By Andrew Mardis, PharmD, BCCP, BCTXP, BCPS
There are countless reasons we pursue additional letters after our names. Perhaps we feel like it’s a natural step after completing pharmacy residency training. Maybe our employers encourage it, or it’s required to be considered for promotion, or it is required for certain roles. For example, BPS Board Certification is required to serve as a PGY2 residency program director (RPD) and is encouraged for preceptors of student pharmacists. It’s also possible that, at times, it can even stem from a bit of pride. Regardless of our reason, as pharmacists pursuing board certification, it demonstrates competence to our colleagues, employers, patients, and our learners.
When I began my career, I did not have the intention of earning three board certifications, however as a PGY2 resident, I felt a strong sense of obligation to pursue BPS Board Certification in Pharmacotherapy. After transitioning from a transplant specialist role into a role where I worked primarily with patients that have advanced heart failure, earning the BCCP certification was my way of proving to myself that I could successfully transition between specialties. Later, when the opportunity to obtain the BCTXP certification was an option, achieving this additional BPS Certification became a way to show others that I had maintained my knowledge as a transplant pharmacist.
Regardless of the reason why a pharmacist becomes board certified, I’ve never encountered anyone who doesn’t agree that obtaining and maintaining their certification has pushed them to stay up to date with the latest data and guidelines and has challenged them to continue their professional development well beyond the completion of school, residency, and/or fellowship. Each pharmacist I’ve met who has obtained their board certification has worked hard to do so, and ultimately, we share the same goal: to do our best to provide the best possible care for our patients.
Last year, after nearly 10 years as a transplant and heart failure specialist, I transitioned into a medical science liaison (MSL) position within the pharmaceutical industry. Anyone who has made a similar move or considered it knows how challenging it can be to make this transition without prior industry experience. As part of my “tell me a little bit about yourself” story, I highlighted my commitment to lifelong learning and growth through multiple certifications, which helped demonstrate my capability to successfully make such a career transition.
In my first year as an MSL, there have been several occasions when I have referred back to the charts on statistical analysis or trial design from study materials I used prior to my certification exams or recertification activities for maintaining my certifications. The ability to fairly and accurately critique clinical trial design and results has perhaps become one of the most valuable skills in my role in field medical affairs. My experience with board certification gives me confidence that I am proficient.
For me, it’s very important to do more than simply understand data and communicate it well. Understanding the role a pharmacist plays – how we interact with prescribers, how we utilize order sets, and how we develop collaborative practice agreements – informs my approach to connecting with various members of the interdisciplinary team.
The question has become, why do I continue maintaining multiple certifications? My company doesn’t require me to maintain my BPS credentials, and they won’t be factored into future promotion conversations. I no longer have the opportunity to precept students or residents in my current position, so external organizations don’t mandate it for me either.
At this point, it is now entirely my decision. Despite the absence of external factors, I still believe maintaining my certifications is an important part of my ongoing professional development. It continues to be a way to demonstrate to my peers, the providers I collaborate with, and myself, that I maintain a high level of expertise and knowledge in these specialty areas – and for this reason alone I will continue to maintain my certifications.