Learn more about the duties, practice settings, typical workdays, and educational opportunities, as well as personal advice from pharmacists in this practice area.
What is a drug information specialist?
A drug information specialist is a licensed pharmacist who is an expert on evidence-based medicine. This expertise is used to promote the safe and effective use of medications through formulary management, literature evaluation, and other medication use processes. A DI specialist also educates pharmacy staff on medication use process changes that impact care across the health-system.
Where does a drug information specialist work?
DI specialists have the expertise and skillset to work in a variety of settings. These may include drug information centers, academia, health-system, industry, managed care, or government institutions like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
What does a typical workday look like?
For a DI specialist, a typical workday may include literature evaluation to address questions on a variety of clinical topics using evidence-based assessment. DI specialists may also be responsible for preparing materials necessary for Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee consideration of medications under review for formulary addition. Most of the workday is dedicated to active practice or teaching of evidence-based medicine principles. Given the variety in the skillset of a DI specialist, it is not unheard of for these specialists to grow into other roles outside of day-to-day drug information practice.
What educational opportunities are available for pharmacists in this area?
In addition to PGY1 residency, drug information specialists complete a PGY2 Medication Use Safety and Policy residency.
How can I learn more about this career path?
- Join ASHP’s Section of Clinical Specialists and Scientists and Section of Inpatient Care Practitioners for more information on the unique needs and practices of this specialty area.
- Join the Drug Information Community on ASHP Connect. There you will find blog posts, a discussion list, and the ability to sign up to be a mentee.
Member Career Profiles
Rena Gosser, Pharm.D., BCPS
Clinical Ambulatory Pharmacy Manager
UW Medicine - Harborview Medical Center
What interested you in pharmacy and this career path?
“I was interested in clinical pharmacy and the variety of ways that pharmacists can impact patient care. I was also very intrigued by the medication use process and all of the decisions required (clinical, operational, informatics, etc.) to ensure the safe and effective use of medications while also keeping cost in mind. I frequently asked why we practice pharmacy the way we do, and it always went back to researching the pivotal trial in the literature to assess where a specific clinical recommendation came from. Writing for a variety of audiences in the healthcare field was also something I enjoyed, so drug information was the specialty that allowed me to engage in all of these practices on a day-to-day basis.”
What advice do you have for someone interested in this career field?
“For those interested in drug information, I highly recommend getting a solid background in clinical practice through completion of a pharmacy residency program. This provides an important baseline in understanding the drug information needs of those you will serve as a DI specialist in any practice setting. I also recommend seeking out those who have or currently practice in DI, as there is valuable insight in the way this field has changed over the years. It would be especially beneficial to shadow DI specialists in a variety of settings to understand the full breadth and depth of practices available.”
