training in pharmaceutical medicine
Training for physicians in the pharmaceutical industry is second to none. Pharma companies invest heavily in their physicians, sponsoring Speciality Training leading to a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), the holder of which is eligible to apply for entry to the Specialist Register of the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK.
Companies also sponsor a wide range of business and soft skills courses for Continuing Professional Development (CPD). The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine has established an on-line system to assist members in recording their CPD and you can download a pdf of the CPD Guidance Notes from the Downloads page in the Resources section.
At only medics, we offer free training free to all our candidates and clients, collaborating with HR professionals in the industry to help them better understand the roles of physicians.
For entry level medics, we offer NHS2Pharma workshops with opportunity for clients to attend as observers and/or speakers. Take a look at the NHS2Pharma page to find out more about these events. We are also planning an initiative to help physicians already working in the pharma industry to fast-track to more senior levels.
Speciality Training
Pharmaceutical medicine is a recognised specialty. The purpose of specialist training is to produce accredited pharmaceutical physicians with specialist knowledge, skills and competencies to practise to the highest ethical and professional standards in the development and maintenance of medicines.
Prior to 1 August 2007
Physicians already issued with a National Training Number (NTN) undertake basic training by a course of study and examination leading to the Diploma in Pharmaceutical Medicine and can then opt to undertake advanced Higher Medical Training (HMT) in pharmaceutical medicine, practical competency-based training in an individualised programme centred on an approved workplace training environment leading to the award of a CCT.
To be eligible to undertake HMT, doctors must have a minimum of 2 years of General Professional Training (GPT) in approved training posts, which should normally involve direct patient care and experience of prescribing at SHO level. Multidisciplinary rotations in approved SHO posts are recommended.
From 1 August 2007
Physicians with a National Training Number (NTN) undertake Pharmaceutical Medicine Speciality Training (PMST). The programme of PMST consists of the specialty knowledge base leading to the Diploma in Pharmaceutical Medicine by examination, which must be passed, prior to undertaking practical competency-based training in an individualised programme centred on an approved workplace training environment leading to the award of a CCT.
To be eligible to undertake PMST, doctors must have completed F1 and F2 posts and at least 2 years of UK-based post-foundation clinical training in approved posts offering clinical care, including acute and continuing clinical care and broad experience in prescribing and monitoring the effects of medicines.
There are currently 3 programmes of study that deliver the training and knowledge required to undertake the Diploma in Pharmaceutical Medicine examination:
Diploma in Pharmaceutical Medicine - Cardiff University and BrAPP
This course was established in 1975 to provide a structured training programme for doctors already employed in the pharmaceutical industry, Clinical Research Organisations (CROs) and Regulatory Authorities. Jointly organised by Cardiff University and the British Association of Pharmaceutical Physicians (BrAPP), the programme is grouped into free-standing modules, each of 2½ days duration. The modules are taught at a number of locations, e.g. Stratford-upon-Avon, Southampton, Bristol or Cardiff and provide doctors with specialist knowledge and skills to practise as a pharmaceutical physician and prepare for the Diploma in Pharmaceutical Medicine.
MSc in Pharmaceutical Medicine – Guildford University
This 2-year (minimum) programme is designed to meet the needs of those working or intending to work in the speciality of pharmaceutical medicine or those who require a professional qualification pertinent to pharmaceutical medicine. It is particularly suitable for those practising within the pharmaceutical industry, related fields of commerce, licensing authorities or the public health service as the part-time and modular nature of the programme is well suited to people with work commitments, allowing a flexible rate of attendance (1 to 6 modules per year). The modules are recognised by the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine as fulfilling the curriculum requirements for the Diploma in Pharmaceutical Medicine. The course offers insight into a wide perspective of pharmaceutical medicine including discovery, development, evaluation, registration, monitoring and marketing of medicines. As well as evaluating various aspects of drug development processes.
MSc in Pharmaceutical Medicine – Hibernia College (online)
This is a recent web-based masters program in Pharmaceutical Medicine. The course which takes a minimum of 18 months, is open to both physicians and non-medical specialists who are employed in the Pharmaceutical Industry in areas including Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Monitoring, Data Management, Drug Safety and Clinical Project Management. In addition to the standard core curriculum, the Hibernia course offers education in a wider area of expertise, including leadership skills, the fundamentals of IT and technological advances in the Pharmaceutical Industry, eMedicine, business ethics, health economics and finance. There is also a research project and dissertation aimed at answering mission critical issues within each student's individual areas of employment.
For HMT or to complete PMST, the training programme comprises 6 modules conducted through work-place experience and dedicated approved courses:
• Medicines Regulation
• Clinical Pharmacology
• Statistics/Data Management
• Clinical Development
• Healthcare Marketplace
• Drug Safety Surveillance
and a 7th generic module in pharmaceutical medicine that encompasses the principles of Good Pharmaceutical Medical Practice and interpersonal/management skills relevant to the ethical and professional work of a pharmaceutical physician practising outside the NHS.
Successful completion of the training programme leads to a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), the holder of which is eligible to apply for entry to the Specialist Register of the General Medical Council in the UK.
Click here for the Diploma in Pharmaceutical Medicine syllabus.
Click here for information about the HMT modules.
Click here for the Pharmaceutical Medicine Specialty Training curriculum.
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