For a someone with a PharmD that is involved in clinical research, what do they typically do in this position? I know they will be testing new drugs on participants, but is it mostly to determine their safety and effectiveness? or might some of these researchers continually try to learn how new drugs work in the body? Thanks in advance for any replies.
Clinical Research with PharmD
- Thread starter Zesty
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It depends on what you mean by "clinical research."
We have Investigational Drug Service pharmacists that participate in any research in our institution that requires specialized provision of drug product or record keeping of drug dispensing. This includes both investigational products (phase 3 studies for example) and blinded studies using commercial products. They are often the only ones unblinded to a randomized study being conducted. They have no patient interaction. They prepare blinded and unblinded drug for use in studies. They help choose placebos for developing studies. They help keep randomization records.
We also have clinical pharmacists who participate in "clinical research" in their areas. This includes randomized prospective trials. I help our physicians enroll patients, develop protocols, negotiate with the investigational pharmacists, etc for most of the drug related studies in my unit.
We have Investigational Drug Service pharmacists that participate in any research in our institution that requires specialized provision of drug product or record keeping of drug dispensing. This includes both investigational products (phase 3 studies for example) and blinded studies using commercial products. They are often the only ones unblinded to a randomized study being conducted. They have no patient interaction. They prepare blinded and unblinded drug for use in studies. They help choose placebos for developing studies. They help keep randomization records.
We also have clinical pharmacists who participate in "clinical research" in their areas. This includes randomized prospective trials. I help our physicians enroll patients, develop protocols, negotiate with the investigational pharmacists, etc for most of the drug related studies in my unit.
Clinical research pharmacists usually helps develop clinical research protocols and oversees that it’s followed at research sites (usually hospitals). They interacts with nurses at research sites. These positions are traditionally filled by nurses, and the starting pay rate is much lower than retail but there’s better opportunities for growth.
You can also be a clinical research associate or a monitor who looks on how studies are being carried out and if the protocol and regulations are being followed. I have seen more pharmacist in roles not traditional for them but they do ok and make good money.
