Field-Based Pharmaceutical Industry Clerkships for Doctor of Pharmacy Candidates

ABSTRACT Clerkships in the pharmaceutical industry can provide a unique experience for pharmacy students. They provide benefits to students, preceptors, pharmaceutical companies, and the collaborative universities. Pharmaceutical industry clerkships can include experiences in marketing, regulatory, health outcomes, manufacturing, pharmacovigilance, clinical research, or medical information. Pharmacists working as field-based Medical Liaisons for the pharmaceutical industry are in a unique position to provide additional opportunities for industry-based clerkships. Advanced practice experiences with field-based Medical Liaisons allow students to be exposed to the internal workings of a pharmaceutical company while still having the flexibility of working with an employee who is not based at company headquarters. Medical Liaisons anywhere in the country can precept students, opening up a large number of opportunities for additional industry experiences. The following article discusses the objectives, expected outcomes, and rotation activities from established field-based Medical Liaison clerkships.