PRN Corner

More than just a special interest group, an ACCP Practice and Research Network (PRN) is an active group of members who can interact continuously via electronic listserve messages and exchange timely information to improve practice and patient care. There are more that 20 PRNs representing almost every major therapeutic area and professional interest. ACCP student members receive one PRN membership free. Gain timely and critical insight into the issues and challenges facing clinical pharmacists by joining one or more PRNs that best fit your interests today.

ACCP PRN members are interested in your professional development and encourage student membership and involvement in their programs and activities. Many PRNs have identified a liaison to provide student pharmacists more information about their specialty and PRN activities. Review the links below to access the liaison for a specific PRN.

Practice Research Networks
Adult Medicine

Over the last 10 years, the ACCP Adult Medicine Practice and Research Network (PRN) has rapidly grown to be one of the largest PRNs. With a membership of over 800, we have members practicing in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as in academics and pharmaceutical industry. Members of our PRN report providing a broad range of clinical consulting services such as anticoagulation services, nutrition support, pain management and pharmacokinetic services. Benefits of membership within the Adult Medicine PRN include quality programming at ACCP meetings, networking opportunities, access to the PRN list serve, and opportunities for participation on one of the Adult Medicine PRN committees (e.g., Nominations Committee, Programming Committee, Newsletter Committee, etc). Our members are very active within the PRN and in ACCP, with many holding leadership positions within the PRN and the College. Our PRN is committed to the practice of evidence-based medicine and promotes active involvement in scholarly and research activities. Joining the Adult Medicine PRN is an excellent way for students to get actively involved in advancing the practice of Adult Medicine.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Ambulatory Care

The Ambulatory Care Practice and Research Network (PRN) is the largest of all the PRNs, with over 900 members. We serve a variety of different practice types (outpatient hospital, community, research, physician office, VA, etc.) and practice areas (primary care, geriatrics, pediatrics, anticoagulation, lipid management, diabetes management, pain management, etc). Our PRN has various committees that help to focus our efforts and make the PRN productive. New practitioners interested in becoming more involved in ACCP are encouraged to volunteer for one of the committees. One of the best resources within ACCP is our knowledgeable membership. Members can gain access to the brainpower of other members through our PRN mailing list (list-serve). It helps clinicians and researchers answer difficult questions related to patient care, billing, management, literature evaluation and other topics. Pharmacists who are not practicing in Ambulatory Care join our PRN just for this resource. Joining the Ambulatory Care PRN is a great way to start networking. Many ACCP leaders are members of the PRN and come to the PRN Networking sessions and Education sessions at ACCP meetings.

If you have a question regarding ambulatory care or a question about our PRN, please contact us.

Cardiology

The Cardiology PRN advances the pharmacotherapy of cardiovascular disorders through the promotion of excellence in education, research, and clinical practice by enhancing the knowledge, skills, and productivity of its members. The PRN's objectives are to: provide a means for communication and networking among members; provide quality educational programming at national meetings; use the PRN listserv to facilitate access to information, expertise, and professional opportunities available through the PRN; and provide opportunities for collaborative research. Trainees such as students, residents, and fellows, interested in cardiovascular pharmacotherapy may experience the benefits of being members of the Cardiology PRN by reading and participating in the listserv; participating in the moderated poster/platform session at the Fall PRN meeting; and attending continuing education programs offered by the PRN. These include a presymposium on critical issues in cardiovascular pharmacotherapy held prior to the annual meeting, various programs offered during the meetings, as well as the Spring PRN meeting hosting of a guest speaker. In addition, opportunities to interact members of the PRN offers a great way to develop long lasting professional relationships that open doors for collaborative research, training and education.

If you have a question regarding cardiology or a question about our PRN, please contact us.

Central Nervous System

The Central Nervous System PRN is comprised of individuals interested in both Psychiatry and Neurologic Pharmacy. Our membership is fairly diverse, consisting of practicing pharmacists, clinical pharmacy specialists, and pharmacists practicing within a research environment, academia, and industry. Our twice yearly PRN meetings provide a forum to encourage networking among pharmacists specializing in disorders of the central nervous system, increase high-quality programming on CNS diseases, and foster an arena where young professionals can develop leadership and presentation skills. Student participation within our PRN is highly encouraged and we would welcome questions about our PRN.

If you have a question regarding central nervous system or a question about our PRN, please contact us.

Clinical Administration

The Clinical Administration PRN is comprised of a diverse group of practitioners and managers who share the common goal of providing leadership regarding medication use. Most of our members are board certified in Pharmacotherapy, but there are other specialists that comprise our membership as well. The PRN was originally formed in 2002, and grew from 48 members to over 200 members in 2009. Our PRN has provided educational programming (focus sessions) at a number of ACCP meetings dealing with issues that are important to front-line practitioners, clinicians and managers alike. Recent topics have included how to justify clinical pharmacy services and Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals. Several students have received travel awards to help fund attendance at ACCP meetings from the PRN. The PRN conducts a business and networking session at each ACCP meeting and students are encouraged to attend. Any student who is interested in clinical pharmacy leadership is encouraged to join our PRN.

Critical Care

The Critical Care Practice and Research Network (PRN) is a group of over 1,000 pharmacists who share an interest in and who focus on the pharmacotherapy of critically ill patients. The Critical Care PRN is dedicated to advancing the practice of its members through educational programs at ACCP meetings, pre-meeting symposia, and by fostering the research and educational activities of its members. Members actively exchange information pertinent to their practice through the PRN listserv, and expand their professional connections via the PRN networking forum at the ACCP Annual and Spring Meetings. The Critical Care PRN is a very dynamic and growing group of dedicated professionals.

If you have a question regarding critical care or a question about our PRN, please contact us.

Drug Information

The Drug Information Practice and Research Network (DI PRN) is a relatively new PRN created in 2003. The goals of the DI PRN are to: provide opportunities for interested pharmacists to network, problem-solve, and discuss professional challenges related to drug information and informatics; promote practice, research, and education related to drug information and informatics; foster the growth of drug information and informatics in clinical pharmacy practice and college of pharmacy curricula; and encourage the practice of "evidence based medicine." Our members come from various practice sites including academia, health systems, managed care organizations, medical information publishers, and pharmaceutical industry in the United States and abroad.

The DI PRN welcomes and encourages student participation. There are many ways for students to become involved in the Drug Information Practice and Research Network. We have multiple committees working on different projects and committees devoted to developing programming for our meetings, creating a white paper on drug information, writing a DI PRN newsletter, as well as others. Students would be a beneficial addition to any of the committees. If you are unable to commit time regularly to a committee, we always have space in our newsletter for anyone who would like to submit an article. Previously printed newsletters are available on our Web site. Students are also welcome to post messages on the DI PRN listserve.

If you have a question regarding drug information or a question about our PRN, please contact us.

Education and Training

The Education and Training PRN (E/T PRN) was created to identify issues important to pharmacists involved in teaching pharmacy students and residents. Most of the 311 members belong to another PRN that reflects their primary practice area, but are members of the E/T PRN because of their teaching interests. As a result, the E/T PRN enjoys much diversity from its membership. Currently, the E/T PRN offers an interview workshop for students and residents attending the Annual ACCP Meeting (held in the fall). This workshop occurs immediately following our business meeting and involves a short discussion, a handout with helpful tips and several opportunities for mock interviews. The pharmacy student who is wondering about residency directions, the pharmacy resident who is wondering about an academic position, or any pharmacist who is planning to be involved in teaching future pharmacy students/residents will find this PRN helpful in identification and satisfaction of professional goals.

If you have a question regarding education and training or a question about our PRN, please contact us.

Emergency Medicine

The Emergency Medicine PRN (practice research network) was established in the Fall of 2008. The focus of this PRN is to provide a forum for those who practice in emergency departments or have an interest in issues related to patient care in the emergency department. The listserv provides a medium for communication for PRN members on clinical and operational issues in emergency medicine pharmacy practice. A newsletter is in development and will serve as a method of notifying all members on important issues related to the PRN or the area of emergency medicine. The ACCP Annual meeting provides opportunities for members to network and share ideas on a face-to-face basis during the PRN’s business meeting. In addition, the emergency medicine PRN will contribute to the educational efforts during ACCP meetings through planning and organizing platform presentations from experts on the frontline of emergency medicine pharmacy practice. Students, residents, and fellows are encouraged to become members of this PRN and come join us in shaping the future of emergency medicine pharmacy. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the liaisons listed below.

Endocrine and Metabolism

The Endocrine & Metabolism PRN is comprised of members from a variety of practice settings including ambulatory care clinics, academia, and community and hospital pharmacies. Areas of practice and research interests include diabetes, dyslipidemia, general primary care, and metabolic disorders. The PRN is newer and growing fast with many members actively involved with ACCP and in other PRNs. Benefits of membership within the Endocrine and Metabolism PRN include quality programming at ACCP meetings, networking opportunities, access to the PRN list-serve, and the ability to actively participate within the PRN at the national level. Students have the opportunity to interact with current PRN members at both the ACCP annual and spring meetings. The PRN business meetings held during these times are great opportunities for students to become active members of ACCP. In addition, opportunities to interact with members of the PRN offer a great way to develop long lasting professional relationships that open doors for collaborative research, training and education.

If you have a question regarding the specialty of endocrine and metabolism or about our PRN, please contact us.

Geriatrics

The Geriatrics PRN serves as a network of clinical specialist with expertise in geriatrics. These clinicians serve a wide range of settings from community to long-term care to academia, as well as others. Activities include Focus Sessions on challenging clinical topics at the Annual Meeting in the Fall, and the Spring Practice and Research Forum. There is also time devoted to networking at each meeting to exchange experiences and research interests with other geriatrics specialists. There is also a yearly newsletter highlighting the activities and achievements of our members, a word from our chair, and other geriatric pharmacy topics.

If you have a question regarding geriatrics or a question about our PRN, please contact us.

GI/Liver/Nutrition

The GI/Liver/Nutrition PRN is composed of clinical pharmacists who are interested in promoting practice, research, and education in gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition. We strongly encourage student involvement in the GI/Liver/Nutrition PRN as our success is highly dependent upon stimulating interest within our own profession for continued growth and development. Opportunities for students interested in enhancing their knowledge and skills in these areas include attending annual focus sessions at ACCP meetings, presenting research, and discussing various professional issues and controversies via the listserv. Additional benefits include networking with key leaders in the field and learning about potential residency/fellowship and other career opportunities.

If you have a question regarding gi/liver/nutrition or a question about our PRN, please contact us.

Health Outcomes

The Health Outcomes (OCEC) Practice and Research Network (PRN) is a group of 183 members from multiple practice settings, including clinical practice, academia, pharmaceutical industry, and consulting. The OCEC PRN is dedicated to advancing the scope of outcomes research by promoting excellence in education, research, clinical practice, and policy analysis. The PRN's objectives are to: provide a means for communication among members of the PRN; provide educational opportunities for health care professionals regarding outcomes research; provide educational/mentoring opportunities for students, residents, and fellows with an interest in outcomes research; promote collaborative research and dissemination of the results by publication and oral presentations; promote the use of outcomes measures in clinical practice and decision making; and influence and participate in policy development regarding appropriate use of outcomes data.

The OCEC PRN strongly welcomes student participation. There are opportunities to interact with PRN members through participation on OCEC PRN committees (Educational Programming, Publications/Newsletter, Communications/Website, Outcomes, Networking, and Membership), collaboration with members of other PRNs, access to OCEC PRN listserv, student poster presentations at business meetings, and development of pre-meeting workshops. Joining the OCEC PRN offers a great way to develop relationships to further enhance collaboration, education, research, and clinical practice.

If you have a question regarding outcomes and economics or a question about our PRN, please contact us.

Hematology/Oncology

The Hematology/Oncology PRN is a great way to get involved in the area of Oncology Pharmacy Practice. Our PRN members are diverse, representing clinical practice, industry, pharmacy education and research. Through the Hematology/Oncology PRN you can learn about the most up-to-date issues surrounding the practice of Oncology Pharmacy. The PRN provides a forum for hematology/oncology pharmacists to network and collaborate on scientific, educational, and political issues affecting clinical practice, teaching, and research. Students can get involved by attending the PRN Networking Forum and Focus Sessions at each ACCP meeting, serving on PRN committees and participating in the PRN Listserv.

If you have a question regarding hematology/oncology or a question about our PRN, please contact us.

Immunology/Transplantation

The Immunology/Transplantation PRN currently has over 200 members that work in the areas of immunology, and solid organ transplantation. The PRN represents a diverse group of professionals who share interests including clinical and basic science research, clinical practice, and education of pharmacy students and residents. The PRN is dedicated to promoting information exchange in a cooperative, supportive atmosphere. Immunology and Transplantation is a specialty area that continues to grow, and there are numerous opportunities for specialty residency and/or fellowship training. Many of our members are not only active clinicians, but also contribute to the transplant literature through their research activities. Ample opportunity exists for students and residents to develop, implement, and present results of research projects.

If you have a question regarding immunology/transplantation or a question about our PRN, please contact us.

Infectious Diseases

The 1100+ international members of the infectious diseases practice and research network (ID-PRN) participate in clinical, teaching, and/or research activities primarily in the field of infectious diseases. Generalists and specialist members practice in the areas of antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral pharmacotherapy and/or experimental therapeutics. Likewise, diversity exists in practice/research sites including community practice, hospital-based clinical pharmacy, consulting services, academia, and pharmaceutical industry. ID-PRN members are visibly active within ACCP. The ID-PRN provides expert conducted educational programming at ACCP Annual and Spring Research Forum, contribute frequently to Pharmacotherapy and speak extensively around the country about infectious diseases topics. The ID-PRN annually awards a member a mini-sabbatical, holds business and networking forums at each ACCP meeting, and substantially contributes to the ACCP Frontiers Fund. In addition, the ID-PRN in conjunction with the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists have developed recommendations for training and certification for pharmacists practicing in infectious diseases pharmacotherapy (available on ID-PRN website). If you are a student member who wishes to know more about becoming an infectious diseases specialist, career opportunities in the infectious diseases field or has questions about infectious diseases topics — we encourage you to contact us. ID-PRN members are awaiting the chance to talk with you about the exciting, dynamic and rewarding field of infectious

Nephrology

The Nephrology PRN currently has 167 members. The primary missions of the PRN are to advance the scope of nephrology pharmacotherapy and to ensure optimal patient outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease. The Nephrology PRN members practice in a wide variety of settings including academia, hospitals, dialysis units, and the pharmaceutical industry. The Nephrology PRN publishes a quarterly newsletter and encourages active participation and contributions from students.

If you have a question regarding nephrology or a question about our PRN, please contact us.

Pain and Palliative Care

The Pain and Palliative Care PRN is comprised of individuals interested in the care of patients with pain and palliative care concerns. Our objectives are to 1) provide a supportive network for all practitioners who have patient care concerns in pain and palliative care 2) provide quality education for practitioners, students and those in post-graduate training and 3) build leadership skills in young practitioners by encouraging their involvement in our network. Our diverse membership includes pharmacists who practice in the areas of acute pain, cancer pain and chronic non-cancer pain, as well as palliative care. Member practice sites include hospital, community and hospice settings, as well as academic, research and industry settings. Several of our members are on the faculty at pharmacy colleges, preceptors for pharmacy practice residencies, and program directors and preceptors for specialized PGY-2 residencies in pain and palliative care. We also offer a mini-sabbatical in the pain and/or palliative care area for practitioners who wish to expand their expertise. Our PRN list-serve, educational sessions and networking forums are a great way for young practitioners to get involved in clinical practice and ACCP.

If you have a question regarding pain and palliative care or a question about our PRN, please contact us.

Pediatrics

The Pediatrics PRN has about 300 members who are passionate about kids. Our membership includes practitioners who care for premature babies, infants, children, and adolescents. Virtually all clinical areas one can imagine are covered by our membership. We are truly excited about this opportunity through our parent organization, ACCP, to help pharmacy students discover Pediatric Pharmacy. We have liaison members who are available to answer students' questions. We are creating a sub-committee to see how we can further increase student involvement in our PRN. If you have any ideas please contact us. We are very interested in hearing from you.

If you have a question regarding pediatrics or a question about our PRN, please contact us.

Pharmaceutical Industry

The Pharmaceutical Industry PRN supports members working in the pharmaceutical industry and provides awareness and education to members who do not work in the industry by: providing educational and developmental programs, and networking opportunities for clinical pharmacists practicing in all aspects of industry; providing information about pharmacy practice in industry to the general membership of ACCP; and developing and facilitating research, educational, and pharmaceutical care collaborations between clinical pharmacists in pharmaceutical industry and academic or other clinical settings.

If you have a question regarding the pharmaceutical industry or a question about our PRN, please contact us.

Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics/Pharmacogenomics

The Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics/Pharmacogenomics PRN was created for ACCP members to provide a mechanism for networking and collaboration, educational programming, and a high-quality forum where members with similar interests can discuss PK/PD/PG research and methods. The PRN is a forum designed to present and discuss a variety of current topics including: population PK/PD/PG analyses, innovative modeling, clinical PK research, drug metabolism studies, and concentration-effect relationships.

The PK/PD/PG PRN welcomes student members. The membership is keen to provide mentorship for students interested in pursuing PK/PD/PG as a research career or to simply learn the science as it applies to clinical practice.

Benefits of membership in this PRN include participation in PK/PD/PG related educational activities including hot topics presentations, focus sessions etc. The student members will also benefit from mentorship of senior members of the PRN. The students are eligible for awards offered by the PRN as well.

If you are interested in PK/PD/PG come join us for stimulating interactions at the ACCP Annual Meeting each year!

Women's Health

The Women's Health PRN has about 150 members who are involved in women's health in a variety of capacities. We have clinicians, educators, advocates, and pharmaceutical industry representatives in our PRN. Most clinical areas, including contraception, bioidentical hormones, the care of pregnant patients, issues related to fertility, research in women, and developing and teaching women's health topics to health-care providers are covered by our varied membership. We are thrilled to have the opportunity through our parent organization, ACCP, to help pharmacy students discover more about women's health, clinical practice and research. We welcome the involvement of students and residents at our meetings and in our committees. Our liaison member is able to answer student questions and looks forward to hearing from you! If you have a question related to a women's health topic or our PRN, please do not hesitate to contact us.

If you have a question regarding women's health or a question about our PRN, please contact us.