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APhA Executive Postgraduate Training Program

The APhA Executive Postgraduate Training Program includes seven residency positions and one fellowship position. The program is designed to challenge motivated individuals who have ambitions to contribute towards advancement of the pharmacy profession. The residents and fellow work on high impact projects, representing APhA's members and developing their leadership skills alongside many pharmacy leaders during their one-year term with the association.

Postgraduate Training Programs: Executive Residency and Fellowship

The APhA Executive Postgraduate Training Program provides pharmacists with training and experience in foundational association management at a national level to support APhA’s vision, mission, and reputation as the leading professional organization representing pharmacists in all practice settings. Residents contribute to APhA’s strategic priorities and operations through collaborations with staff teams across the organization, developing lifelong skills to advance the profession of pharmacy.

This rigorous experience provides the opportunity to meet, interact with, and learn from well-respected and highly regarded professionals who are passionate about bold and transformational progress for the profession. Aspiring pharmacy leaders are encouraged to apply if they are motivated to implement innovative ideas, have a will to inspire change, and a desire to collaborate with members to advance the profession.

Positions within the program are 12-month paid opportunities that will take place at the historic APhA Headquarters located on the National Mall in Washington, DC.

Departments

Executive Fellowship, APhA Foundation

The APhA Foundation is a nonprofit organization with the mission of improving health by inspiring philanthropy, research, and innovation that advances pharmacists’ patient care services. The APhA Fellow is responsible for training individuals for leadership positions within the profession, completing a Certificate in Association Management through the American Society of Association Executives, interacting with senior staff, attending board meetings, and collaborating with Foundation staff to oversee Incentive Grants, Scholarships, and Pinnacle Awards.

Learn more

Executive Residency, Board of Pharmacy Specialties

The Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) learning experience provides a unique opportunity for residents to gain insight into the purpose, impact, and value of certification. Residents will be exposed to high-priority issues within the professional pharmacy landscape from the perspective of a certification agency, with a focus on specialization and advanced practice in the U.S. and around the globe. While integrated as a collaborative member on the Professional Affairs, Communications and Engagement (PACE) team, residents will engage internally with the other BPS teams (e.g., operations and logistics; psychometrics, testing, and research; and quality assurance) and externally with volunteer leaders, subject matter experts, and other stakeholders. Residents will enhance knowledge and skills in communications and project management by engaging in topic discussions, participating in meetings, and contributing to strategic goals and initiatives.

Executive Residency, Education

The Education department is responsible for providing informative continuing education for a variety of pharmacists in all practice settings. Residents in this department are involved in the education development process from start to finish, including content creation, copyediting, instructional design, communication with subject matter experts (SMEs), and post-publication marketing. Residents will continuously interface with various SMEs in a variety of areas to help provide materials and training for all APhA members. The resident will strengthen skills in project management and adult learning by creating their own education projects.

Executive Residency, Member Relations

The Member Relations Department leads broad initiatives in student and practitioner development, outreach, and communications that invite our audience to participate in activities that advance pharmacy practice and the profession. Residents can expect learnings in membership recruitment and retention, stakeholder identification and cultivation, volunteer management, leadership, and ethics. Departmental goals establish member-driven engagement, ensure activities align with APhA’s mission, and address the needs of pharmacist members and non-members in an ever-changing practice environment. Residents will enhance the implementation of professional training and development activities, and advocate for membership recognition. Residents can also expect to support the advancement of partnerships, programs, and products that support our members.

Executive Residency, Pharmacy Practice

The Pharmacy Practice and Government Affairs department is responsible for developing and implementing APhA’s strategies to advance pharmacy practice, advocacy, and government affairs. Residents can expect to enhance project management skills by creating resources for members and others in the profession, engaging subject matter experts for practice and science issues, and leading strategic initiatives to position pharmacists as patient providers. Residents in this department are involved in various projects, such as developing pharmacy practice materials, COVID-19 pharmacist resources, advocacy efforts, pharmacy legislation and regulation comments, and more. The Pharmacy Practice department also encompasses the APhA Academies—connecting residents to various APhA member committees and SIGs.

Executive Residency, Publishing

The Publishing department is responsible for sourcing, creating, and maintaining several APhA resources, including Pharmacy Today, PharmacyLibrary print books such as the Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs, and more. The publishing residency learning experience focuses on creating and updating innovative content for APhA’s pharmacist and student pharmacist members, non-members, faculty, and pharmacy technicians. Residents will have the opportunity to participate in the publication process and work with subject matter experts. Residents will develop their new skillset by working on interprofessional teams, participating in various activities, and collaborating with other APhA departments and external stakeholders.

Benefits

  • Competitive stipend consistent with that of other pharmacy residencies and fellowships
  • Social Security withholdings through payroll deductions
  • Health and dental insurance (family coverage may be obtained)
  • Group term life insurance and long-term disability insurance
  • Ten days personal leave during the 1-year period

Qualifications

The APhA Staff will select residents based on the following qualifications:

  • The applicant must be a graduate of an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited college or school of pharmacy.
  • The applicant must be recommended by present or former employers, preceptors, college faculty, or dean.

How to apply

The application period for the 2023-2024 APhA Executive Postgraduate Training Program is now closed. Please check back in the fall for more information about the 2024-2025 process.

As part of the process, applicants will be asked to rank their preferred residency type (Board of Pharmacy Specialties, Education, Foundation, Member Relations, Pharmacy Practice, Publishing). Also, electronically submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae (CV) via the application form. At a minimum, the following should be included in the applicant’s CV and/or cover letter:

  • Contact information: Name, address, phone number, and email address
  • Education and training: Institutions, locations, years attended, dates of graduation, type of training or major subject, degrees, and certificates
  • Professional and related experience: Institution or organization, location, dates, type of work, and position title
  • Organizational memberships (including positions held and activities): Professional, honorary, service, and social
  • Publications
  • Honors or awards received
  • Personal objectives: Brief description of future goals and aspirations, and why the APhA Executive Residency will be of value
  • The application also requires two letters of recommendation from any of the following: a present or former employer, preceptor, college faculty, or dean, which must be submitted directly within the application portal.

    For more information and questions, please contact APhA’s Tom English at tenglish@aphanet.org.

    Testimonials

    2022-2023 APhA Executive Residents share their experiences:

    Aneesh Asokan, Executive Resident, Board of Pharmacy Specialties


    There are two reasons why I pursued an APhA Executive Residency position. First, I wanted to gain a better understanding on how to advocate and advance the profession. Second, and personally, I wanted to learn more about myself and forge my own path. I can say without a doubt that this experience has been instrumental in tackling those goals. I have seen the impressive cross-functional work that goes into maintaining and operating BPS’s high accreditation standards. This is a great place to start your postgraduate journey, as you will have access to a myriad of mentors, highly unique opportunities, and a nurturing environment where you can truly develop into the professional you were meant to be.

    Isabella Blankenship, Executive Resident, Pharmacy Practice & Government Affairs


    The Executive Residency with Pharmacy Practice & Government Affairs has allowed me the opportunity to collaborate with national stakeholders on high-impact projects affecting the current state and future of our profession. I have been able to further develop my professional skills while learning from pharmacy’s most influential leaders in the nation’s capital. As the oldest and largest organization of pharmacy professionals, APhA offers a unique training program experience that has been tailored to my interests. I’m so grateful I took a chance and followed my passions through applying for this residency!

    Esther Boadi, Executive Fellow, APhA Foundation


    I pursued the APhA Foundation Executive Fellowship in Association Management and Leadership because I wanted an opportunity to grow in a profession that I am passionate about. In addition, I loved the idea of being able to enhance and fine-tune my leadership skills so that I can make a positive and meaningful impact on all health care professionals I encounter. I have been given many opportunities to lead and implement several programs the APhA Foundation hosts, from award programs to scholarship programs. I am so excited to see where this year-long journey will take me, and I am confident that it will set me up for a career full of success.

    Lauren Howell, Executive Resident, Publishing


    I decided to pursue an APhA Executive Residency because I wanted to be in an environment that would allow me to develop as a leader, learn administrative and management skills, and work alongside top tier leaders in pharmacy. The experiences I have had this year have exceeded my expectations. I have had the opportunity to listen to the ideas, concerns, and passions of pharmacists from around the country, and then develop resources that help them to provide outstanding patient care and work at the top of their license. I am confident that the skills and experiences that I gain this year will be of great value to me throughout the duration of my career.

    Mariecus Jarvis, Executive Resident, Education


    I have had an amazing experience working with the APhA Education Department. One of my career goals is to improve health care outcomes for patients by facilitating learning opportunities so pharmacists can stay up-to-date on emerging therapies, medications, and regulations impacting the practice of pharmacy. This year, I have been exposed to instructional design techniques, methods for facilitating adult learning, and many brilliant experts and thought leaders in our profession. It has been wonderful expanding on my teaching background and being able to improve pharmacy practice on a population scale.

    Morgan Carson-Marino, Executive Resident, Member Relations


    The Executive Residency in Member Relations is truly an invaluable experience because of its innovative approach to fostering skills in association management, while allowing the resident to contribute to the development and implementation of APhA’s membership engagement transformation initiative. I have enjoyed the opportunity to promote member benefits and address ever-changing needs within the profession that are relevant to our members and stakeholders. The resident can also assist with content development of various programs, products, and services that support association-wide goals, and create opportunities for members and pharmacists worldwide. As the first Member Relations resident, I hope to be a pioneer by laying the early groundwork for the next generation of residents in this department.

    Shivani Modi, Executive Resident, Pharmacy Practice & Government Affairs


    Pharmacy practice and government affairs align perfectly with my interest in health policy, advocacy, and pharmacy legislation and regulation. Within the Pharmacy Practice Department, I work with the team in developing strategies to advance pharmacists’ scope of practice and produce resources along with education forum webinars for member engagement. I also serve as a staff liaison on the APhA–APRS Policy Committee and Immunization SIG. Our Government Affairs team collaborates with state and national pharmacy associations on imperative topics to promote the advancement of pharmacy, and this experience has allowed me to expand my knowledge and advocate to make significant contributions to communities.

    Brooke Whittington, Executive Resident, Education


    Working in the Education Department, I have been able to use my clinical knowledge while having some creative liberty in developing content for APhA members. I enjoy the opportunity to work with subject matter experts from all different specialties and project manage many different products, such as our certificate training programs. This residency enables my passion for being a lifelong learner, and I love being at the forefront of the latest topics affecting health care and the profession. This residency has given me a unique opportunity to learn more about association management and leadership, as well as rotate and learn from the different departments.

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