Background

1. MBA in Pharmaceutical Marketing and Management: A Pharmacy and Graduate Business School Collaboration ModelFadi M. Alkhateeb, BSPharm, M.B.A., Ph.D., David A. Latif, Ph.D., Jennifer Snell, Pharm.D.School of Pharmacy, University of Charleston, Charleston, WV Discussion Background Results • Although many schools now offer dual PharmD/MBA (Masters of Business Administration) or MBA standalone programs, very few of them offer an MBA that specializes in Pharmaceutical Marketing and Management. • Most pharmacists preferred MBA programs that are related to healthcare or pharmacy area (66%) over general MBA programs (33%). • The majority of the respondents expressed their interest in the online, evening and weekend MBA programs. • Pharmacists also expressed their interest in MBA programs that focus on Management and finance courses and, to a lesser extent on marketing and pharmacoeconomics topics • The Capstone Project is a common component of most MBA programs that allows students to apply knowledge and skills to an actual work environment • Of the 150 mailed surveys, 30 were returned as undeliverable. A total of 57 responses were received giving a response rate of 47.5%. Table 1. Comparison between the programs that offer MBA in Pharmaceutical Marketing & Management Objectives • The objectives of this exploratory study were to (1) review the available literature on the MBA programs that are related to pharmacy and (2) investigate pharmacists’ perceptions and expectations about pursuing MBA degrees (Focus, type and program setting). Table 3: Respondents preferences regarding the MBA programs features Table 2: Descriptive characteristics for the respondents Methods • For the first objective, articles were identified via searches of PubMed and IPA from inception to March 2011 related to MBA programs for pharmacists. • Programs at seven colleges/universities in the United States were examined and compared regarding curriculum, duration/flexibility, pharmacy-related coursework, and hands-on training. • For the second objective, pharmacist perception of the MBA programs was evaluated through an online survey of a sample of 150 pharmacists working with University of Charleston School of Pharmacy as clinical preceptors in West Virginia. Conclusion • This study provides insight for academic programs that offer the MBA in Pharmacy or dual PharmD /MBA programs regarding useful parameters for evaluating their students’ educational and professional capabilities. • It may guide curricular revisions, leading to a more broadly educated pharmacist who is better prepared for management positions in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry. Questions? Fadi M. Alkhateeb, Associate Professor College of Pharmacy University of Charleston, Charleston, WV 25304. Tel: + 1 304 357 4350 Fax: + 1 304 357 4868. e-mail: fadialkhateeb@ucwv.edu a: significant at P< 0.05