Background

In the late 1990s, limited funding for existing student training programs was anticipated to decrease opportunities for students to participate in U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) programs. At the same time, pharmacy schools were shifting toward Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) programs, increasing the need for non-clinical rotation sites.

In response to these challenges, FDA Commissioned Corps pharmacists proactively developed a solution. In 1998, they established the FDA Pharmacy Student Experiential Program (PSEP) with the aim of encouraging FDA pharmacists to serve as preceptors and support pharmacy students.

Recognizing the importance of the program, the Division of Drug Information (DDI) assumed direction of PSEP in 2002. Under the leadership of DDI, the program has continued to thrive, facilitating FDA rotations for over ten thousand pharmacy students to date, and providing them with valuable learning experiences.

Application and Placement Rates (2013-present)