas where patients need support (eg, anticoagulation, atrial fibrillation). Volunteer Some doors stay shut unless you knock loudly. Many people find dream jobs starting as volunteers, progressing to part-time paid positions, and eventu- ally becoming full-time employees. Volunteering will help you develop con- tacts in your target field. The American Heart Association, WomenHeart (The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease), or your local visiting nurse association may have volunteer vacancies that offer exposure and experi- ence. Job applicants who have hearts of gold stand out in job searches. Small newsletters and newspapers also welcome uncompensated submissions. Well-crafted cardiology-related articles display your expertise and add publica- tions to your credentials. Writing 3 or 4 columns annually also shows potential employers that you have a sustained interest, educate others, and can meet deadlines. Be a Joiner Look for multidisciplinary organizations that promote your interest (Online Table 2). Membership fees provide resources and exposure that can be extraordinary. Joining an international association will give you an excuse to travel to confer- ences in faraway places, and joining smaller, local associations will give you contacts in your area. Certification and Accreditation Certification, a confirmation that certain requirements have been fulfilled, boosts credentials. It shows that you found a pro- gram, engaged in a formal study process, and systematically enhanced your skills. Accreditation, a more rigorous pro- cess, implies technical competence. Accreditors assess applicants rigorously, usually using exams or evaluations in practice settings. Accreditation can be time-consuming and some accreditation programs only accept experienced appli- cants. Every program is different. Earning certification or accreditation in cardiology is a stellar achievement (Online Table 3). End Note The steps described above for cardiol- ogy can be applied to other specialties. Demonstrating an authentic commitment to a specialty will work in your favor when you apply for your dream job. n Jeannette Y. Wick, RPh, MBA J t t Y W i k R P h M B A Developing Professional Credentials: Cardiology as the Model For tables, go to PharmacyTimes.com. MORE @ PHARMACY TIMES.COM DIRECTIONS IN PHARMACY™ Career Coach Ms. Wick is a visiting professor at the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy where she teaches management and career planning. 72 PharmacyTimes.com December 2015 TABLE 1: CARDIOLOGY-RELATED TOPICS Acute myocardial infarction Acute coronary syndrome Arrhythmia Atrial fibrillation Cardiomyopathy Dyslipidemia Heart failure Hypertension Metabolic syndrome Myocarditis Orthostatic hypotension Pericarditis Peripheral arterial disease Rheumatic fever Ventricular tachycardia Tweet how you obtained professional credentials @Pharmacy_Times