Medication Safety and Health Outcomes Fellowship

The University at Buffalo Medication Safety and Health Outcome Fellowship program provides a two year highly-customized and integrative research experience. The purpose of the program is: 1) to educate the fellow on health services and outcomes principles and applications and 2) develop leadership skills with experience in managing various aspects of outcomes research including design, execution, analysis and publication. The program will align the fellow with Team Alice, an interdisciplinary team affiliated with the University at Buffalo focused on medication safety among older adults. The team of researchers and clinicians provide expertise in health outcomes, implementation science, big data and machine learning, epidemiology, public health that creates a collaborative research environment.  Current projects are supported by funding from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The fellow will be expected to conduct two or more mentored research projects within the following focus:

1. Develop and evaluate innovative practice models focused on transitions of care within underserved populations.
2. Develop new evidence and approaches around medication safety among older adults.
3. Examine medication utilization patterns and its impact on health-related outcomes using real world evidence.

The fellow will gain experience working under the direct supervision of faculty with progression towards independence in developing and completing research related projects and participating in interdisciplinary research collaborations with disciplines such as engineering and social sciences. The fellow will have clinical opportunities with UB-affiliated practices and have options to receive formal training in epidemiology, biostatistics, and program planning and evaluation, which can be applied to an Advanced Certificate or Masters of Public Health. The fellow will also participate in didactic and clinical education of PharmD students at the University at Buffalo. Successful completion will enable the individual opportunities to practice in an academic institution, managed care organization, pharmaceutical industry or leadership roles for the provision of pharmacy services in various settings.

The program directors and a committee will consist of UB faculty members with expertise in health services research, pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical outcomes and industrial/human factors engineering. The fellowship program can be customized for career goals and interests of the fellow.

Research and scholarship activities (70%): The fellow will conduct two or more research projects working along with faculty and local organizations. Projects will range in scope based on the list above. The fellow will disseminate their research at national conference presentations, such as ACCP, APhA, or ISPOR, through peer-reviewed publications, and ongoing national speaking opportunities. 

Engagement in patient care and teaching activities (30%): The fellow will provide direct patient care as a clinical pharmacist within an outpatient or health-system 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 with potential teaching opportunities within the UB PharmD curriculum. 

PharmD or equivalent experience. Graduating candidates are welcome to apply. Completion of PGY-1 residency training is preferred.

Advanced degree (PhD) with relevant experience will also be considered. The program can be tailored based on candidate’s background and experience. 

1 position is available

July 1, 2024 or mutually agreed upon date

Competitive stipend with benefits and travel support will be provided. 

The application deadline is January 5, 2024.

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).

Program questions and application materials should be submitted by email to Dr. David Jacobs (dmjacobs@buffalo.edu). 

• Durdana Iqbal, PharmD (2022 – 2024)
• Amanda Foster, PharmD, MPH, BCACP, CHW (2020 – 2022)
• Richard Leong, PharmD, CHW (2021 – 2022)
• Jennifer Stoll, PhD (2020 – 2021)
• Lauren Brady, PhD, MA (2020 – 2021)
• Collin Clark, PharmD (2018 – 2020)
• Susan LaValley, PhD, MLS, MA (2017 – 2018)