(317) Merck Collaboration Advances Diversity Equity and Inclusion Field Based Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) Rotation

Objective : Establish a unique and successful field based APPE rotation program for Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and provide exposure to various roles available to pharmacists in the pharmaceutical industry.

Methods: Merck initially identified two MSIs (Howard University and Xavier University) for APPE partnership. A working group (WG) of Merck field-based preceptors was formed to develop rotation materials to assess the rotation experience and identify program improvements. Baseline understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and long-term goals were captured through pre- and post-rotation student discussions and feedback. Rotations were designed to expose students to unique field-based US Medical Affairs (USMA) experiences. Students completed all company required trainings prior to having discussions with various field-medical colleagues, shadowing external meetings, and presenting projects to the USMA team. Due to proprietary nature of the trainings provided and data exposure, limited methods and results can be shared externally.

Results: Preceptors were selected based on availability and academic experience to precept students from two MSIs. The WG review of student evaluations showed an improvement in recognizing the difference between scientific, health-systems, medical information, and other roles within Merck. There was also improved knowledge of medical affairs resources and the skills required for delivering scientifically balanced presentations in the field.

Conclusions: This is a novel industry rotation offering exposure to multiple therapeutic areas and health-system field- based personnel for MSIs. The pre- and post-rotation evaluations demonstrated that students have gained an expanded understanding of the various roles within the pharmaceutical industry after graduation. The USMA APPE program is expanding to additional MSI Schools of Pharmacy starting in 2024.