By Rhynn Soderstrom, PharmD, BCPS, BCCP, AACC
2025 Chair, BPS Cardiology Pharmacy Specialty Council
One of the most common causes of death globally is related to cardiovascular disease. Because of the high prevalence, health care professionals are constantly striving to combat this disease in any way possible. One very large aspect of managing cardiovascular disease is through well-established drug and medication therapies. It is here, in medication management, that pharmacists who specialize in cardiology, many of whom hold board certification in cardiology (BCCP), can be most impactful.
I’ve always said that specializing in cardiology gives pharmacists the opportunity to be a ‘jack of all trades’ within the specialty. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, coronary care units and cardiac surgery intensive care units are right up your alley. If you strive for more patient interaction, you have your pick of a myriad of ambulatory clinics including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, heart failure, general cardiology, anticoagulation, and others. A cardiology pharmacist can find career security within an inpatient cardiology service, whether it be general cardiology or something as niche as adult congenital heart disease. Pharmacists can further expand their reach to cardiovascular patients they serve through multi-disciplinary research. The large number of cardiovascular patients leads to the ability to implement new practice strategies – only limited by how quickly these ideas can be generated. As I tell many of the residents that I have worked with: in cardiology pharmacy, the world is your oyster.
As I transitioned from being a new practitioner myself, I thought of ways to elevate my practice beyond my bedside clinical involvement and board certification gives me that opportunity. Earning the BCCP credential can elevate a pharmacist’s opportunities for a variety of experiences. Many healthcare institutions carry requirements for board certification to be considered for employment, and it may factor into promotions as well.
Another aspect that appeals to many board-certified pharmacists is that board certification promotes life-long learning. Continuing education (and continuing professional development) activities are one pathway to maintain certification. Board-certified pharmacists have the opportunity to refresh existing knowledge and gain new knowledge in areas that they may not practice in frequently, especially as practice continues to evolve. Additionally, BPS provides several opportunities to be involved in advancing the specialty of cardiology and other practice areas. I have contributed to job analyses (AKA role delineation studies), standard setting processes, and eventually became a member of the BPS Cardiology Pharmacy Specialty Council all since achieving my BCCP.
Being a dually board-certified cardiology pharmacist and pharmacotherapy specialist (BCPS) allows me to pursue a career that is fulfilling clinically but also allows me to enhance my potential as a leader within the profession. I encourage pharmacists to consider board certification, because whether working in cardiology or another specialty, you will be able to improve patient care and make a lasting impact on your community.