This select group of scientists has much to offer.
By Christopher R. McCurdy, Ph.D., FAAPS, President
I became an AAPS Fellow in 2014. Standing on the stage at the AAPS Annual Meeting and Exposition to receive this recognition is a moment I will never forget. The AAPS Fellows program recognizes members “for facing challenges head-on with creative solutions in the discovery, development, or regulation of pharmaceuticals and biologics. The status of Fellow denotes professional excellence and sustained, positive impact to global health and to the AAPS community.” Who in our profession would not be honored to receive this recognition?
The Process
Selecting AAPS Fellows each year is a rigorous process. Nominations must include a portfolio of the nominee’s accomplishments documenting his or her contributions in a particular scientific discipline. The portfolio can include promotion history, publication record, patents, presentations, mentoring, service to AAPS or other professional/scientific organizations, adjunct faculty positions, product development work, work supporting a new drug application, level and scope of technical and/or managerial responsibility, and awards and other recognition received. In addition, the nominee’s curriculum vitae is submitted along with letters of recommendation.
Once the nomination is complete, the Fellows Committee evaluates the nomination package, asking:
What makes the nominee an acknowledged leader in, and an outstanding contributor to, the pharmaceutical sciences?
What are the nominee’s most important scientific accomplishments?
The Fellows Committee recommends a slate of candidates to the AAPS Board of Directors, who make the final decision.
I’m a Fellow, Now What?
Once members have been recognized as AAPS Fellows, they may use “FAAPS” after their names. We hope that AAPS Fellows will remain involved with AAPS, serve as role models, and step forward as leaders for AAPS activities. I’m happy to see AAPS Fellows serving on the AAPS Board of Directors, the PharmSci 360 Scientific Programming Committee, and in other leadership roles. Many of our past presidents are Fellows.
AAPS benefits from the expertise and leadership of its AAPS Fellows. These members have reached the pinnacle of our profession. Who is better qualified to make this organization the best it can be? By volunteering with AAPS, Fellows can advance their science, broaden their network, apply their leadership skills, and help others learn and grow. With the variety of volunteer opportunities available, everyone can find a position that fits their available time and expertise. Here are some opportunities available:
- Résumé Advisor: Provide one-time counseling to individuals seeking to improve their résumé.
- Visiting Scientist: Visit colleges and share knowledge, experiences, and ideas with students.
- Webinar Developer: Deliver the latest information on pharmaceutical science topics without the need for travel or time away from home and office.
- Mentor: Work one-on-one with a graduate student, postdoctoral associate, or other professional to offer knowledge, encouragement, and guidance.
- Author: Write for either the AAPS Newsmagazine or AAPS Introductions in the Pharmaceutical Sciences book series.
For more information, visit our volunteer page.
From personal experience, volunteering as a section chair, as the Publications Committee chair, on the 2014 Annual Meeting Program Committee, and on the Board of Directors has helped me grow as a leader. It has augmented my career, and I have a better understanding of the many facets of the pharmaceutical sciences because of my involvement. In addition, the challenges and opportunities that I have faced with our organizational changes has provided me with an “on the job” leadership career development that could not be accomplished through leadership training. I hope my fellow Fellows—and all members—will join me in contributing to this beneficial organization.