The role of a pharmacist as a medical information specialist in the pharmaceutical industry.

Introduction: The literature has limited information on pharmacists working in the alternate career path of a medical information specialist in the pharmaceutical industry. The purpose of this study was to gather the background, functions, and skills of pharmacists working in the role of a medical information specialist (MIS) and their preparation for the role through their pharmacy education.

Methods: An electronic survey was sent to medical information departments and obtained information on educational background, prior job experience, and skills required for the MIS role. The survey also asked for suggestions on how pharmacy schools can prepare students for this role.

Results: The survey was sent to 40 medical information departments from September to December 2017 and a total of 33 pharmacists responded. Approximately half of the responders did not complete post graduate training. The role of a MIS includes answering medical information questions and collecting adverse events and product complaints. Skills rated as important to the role as a MIS were communication skills, medical writing, and literature evaluation. Four pharmacists thought their pharmacy education definitely prepared them for role in medical information. The pharmacists suggested pharmacy curriculum focus more on drug information skills, structure of the pharmaceutical industry, and providing opportunities to improve emotional intelligence and critical thinking.

Conclusion: The information collected in this survey can provide valuable insight for students interested in this career path. In addition, pharmacy schools may include more opportunities during the didactic and experiential years to help prepare students for this alternate career path.