Career patterns of pioneer clinical pharmacists.

The career paths of some early clinical pharmacists from their first positions during the years 1965-1974 to their current positions were studied. In August 1985 a group of pharmacists was surveyed to determine (1) the extent to which they had maintained a clinical practice (defined as direct patient contact, including evaluating and planning drug regimens), (2) the number of job-function changes, and (3) the degree of the pharmacists' commitment to public service, as measured by Hall's Belief in Public Service and Allport-Vernon-Lindzey Personality Values. The response rate for the 337 questionnaires was 73.5%. The average age of the group was 40 years; 83% were men, and 79% possessed Doctor of Pharmacy degrees. The respondents had changed job functions an average of 2.1 +/- 1.5 times over the last 13 years since the highest professional degree. The percentage in the job functions of hospital pharmacist and pharmacy faculty declined over time while those in hospital pharmacy administration, academic administration, and the pharmaceutical industry increased. Clinical-practice activity declined over time, with a twofold net increase in those reporting no direct patient-care responsibilities. Male respondents with fewer years after their highest professional degree, a greater belief in public service, higher theoretical values, and no residency experience were more likely to be currently involved in direct patient care than others. Although attrition among pioneer clinical pharmacists is not excessive for those who began their careers with a relatively small percentage of their time devoted to clinical practice, most pharmacists who began with substantial clinical commitments have reduced or eliminated clinical activities over time.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)