University of the Sciences in Philadelphia

Pharmaceutical Industry Practice and Education Residency Program with Emphasis in Medical Information, Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, and Professional Marketing

Philadelphia College of Pharmacy at the University of the Sciences Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
In conjunction with
McNeil Consumer Healthcare, Division of McNEIL PPC,- Inc. Fort Washington, Pennsylvania

Quick Links

• Overview
• Goals/Objectives
• Other Opportunities in Pharmaceutical Industry
• Program Preceptors
• Evaluation

Overview

The University of the Sciences in Philadelphia (USciences) is an independent institution of higher education with a commitment to excellence in teaching, research and service.  The Philadelphia College of Pharmacy (PCP) at USciences in conjunction with McNeil Consumer Healthcare (MCH) offers two positions in a one-year post-graduate training program, with the option to extend the program an additional year to specialize in one of the rotational departments.  This residency program is organized to provide in-depth experiences leading to advanced professional skills and knowledge in communication of medical and scientific information.

This unique residency program is based at McNeil Consumer Healthcare – the world’s largest over-the-counter medicines company.  While at McNeil, the resident will be an integral team member of the Medical Information, Medical Affairs, Regulatory, and Marketing departments.

• In Medical Information, the resident will develop expertise in literature analysis, writing of standard response materials, and communication with healthcare professionals.
• In Medical Affairs, residents will develop skills in new product development, claims substantiation, the design and conduct of clinical trials and the overall assessment and application of science as a competitive advantage as it relates to McNeil’s products.
• In Marketing, the resident will develop competency in general business management, marketing strategy development, and professional communications.  The resident will be exposed to agency management as well as the creative development process.
• In Regulatory Affairs the resident will work on high-level cross-functional projects with a focus on our regulatory strategy and communications, labeling, and chemistry, manufacturing and controls (CMC) strategy.

All rotations will include support of our company’s major products, including Tylenol, Motrin, Pediacare, Benadryl, Sudafed, Imodium, Pepcid and Zyrtec.  Participation on cross-functional teams will allow the resident to learn from internal professionals in many areas of the company, including research and development, marketing, sales, business development, public relations, drug safety and legal.  Opportunities are also available for collaboration with external experts and stakeholders.

Residents will also receive an appointment at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia as a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacy Administration.   Resident will have the opportunity to participate in both didactic teaching on campus and experiential course work at the practice site.   

The Teaching-Learning Center at USciences serves to further professional development through workshops and round-table discussions held throughout the year.  Upon fulfilling the teaching responsibilities and completing the program’s requirements, the resident will be awarded with a Teaching Certificate.

Lastly, the resident will spend one half-day weekly at an acute care setting for 3 months.  The resident will utilize their clinical knowledge and drug information skills to work on a collaborative team of healthcare professionals.  The resident will also be responsible for patient counseling for certain medications, VTE prophylaxis, and medication reconciliation.

Goals/Objectives

1. To provide a structured environment for acquisition of knowledge and experience in the provision of drug information services.
2. To develop teaching skills through participation in formal and informal training of pharmacy students, pharmacists, and other health care professionals.
3. To develop knowledge about the organizational structure and function of departments and divisions within a pharmaceutical company.
4. To develop writing skills through activities such as preparation of written responses to drug information requests, review articles, and research results for publication.
5. To develop research skills through the development, completion, and presentation of a residency research project.
6. To provide the resident with a sense of professional responsibility through interactions with other health care practitioners and involvement in professional pharmaceutical organizations.
7. To develop oral presentation skills by preparing and delivering a residency project presentation at both residency sites (PCP and MCH) as well as regional and national professional meetings.

Other Opportunities in Pharmaceutical Industry

Meetings with the following key business partners are strongly recommended to further enhance the residents’ knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry.  Participation in projects in support of these areas is open to the resident with facilitation by the preceptor.

Program Preceptors

University Preceptors

McNeil Consumer Healthcare Preceptors

Stacey Ross, RPh
Director, Medical Affairs

Edwin Kuffner, MD
Vice President, Medical Affairs & Clinical Research

Jennifer Norma, PharmD
Associate Director, Regulatory Affairs

William Stone, BS Chemistry
Senior Brand Manager, Marketing-Adult Pain Franchise
McNeil Consumer Healthcare 
7050 Camp Hill Road
Fort Washington, PA 19034

Evaluation

For evaluation purposes, the resident will submit a report to the advisory committee, which will meet with the resident quarterly.  The function of the advisory committee is to review and approve the objectives of the residency program, the schedule of activities, and provide verbal feedback to the preceptor and resident which can assist them in completing program objectives.

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