Medical Communications/Drug Information

Background

Pharmacists who specialize in medical communications/drug information provide

educational services about pharmaceutical products for health care professionals,
pharmaceutical industry personnel, and consumers. They may be employed by medical
communications firms, pharmaceutical manufacturers, academic institutions, managed care
organizations, hospitals, professional associations, clinical research organizations, or other
health care settings. Their responsibilities vary by the type of setting in which they practice.

Their efforts may be internally focused, for example providing services to employees of a
pharmaceutical manufacturer or as an in-house library and information service. Or their
clientele may be the general public, for example providing information in a poison control
center in response to queries from physicians, nurses, other pharmacists, or the general
community. Perhaps more frequently, these pharmacists are manufacturers’ employees with
the responsibility for providing authoritative information on their company’s products to
pharmacists or physicians with specific information needs regarding a particular product
(e.g., special dosage needs, unusual reactions). Additionally, many pharmacists are employed
by medical communications companies or professional associations that publish
authoritative drug information references.

As one respondent from Indiana stated, “[I] provide needed drug information to other
health care professionals based on their requests.” A New Jersey respondent indicated
“answer[ing] questions that nobody else can find the answer to.”

Medical communications/drug information pharmacists have diverse responsibilities in the

health care system. Sixteen percent of their time is spent on project/case management.
Twelve percent is spent on data management, followed by 11% on health professional
consulting, 10% on department management, 9% on service (committee work), and the
remainder divided across a variety of other functions.

Characteristics

Nineteen pharmacists responded to the 2007 APhA Career Pathway Evaluation Program
survey—one of the smallest groups in this survey. While a small sample, trends and
attitudes can be discerned from the survey.

Among the respondents, 94% had earned an entry-level pharmacy degree, with 73% having
earned the PharmD degree. Only 5% had an advanced degree (MA, MS, MBA, or PhD).
Nearly all, however, have undertaken educational or training programs beyond their earned
pharmacy degree. Sixty-three percent had completed a residency, 16% had earned a
certificate, and 21% had taken other training.

The respondents were younger than other categories in this survey; the mean age was 39
years old. Consistent with the demographics of younger pharmacists, a full 95% of this
group was female. Almost two thirds (63%) identify themselves as being in management.

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Forty percent of these pharmacists report that they earn between $80,000–100,000 annually.
Twenty percent report annual income in excess of $100,000. Medical communications/drug
information pharmacists work an average of 41 hours per week.

Seventy-four percent report that they were “extremely satisfied” with their work, with the
remaining 26% indicating they were “somewhat satisfied.” Similarly, 63% reported being
“extremely challenged” with their work and the remaining 37% reported “somewhat
challenged.” None were dissatisfied or unchallenged in their practice settings.

A respondent from Wyoming indicated that the position was “mentally challenging.” A
colleague from Indiana wrote “extremely satisfied.”

Insider’s Perspective

What aspects of the job are most appealing?

Thirty-seven percent of the respondents indicated that the schedule flexibility was the most
appealing aspect of their work. In addition, medical communications/drug information
pharmacists enjoy the ability to apply their knowledge base. Thirty-two percent indicated
that they found the application of their knowledge an appealing aspect.

A Colorado respondent indicated enjoyment in the “ability to apply critical thinking/

literature evaluation skills regularly.” A New Jersey respondent enjoyed “the varied
responsibilities.”

What aspects of the job are least appealing?

Only one issue was highlighted by multiple respondents: 21% reported “politics” as the least
appealing portion of their work. Two respondents from Wisconsin and New Jersey were
very precise in their feedback when they wrote one word responses—“politics.”

What advice should students and practitioners consider when selecting the option of
medical communications/drug information pharmacy?
A theme emerged from this group stressing the need to enjoy research. Endorsing this
concept, a Wyoming respondent noted that medical communications/drug information
pharmacists need the “desire to [do] in-depth research and find complete answers.” A
respondent from Iowa stated, “Make sure you like research topics and can think critically.”
Finally, a Washington medical communications pharmacist stated that one “needs to gain
clinical experience and expertise in drug information/communications and clinical
trials/statistics.”

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Critical Factor Ratings

Interaction With Patients

Consistent with the environment of medical communications practices, the low range 2.7
rating identifies interaction with patients and other members of the public as occupying only
a small portion of medical communications/drug information pharmacists’ work time. For
the most part, these pharmacists do not interact with patients except for limited times on the
telephone.
= 2.7
σ = 1.8

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
None of my time All of my time

Conducting Physical Assessments

Not surprisingly, the low range rating of 1.1 underscores that respondents do not conduct
physical assessments. This was the lowest-rated factor in this profile. This makes sense
given the indirect role they play in patient care.
= 1.1
σ = 0.5

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
None of my time All of my time

Interpreting Laboratory Values

Another low rating of 2.1 indicates that medical communications/drug information
pharmacists spend relatively little of their time interpreting laboratory values.
= 2.1
σ = 1.2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
None of my time All of my time

Continuity of Relationships
Because of the nature of the role that medical communications pharmacists take, there is
little continuity of relationships with patients in the field. These pharmacists are engaged in
episodic contacts, the vast majority of which are short-term relationships. However, some
longer-standing relationships can develop with other health care professionals who rely on
their expertise.
= 4.4
σ = 3.5

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
No ongoing/ All relationships are
long-term relationships ongoing/long-term

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Helping People
Another low range rating of 1.9 indicates that the help and services these respondents
provide in their practices are almost exclusively indirect, rather than directly helping
individuals. The exception to this rule is when the medical communications department is
housed in a tertiary care institution where other practitioners have easy access to come in
and request information.
= 1.9
σ = 1.2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
All effect is indirect All effect is direct

Collaboration With Other Professionals

Medical communications/drug information pharmacists engage in collaboration with other
professionals on a regular basis. This may well be a function of the specific position and the
type of organization employing the pharmacist.
= 5.9
σ = 2.8

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
None of my time All of my time

Educating Other Professionals

Medical communications/drug information pharmacists rated this factor mid-range at 5.7,
indicating that they spend time educating health professionals other than pharmacists.
= 5.7
σ = 2.7

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
None of my time All of my time

Variety of Daily Activities

To a high degree, these specialists experience a wide variety of activities and issues in their
daily responsibilities reflected by the 7.1 rating.
= 7.1
σ = 2.2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Highly repetitive Highly variable

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Multiple Task Handling
Medical communications/drug information pharmacists experience the need for
multitasking as indicated by the 6.9 rating for this factor. Their work is inherently involved
in the accomplishment of a myriad of duties from telephone calls to writing and editing—all
at the same time.
= 6.9
σ = 2.7

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Always one activity at a time Always several tasks at a time

Problem Solving
On the mid-range of the scale at 6.1, these respondents are slightly more involved in seeking
solutions to problems by untested means, rather than being able to rely on previously used
alternatives. This rating may be in response to an unusual dosage form need or a drug
reaction experienced by a patient.
= 6.1
σ = 1.5

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Always tried and true Always untested alternatives

Focus of Expertise
Medical communications/drug information pharmacists equally use a sharply defined area of
expertise along with general expertise in carrying out their responsibilities. This rating is
consistent with the data that few have advanced degrees, yet most have achieved other forms
of advanced training.
= 5.6
σ = 2.7

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Generally defined area Sharply defined area

Innovative Thinking
Medical communications/drug information pharmacists tend to be involved in innovative
thinking as a part of their practice. This is consistent with their responses regarding problem
solving and their continuing need to apply solid scientific knowledge to both constantly
changing and new questions or problems.
= 7.5
σ = 1.9

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Never involves Always involves
innovative thinking innovative thinking

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Applying Scientific Knowledge
The application of scientific knowledge is critical for medical communications/drug
information pharmacy and this response confirms it. Pharmacists in this field apply such
information all the time.
= 8.4
σ = 2.1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
None of my time All of my time

Applying Medical Knowledge

Tied for the third-highest rating in the profile, respondents indicated that medical knowledge
is the very essence of medical communications/drug information pharmacy.
= 8.7
σ = 1.6

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
None of my time All of my time

Creating New Knowledge by Conducting Research

Despite their concentration on research to obtain accurate information regarding a drug
product or preparation, these pharmacists do not perceive themselves as generating “new”
information through research. Consequently, a 3.2 rating is on the lower end of the
spectrum, identifying the creation of new knowledge as consuming a smaller portion of their
practice time.
= 3.2
σ = 2.9

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
None of my time All of my time

Management/Supervision of Others
Respondents find themselves in the lower mid-range with regard to the time they spend
managing and supervising others.
= 4.1
σ = 2.9

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
None of my time All of my time

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Management/Supervision of a Business
Respondents indicated that they spend slightly less time on the management of the business
compared with managing others.
= 3.7
σ = 2.7

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
None of my time All of my time

Pressure/Stress
As with many types of pharmacy practitioners, there is a moderate stress level within the
medical communications/drug information environment. In this case, the pressure may be
coming from other professionals, rather than from the patient or the public.
= 5.8
σ = 2.7

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Never experience Always experience
pressure/stress pressure/stress

Work Schedule
A high range 7.9 rating identifies a regular and predictable work schedule for these
pharmacists. This is not surprising, given the “office” nature of the work (i.e., Monday–
Friday) and generally large corporate employers.
= 7.9
σ = 2.1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Irregular/unpredictable Regular/predictable

Part-Time Opportunities
Part-time opportunities exist in this field to a moderate level.
= 5.2
σ = 3.4

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
No opportunity for Always opportunities
part-time employment for part-time employment

Job-Sharing Opportunities
Because of the nature of the activities performed by medical communications pharmacists,
job-sharing opportunities are limited.
= 3.4
σ = 2.8

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
No opportunity for Always opportunities
job-sharing for job-sharing

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Exit/Re-entry Opportunities
Exit/re-entry opportunities are mid-range for this group with a rating of 6.3, indicating that
there are opportunities if someone exits the field and wants to regain employment.
= 6.3
σ = 2.2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
No opportunity for Always opportunities
exit/re-entry for exit/re-entry

Parental Leave Opportunities

Medical communications pharmacists rated parental leave the highest across all profiles in
this survey. In addition, this factor is tied for the highest rating internally for this group.
= 8.9
σ = 1.9

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
No opportunity for Always opportunities
parental leave for parental leave

Leisure/Family Time
Medical communications pharmacists rated this factor 7.8, which ties this for the highest
response for this factor across all profiles. To a considerable degree, these pharmacists enjoy
ample opportunity for personal and family time. This is made possible by the reliability and
regularity of their work schedule and the very nature of the work.
= 7.8
σ = 2.2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
No free time Always opportunities
for free time

Job Security
Consistent with related responses regarding work schedule and availability of free time,
medical communications/drug information pharmacists enjoy a high range level of job
security. They are generally employed by larger institutions and corporations in which
employment is stable by nature.
= 7.7
σ = 1.7

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
No security/stability Total security/stability

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Opportunities for Advancement
Depending on the size of their employer and the department they work in, different
opportunities for advancement exist for medical communications/drug information
pharmacists. With a 5.9 rating, these pharmacists indicate having the chance to move ahead
in their chosen careers.
= 5.9
σ = 2.8

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
No opportunities Always opportunities
for advancement for advancement

Opportunities for Leadership Development

Opportunities to develop leadership skills are widely available to these pharmacists within
their employment.
= 6.9
σ = 2.7

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
No opportunities for Always opportunities for
leadership development leadership development

Community Prestige
Medical communications/drug information pharmacists indicated that they are mid-range
regarding prestige within the community. This also may be specific to the environment
because in some settings where they interact with the public (e.g., a poison control center),
pharmacists are held in very high esteem by patients and others.
= 5.9
σ = 2.7

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Much less prestige than Much more prestige than
anyone else in the community others in the community

Professional Involvement
A high range rating of 8.4 is evidence that medical communications/drug information
pharmacists have the opportunity to participate in meetings and other events within the
pharmacy profession. The very nature of their work involves knowledge of and acceptance
by other practitioners and professionals, so it is advantageous for these pharmacists to know
others within the profession and to be known by them as reliable information sources.
= 8.4
σ = 2.5

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
No opportunity for Always an opportunity for
professional involvement professional involvement

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Income
These pharmacists indicated that they are properly compensated for their work within the
medical communications/drug information practice setting.
= 8.2
σ = 2.2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Not properly compensated Properly compensated

Benefits (vacation, health, retirement)

Directly related to responses for income level are the matter of benefits. This rating
acknowledges that benefits such as vacation, health insurance, and retirement packages are
available to medical communications/drug information pharmacists. Employment by larger
corporate entities also are a positive factor in this regard.
= 8.1
σ = 2.2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
No benefit package Excellent benefit package

Geographic Location
With an 8.3 rating, pharmacists report that they are able to relocate nearly anywhere in the
United States. If affiliated with academic institutions or hospitals, relocation is widely
available. With the pharmaceutical industry, however, corporate entities are concentrated in
California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina, Indiana, Illinois, and other geographic
regions thereby limiting relocation choices.
= 8.3
σ = 2.9

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Limited to one location Can practice anywhere

Autonomy
Medical communications/drug information pharmacists enjoy a great deal of autonomy in
carrying out their responsibilities. They operate independently and make decisions without
much supervision.
= 8.1
σ = 1.6

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
No autonomy Total autonomy

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Self-Worth
Tied for the highest rating with parental leave, medical communications/drug information
pharmacists feel a high level opportunity to create personal value and positive outcomes
through their work. This response may be related to the degree of challenge and job
satisfaction previously discussed.
= 8.9
σ = 1.2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Never allowed Always allowed

Future Focus
Medical communications/drug information pharmacists are usually involved looking toward
the future side of a situation, rather than on immediate concerns. This seems logical, since
each new inquiry or problem must be anticipated by the medical communications/drug
information pharmacist as a predecessor to many similar inquiries in the future.
= 7.7
σ = 2.1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Focus on immediate task Focus on future

Professional Prestige
In the upper range rating, these pharmacists are highly regarded among their peers within the
pharmacy profession. This is consistent with the earlier measurements of opportunity for
professional involvement and leadership development.
= 7.5
σ = 2.6

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Never provided Always provided

Unique Practice Environment

These pharmacists work in a unique practice setting, reflected by the high 8.7 rating, which is
tied for the third highest in this profile. Access to computerized data, patented information,
and cutting-edge knowledge of a wide variety of information banks adds to this aura of
uniqueness.
= 8.7
σ = 2.6

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Not at all unique Extremely unique

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Advanced Degree
Despite that demographic data show only 5% have earned advanced degrees, most
respondents indicated that a graduate degree is required for medical communications/drug
information pharmacy. A variation in the responses may reflect differences in requirements
across employers and practice settings.
= 6.1
σ = 3.9

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Advanced degree not required Advanced degree required

Entrepreneurial Opportunity
With a mid-range rating, medical communications/drug information pharmacists believe
that there are limited opportunities for entrepreneurs within the field. Interestingly, there are
a few respondents who work from home offices and look at themselves as entrepreneurial.
Some practice settings may allow for more entrepreneurship and creativity (e.g., developing a
new drug information resource).
= 4.9
σ = 3.5

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Not at all Extremely

Additional Training
A high response rating of 8.5 indicates that continual training after entering the field is
needed to practice and maintain competency in medical communications/drug information
pharmacy.
= 8.5
σ = 2.3

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Not required Always required

Interacting With Colleagues

Considering the work that these pharmacists do, it is not surprising that they interact with
colleagues often.
= 6.8
σ = 2.2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
None of my time All of my time

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Travel
Travel is not a specific requirement for the day-to-day roles of respondents. Nonetheless,
there is opportunity to travel depending on the position that the pharmacist holds.
= 2.5
σ = 1.4

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
None of my time All of my time

Writing
Respondents were high range in the amount of writing that they do. The writing of reports
and the necessity for logging information enters into the picture for many of these
pharmacists.
= 8.2
σ = 2.0

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
None of my time All of my time

Working With Teams

Respondents work both as individuals and with teams. The team approach is related to
larger projects and complex questions that are asked of the group.
= 6.4
σ = 2.4

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
None of my time All of my time

“On Call”
Not surprisingly, respondents indicated a low range level of “on call” status.
= 1.8
σ = 1.5

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Never “on call” Always “on call”

Work on Holidays
Most medical communications pharmacists do not have to work on holidays.
= 1.4
σ = 0.6

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Never work on holidays Always work on holidays

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Work on Weekends
Similar to the above factor, respondents indicated that their position called for very limited
time at work on the weekends.
= 1.9
σ = 1.4

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Never work on weekends Always work on weekends

Presentations
Respondents rated presentations at 4.6, indicating that there are times when they give
presentations but this time commitment is lower than for other activities. Taking into
consideration the rating for writing, it appears that most of the communications to other
health care providers are written versus formal presentations.
= 4.6
σ = 2.3

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
None of my time All of my time

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Mean Scores for Critical Factors
1. Interaction With Patients 2.7
2. Conducting Physical Assessments 1.1
3. Interpreting Laboratory Values 2.1
4. Continuity of Relationships 4.4
5. Helping People 1.9
6. Collaboration With Other Professionals 5.9
7. Educating Other Professionals 5.7
8. Variety of Daily Activities 7.1
9. Multiple Task Handling 6.9
10. Problem Solving 6.1
11. Focus of Expertise 5.6
12. Innovative Thinking 7.5
13. Applying Scientific Knowledge 8.4
14. Applying Medical Knowledge 8.7
15. Creating New Knowledge by Conducting Research 3.2
16. Management/Supervision of Others 4.1
17. Management/Supervision of a Business 3.7
18. Pressure/Stress 5.8
19. Work Schedule 7.9
20. Part-Time Opportunities 5.2
21. Job-Sharing Opportunities 3.4
22. Exit/Re-entry Opportunities 6.3
23. Parental Leave Opportunities 8.9
24. Leisure/Family Time 7.8
25. Job Security 7.7
26. Opportunities for Advancement 5.9
27. Opportunities for Leadership Development 6.9
28. Community Prestige 5.9
29. Professional Involvement 8.4
30. Income 8.2
31. Benefits (vacation, health, retirement) 8.1
32. Geographic Location 8.3
33. Autonomy 8.1
34. Self-Worth 8.9
35. Future Focus 7.7
36. Professional Prestige 7.5
37. Unique Practice Environment 8.7
38. Advanced Degree 6.1
39. Entrepreneurial Opportunity 4.9
40. Additional Training 8.5
41. Interacting With Colleagues 6.8
42. Travel 2.5
43. Writing 8.2
44. Working With Teams 6.4
45. “On Call” 1.8
46. Work on Holidays 1.4
47. Work on Weekends 1.9
48. Presentations 4.6

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Reference

Schommer JC, Brown LM, Sogol EM. Career Pathway Evaluation Program 2007 Pharmacist Profile
Survey. June 2007.

Professional Organizations

American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP)

1426 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel: 703-739-2330 Fax: 703-836-8982
www.aacp.org

American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)

3101 Broadway, Suite 650, Kansas City, MO 64111
Tel: 816-531-2177 Fax: 816-531-4990
www.accp.com

American Pharmacists Association (APhA)

1100 15th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20005
Tel: 800-237-APhA Fax: 202-783-2351
www.pharmacist.com

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)

7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814
Tel: 301-657-3000
www.ashp.org

Drug Information Association (DIA)

800 Enterprise Road, Suite 200, Horsham, PA 19044
Tel: 215-442-6100 Fax: 215-442-6199
www.diahome.org

National Pharmaceutical Association (NPhA)

107 Kilmayne Drive, Suite C, Cary, NC 27511
Tel: 800-944-NPhA Fax: 919-469-5870
www.npha.net

NOTE: For further pharmacy organization information, please visit the American
Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Web site at www.aacp.org and click on the “Related
Pharmacy Organizations” link.

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