May 22, 2018

Soo Min Jang, PharmD, recently completed the Clinical Pharmacy Translational Science (CPTS) Post-Doctoral Fellowship program at University of Michigan College of Pharmacy. Dr. Jang is currently an assistant professor of pharmacy practice at Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, before completing a Nephrology Pharmacotherapy Residency at the school. She worked as community pharmacist and Medication Therapy Management pharmacist before joining the CPTS Post-Doctoral Fellow program. Dr. Jang recently shared her experiences with the CPTS program, and what those interested in the field should know. 

What motivated you to apply to the U-M Pharmacy CPTS post-doc fellowship program?

I have always enjoyed not only interacting with patients and healthcare professionals, but also conducting research. After completing my residency, I knew I was ready to be a clinician but not prepared to be a faculty member. I applied to the U-M Pharmacy CPTS post-doc fellowship program because I knew I would gain experiences writing grants, conducting research as well as teaching students under the direction of strong mentors at University of Michigan College of Pharmacy.

Could you describe your time as a fellow? What did you take away from the experience?

I enjoyed my fellowship, every minute of it. I actively pursued research and scholarship. I wrote numerous grants, and led or participated in research projects across the translational research continuum that have produced several publications. In addition, I was involved with lecture-based courses as well as innovative pedagogy including team-based learning. I strengthened my teaching skills more by attending the University of Michigan’s Preparing Future Faculty Seminar Series. I have learned and applied the novel teaching techniques that I learned in the program.

How do you think the fellowship prepared you for your current position?

This U-M Pharmacy CPTS fellowship program provided a smooth transition from being a resident/pharmacist to become a faculty member. I believe that residency program provides clinical experiences for direct patient care, and fellowship program will guide you to become a great teacher and researcher. After completing this program, I feel confident that my extensive and varied experiences in the pharmacy profession will be an asset to the institution for which I work.

What advice would you give to someone considering a CPTS post-doc fellowship?

Fellowship is different from residency, where the program is structured and you will have a different preceptor every month. Fellowship programs can be tailored (depending on your mentor) towards what you want to achieve and you will have one primary mentor, with whom you are going to spend the most time. Look into each mentor to see with whom you want to work. Most important, enjoy your time at U-M!

More on Dr. Jang’s Research

Dr. Jang’s clinical and translational research has focused on issues faced by patients with kidney disease. She has published peer-reviewed papers in the areas of dialysis, pharmacokinetics, continuous renal replacement therapies, prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapies, and pharmacotherapeutics of kidney disease. Other research interests include health literacy, reducing preventable harm from nephrotoxic medications, and outcomes related to pharmacist interventions.