Health Equity and Public Health Research and Academic Fellowship

Position Description

The University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SPPS) is pleased to offer a 2-year Research & Academic Fellowship program. The program provides an opportunity for a highly motivated pharmacist, who is passionate about health equity, pharmacy practice transformation, and public health, to train in a progressive academic and clinical environment. The individual will develop health equity research and academic skills through service to underserved populations. Projects are aligned with major public health challenges that address health inequities and health-related social needs. Current projects are supported by several funding agencies including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The individual(s) will be expected to conduct two or more mentored research projects with the following focus:

• Develop, implement, and disseminate innovative care delivery models addressing social determinants of health (SDoH) in pharmacy practice.
• Develop economic models and outcomes analyses supporting national SDoH programs in pharmacy practice.
• Engage pharmacies and health clinics on practice transformation elements including clinical service implementation, staff development, and timely educational elements.
• Develop risk prediction models assessing the impact and importance of SDoH variables on healthcare utilization using electronic health record data.

The fellow will gain experience and develop skills in health services, outcomes, and practice-based research working collaboratively with faculty and local/national organizations. The fellow will have clinical opportunities within UB-affiliated practices and have options to receive formal training in health services administration, epidemiology, and biostatistics, which can be applied to an Advanced Certificate or Masters of Public Health. The fellow will participate in teaching activities focused on health equity and public health as part of our curriculum transformation. The individual will receive a clinical instructor appointment and participate in education of UB PharmD students.

The goal of the program is to develop a dynamic skill set to lead innovative future models of pharmacy practice, clinical research, and teaching in public health focused on underserved communities. Successful completion of the program will enable the individual opportunities in academia, managed care, or leadership roles for the provision of patient care services in various pharmacy practice settings.

The individual will meet at a minimum weekly with program directors and quarterly with a full committee, consisting of UB SPPS faculty members with expertise in outcomes research, innovative teaching activities, and community and primary care practice settings.

Program Structure

Research and scholarship activities (60%): The fellow will conduct two or more research projects working along with faculty and local organizations. Projects will range in scope based on the foci list above. The fellow will gain experience and develop skills in health services administration, outcomes research and disseminate their research through conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and to local & national communities. 

Teaching Activities (25%): The fellow will participate in providing didactic instruction at the school and work with the leadership team on development of innovative teaching activities and programs. Academic activities will be focused on health equity and public health as part of the school’s upcoming curriculum transformation. Completion of a teaching certificate program, if not been previously completed, is encouraged along with development of the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Engagement in clinical activities and community outreach (15%): The fellow will provide direct patient care as a clinical pharmacist within an ambulatory (outpatient) and/or community pharmacy setting. The individual will ultimately function as an independent practitioner working collaboratively with faculty, pharmacists, and the medical team. The fellow will also participate in the clinical education and mentorship of student pharmacists at the selected site. The fellow will have community outreach opportunities based on long-standing relationships developed by the leadership committee and school of pharmacy. 

Qualifications

PharmD or equivalent experience. Graduating candidates are welcome to apply. The candidate should also be eligible for licensure in New York State.

Completion of PGY-1 residency training is preferred.

Number of Available Positions

1 position is available (fellows will be classified administratively as a Postdoctoral Associate)

Expected Start Date

July 1, 2023

Stipend and Benefits

Competitive stipend with benefits and travel support will be provided. 

Application Process

The application deadline is January 6, 2023.

All applicants must submit the following materials:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of intent: Describe your reasons for pursuing this program and how completion of this program will help achieve your career goals.
• Transcript
• References: Names and contact information for three references (references will be contacted later to provide letters of recommendation).

All application materials should be submitted by email to the program directors. 

Program Directors

David M. Jacobs, PharmD, PhD

Assistant Professor

Department of Pharmacy Practice, University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

 

Phone: 716-829-2134

Email: dmjacobs@buffalo.edu

Christopher J. Daly, PharmD, MBA, BCACP

Clinical Assistant Professor

Department of Pharmacy Practice, University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

 

Phone: 716-645-4793

Email: cjdaly@buffalo.edu

Gina M. Prescott, PharmD, BCPS

Director of Global Health

Department of Pharmacy Practice, University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

 

Phone: 716-645-4784

Email: gmzurick@buffalo.edu