Clinical Pharmacology

Components of Training

Core Training
This is of 24 months and should include and address:

• Principles of basic pharmacology, of essential drug groups and mechanisms of action.
  
• Principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
  
• Paediatric or geriatric pharmacology.
  
• Individual and population variance in drug response.
  
• Assessment of adverse drug reactions.
  
• Therapeutic drug monitoring and reporting of plasma drug concentrations.
  
• Knowledge of codes of good laboratory and good clinical research practice.
  
• Awareness of literature and computer sources of drug information.
  
• Understanding of the role of ethics committees.
  
• Awareness of the role of drug committees.
  
• Knowledge of basic research principles.
  
• Completion of at least one research project (other than a clinical trial).
• Understanding of the process involved in evaluating new drugs.
  
• Principles of quality drug use.

Procedural Skills
There are no specific requirements for procedural skills.

Elective Training
Many other options are available and may be pursued for six months or more of the three year program. Alternative options should be discussed with a member of the SAC. Suggested areas for additional training include:

• Clinical or basic toxicology.
  
• Pharmacoepidemiology.
  
• Secondment to the Ministry of Health Therapeutic Section (MedSafe) to gain exposure to drug evaluation processes.
  
• Secondment to the pharmaceutical industry.
  
• Palliative care and principles of pain management.
  
• Clinical microbiology.

Training posts in many other subspecialties could also be appropriate.

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