Variables impacting an academic pharmacy career choice.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the variables associated with an academic pharmacy career choice among the following groups: final professional-year doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students, pharmacy residents, pharmacy faculty members within the first 5 years of academic employment, and clinical pharmacy practitioners.


METHODS
A cross-sectional design Web-based survey instrument was developed using the online tool SurveyMonkey. The survey link was distributed via e-mail and postcards, and data were collected anonymously. Quantitative analyses were used to describe the 2,494 survey respondents and compare their responses to 25 variables associated with an academic pharmacy career choice. Logistic regression models were used to predict the motivators/deterrents associated with an academic pharmacy career choice for each participant group.


RESULTS
Across all participant groups, the potential need to generate one's salary was the primary deterrent and autonomy, flexibility, and the ability to shape the future of the profession were the primary motivators. Final-year pharmacy students who considered a career in academic pharmacy were significantly deterred by grant writing. The overall sample of participants who considered an academic pharmacy career was more likely to be motivated by the academic environment and opportunities to teach, conduct professional writing and reviews, and participate in course design and/or assessment.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates specific areas to consider for improved recruitment and retention of pharmacy faculty. For example, providing experiences related to pharmacy academia, such as allowing student participation in teaching and research, may stimulate those individuals' interest in pursuing an academic pharmacy career.
Sheaffer
Elizabeth A
EA
Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy, Shenandoah University, 1775 N. Sector Court, Winchester, VA 22601, USA. esheaffe@su.edu
Brown
Bonnie K
BK
Byrd
Debbie C
DC
Gupchup
Gireesh V
GV
Mark
Scott M
SM
Mobley Smith
Miriam A
MA
Rospond
Raylene M
RM
D000047:Academies and Institutes; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D035843:Biomedical Research; D002321:Career Choice; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005178:Faculty; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D016017:Odds Ratio; D009862:Online Systems; D010465:Perception; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D012109:Research Support as Topic; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits; D013339:Students, Pharmacy / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching; D016526:Workload