In addition to learning principles of clinical pharmacology, the trainee will learn the process of new drug development and the application of clinical data as the driving force of marketed products over a 2 year period. This program will prepare physicians for careers in pharmaceutical research and development or in academia. Prior to the beginning of the first year and soon after the applicant has accepted the position, the fellow visits SmithKline Beecham in Philadelphia, PA where the complete first and second year plans are developed. A SmithKline Beecham preceptor is selected and a research project is developed to begin during the first year at Howard University. The first year of the fellowship program is designed to provide for the in depth study of clinical pharmacology and supporting disciplines in preparation for the fellow's second year of training.
Emphasis is placed in the areas of advanced pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and biostatistics.
In addition, clinical experience is obtained through the clinical pharmacology consult service at Howard University Hospital. Basic research experience is obtained by comprehensive courses in Methods in Clinical Trials and in Laboratory Methods in Clinical Pharmacology. The fellow will also complete a short research protocol in conjunction with SmithKline Beecham. One component of Year 1 of the training program includes responsibility for carrying out a clinical study. SKB will provide the necessary clinical protocol and resources for its implementation.