The Write Stuff: The Development of a Medical Writing Pharmacy Residency Elective

THE PROBLEM: Effective medical writing requires a mastery of many skills including those of data interpretation, literature evaluation, written communication, and leadership. A number of these skills are considered educational goals and objectives for residents by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, yet preceptors and residents oftentimes face challenges in gaining competency, confidence, and success in medical writing. INNOVATION: A structured yet individualized plan for medical writing, including idea creation, peer reviewing, manuscript preparation, and team management for post-graduate year two pharmacy residents was implemented as an elective learning experience. RESULTS: Feedback from residents participating in the elective was positive. Each of the two residents who participated produced a manuscript that was subsequently published. CONCLUSION: Though data is limited by number of residents that have completed this learning experience, this longitudinally designed elective has potential benefits and barriers to execution that should be considered, but may be an excellent opportunity to develop critical skills in scholarly endeavors for residents and preceptors alike.