PQA Postdoctoral Fellowship

Overview

The PQA Postdoctoral Fellowship produces the next generation of leaders in health care quality through a full-time, 12-month program based in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. PQA fellows collaborate across the organization and with a wide variety of stakeholders at a national level to impact the quality of care patients receive with an emphasis on the quality of medication use. 

The program’s foundation begins with the fellows’ interests to develop skills in: 

  • Medication use quality education 
  • Quality measure development and use 
  • Non-profit administration and association management 
  • Health care quality research 
  • Project management 

There are many opportunities available for fellows at PQA. The fellowship has key components as well as the option for additional projects based on the fellow’s interests and PQA’s mission-driven needs.  

All fellows are expected to complete key components of the program, which include:  

  • Work independently and in collaboration with all members of the PQA team to ensure the success of the organization and achievement of its mission and strategic plan.  
  • Serve as a mentor for PQA’s student programs, including Advanced Practice Pharmacy Experience (APPE) students and summer interns  
  • Lead recruitment for PQA’s student programs  
  • Engage in professional development opportunities, such as conference attendance  
  • Shadow PQA member organizations from health care’s diverse sectors 
  • Immerse in the PQA Annual Meeting, Leadership Summit and other major PQA meetings and events 
  • Earn a professional certification, such as Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality or Project Management Professional  
  • Connect with a network of national pharmacy and related association fellows and residents 

The fellowship program offers two tracks: 

  1. Executive Fellowship in Health Care Association Leadership  

The Fellow in Health Care Association Leadership works primarily with the PQA Engagement, Education and Convening (EEC) team. The EEC team is responsible for design and implementation of two national meetings, managing PQA’s student and professional development programs, developing educational content and engaging with existing and potential members. The fellow will have additional opportunities to contribute to: 

  • Creation and stewardship of accredited continuous education  
  • Development of webinars  
  • Craft resource or action guides  
  • Facilitation of a large national meeting  
  • Co-lead committees of stakeholders  
 

  1. Fellowship in Health Care Quality  

The Fellow in Health Care Quality will work primarily with the PQA Performance Measurement and Research (PMR) team. The PMR team is responsible for developing and stewarding quality measures related to medication use, conducting research in the areas of quality improvement and staying abreast of changes to health care policy. The fellow will have additional opportunities to contribute to: 

  • Quality measure development and maintenance activities  
  • Research projects related to medication use quality 
  • Literature reviews of clinical information 
  • Support of PQA measure inquiries 

Based on interest and need, all fellows may pursue potential additional opportunities:  

  • Participate in teaching opportunities  
  • Strengthen writing and publication experience  
  • Engage with key stakeholders  
  • Conduct research activities such as literature reviews or environmental scans  
  • Get involved with PQA-led panels 
  • Gain exposure to non-profit association governance 

Eligibility Criteria 
The fellow must hold a doctoral degree (PharmD, MD or PhD) within the United States (or plan to secure a doctoral degree within 6 months) from an accredited program. Incoming fellows are expected to sit for licensure exam(s) and complete all other professional licensing requirements within 90 days of beginning the fellowship. PQA seeks highly motivated individuals with the following attributes: 

  • Commitment to improving the quality of medication use 
  • Strong work ethic 
  • Ability to work independently and in a collaborative environment 
  • Strong writing and public speaking skills 
  • Ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously 

Availability for online (e.g., Microsoft Teams) and onsite interviews is required. Select candidates will be offered an onsite interview in early January. Onsite interview travel expenses are supported by PQA.  

Benefits  

  • Competitive salary aligned with other pharmacy association fellowships and residencies  
  • Annual stipend for professional development activities 
  • 401k match program  
  • Health, dental and vision insurance, disability Insurance 
  • Flexible Spending Account 
  • Phone/Internet stipend 
  • Generous Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, volunteer, federal and organizational holidays)  
  • PQA is closed December 26-31 

Application Information 
Candidates are required to submit the following materials through an online application, accessible via the PQA website: 

  1. One-page cover letter describing: 
    1. Interest in the program 
    2. Career goals and major areas of interest 
    3. How you envision this fellowship meeting your goals 
    4. Why you believe you are a good fit for the program 
  2. Curriculum vitae 
  3. Official transcript from academic institution(s): Official transcripts must be mailed directly from academic institutions and must be received by the application due date. Official electronic transcripts are acceptable if sent to [email protected] 
  4. Writing sample (e.g., primary author on a journal publication, poster abstract, other relevant professional writing that demonstrates your written communication skills) 
  5. Two letters of recommendation: For applications to be considered complete, two (2) letters of recommendation from faculty, dean or employer must be e-mailed separately and directly from the recommenders to [email protected] by the application deadline using the following subject line: “PQA Fellowship – Candidate Name”. 

The deadline to submit applications is November 26, 2025.

 

Important Dates


Learn More about the PQA Executive Fellowship

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