Social and Administrative Pharmacy (SAP) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) student and recent graduate perspectives of careers in academia: A roadmap of their experiences in their own words

Introduction: Graduates with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social and Administrative Pharmacy (SAP) have a wide range of career opportunities, including positions in academia. However, colleges and schools of pharmacy often face challenges in recruiting and retaining SAP PhD faculty. This study aims to identify the factors that influence the career decisions of SAP PhD students and recent graduates. Methods: This study employed a qualitative approach that involved semi-structured interviews guided by Charmaz's Grounded Theory. Participants included SAP PhD students and recent graduates in the United States, who were recruited via email. The interview protocol was developed by SAP researchers with expertise in qualitative study design, and the interviews were conducted until thematic saturation was achieved. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were then analyzed by two independent researchers using Dedoose®, a qualitative software. The researchers met to discuss the coding process and identify emerging themes. Results: A total of 12 interviews were conducted, including six SAP students and six recent graduates. Four key themes were identified: “Self-Discovery”, “Adaptability to the Academic Environment”, “Influence of Mentorship”, and “Academic Job Market Exploration.” Conclusion: This study highlights the experiences of SAP PhD students and recent graduates regarding their career decisions. This information may assist in recruiting and retaining SAP PhD faculty at colleges and schools of pharmacy.