Training and Development of Clinical Research Personnel through the Glaxo Professional Development Program

Employees in clinical research and its supportive functions bring a heterogeneous collection of formal educations, health care training, scientific training, and work experiences to their positions in the pharmaceutical industry. To promote their success in industry, in 1985 Glaxo established a three-part intracompany Professional Development Program. The first part of this program is the Core Program which facilitates assimilation of new employees into productive roles in clinical research and support areas. The Core Program concentrates on teaching the fundamental aspects of good clinical practices (GCPs). A total of 332 employees completed this Core Program during its initial five years of operation. This program currently graduates about 80–100 employees per year. The second part of the Professional Development Program is a Continuing Education Program to support the continued professional growth of personnel who complete the Core Program. In 1990, 270 employees completed continuing education programs. The breadth and depth of offerings in this area continue to expand. The third part of the Professional Development Program is an Academic Achievement Program to coordinate collaborative training with universities. To date, 11 individuals have completed one- or two-year postgraduate fellowship programs. Information on all three components of the Professional Development Program is presented in this paper. The advantages and limitations of these programs are discussed.