David P. Zgarrick .Getting Started as a Pharmacy Faculty Member. Washington, DC: American Pharmacists Association; 2010. 136 pages, $29.95 (softcover) ISBN 978-1-58212-149-9.

Abstract

As I begin my fourth year as a pharmacy faculty member, I can certainly attest to the challenges, frustrations, rewards, and satisfaction associated with a new academic career. I would not trade it for anything in the world. Getting Started as a Pharmacy Faculty Member captures all of these elements. Written for those considering an academic career in pharmacy (and even those who already have one), the book chronologically walks through one's decision to be a faculty member, to understanding the academic environment, to obtaining an academic position, to using recommendations for success in such a position. The first 2 chapters set the stage for a discussion about an academic pharmacy career by answering the questions, “Why should I consider a career in academic pharmacy?” and “Is academic pharmacy right for me?” The author thoroughly describes the work of a pharmacy faculty member under the tripartite mission of teaching, scholarship, and service. He reinforces that institutions will vary in their expectations of these 3 roles. In the third chapter, the author explores the structure, function, leadership, and operation of universities and schools of pharmacy, outlines different types of academic institutions and faculty appointments, describes how decisions are made at a variety of levels, and describes the role of faculty members in governing an institution and making decisions. In the fourth chapter the author discusses ways in which students and professionals can prepare for an academic career in pharmacy through residencies, research fellowships, and graduate school. In chapter 5 the process of obtaining a faculty position is described. In chapter 6, the author provides interviews with 5 pharmacy faculty members representing a variety of backgrounds and positions. They discuss their educational background and training, their decision to choose an academic career, and their experiences as faculty members. Finally, chapters 7 and 8 contain recommendations for successfully starting and maintaining an academic career and provide resources that new pharmacy faculty members can use to facilitate their success in the academic setting. Getting Started as a Pharmacy Faculty Member is thorough but clear in its presentation of all aspects of the academic pharmacy position. It is written appropriately for pharmacy students, but is also valuable to pharmacy professionals and faculty members. The author provides practical points, but also calls for introspection by the reader. With regard to structure, the book is well-organized by the use of headings, tables, examples, and key points that are summarized and bulleted. Additionally, each chapter concludes with a list of resources (with descriptions) for further reading. This book is designed to be a resource for all audiences (pharmacy students, residents, graduate students, research fellows, postdoctoral students, and professionals) interested in an academic career. This book also would be useful for instructors in advanced pharmacy practice experiences and residencies, instructors of elective courses concerning academic careers, and for faculty members who encounter professional and postgraduate students who display interest in, or promise for, an academic career. That being said, this book also would be beneficial and informative for pharmacy faculty members in the early years of their career. Getting Started as a Pharmacy Faculty Member sets realistic expectations for the challenges and rewards of an academic career in pharmacy. I would highly recommend this book to anyone considering a career as a pharmacy faculty member, or anyone mentoring someone who is considering such a career. Not only will it aid in career decision-making, but I strongly believe that it will inspire pharmacy students, postgraduate students, and professionals to join the academic ranks. As those of us in pharmacy schools already know, there is no time like the present.