Christchurch is the leading site for Training in Clinical Pharmacology in New Zealand. Clinical Pharmacology is a medical specialty that involves all aspects of medicines use. Medicines are the main therapeutic tools of physicians and using medicines effectively is a core skill for all physicians. Formal training in clinical pharmacology encompasses all aspects of use of medicines at individual, group and population levels.
Clinical pharmacologists work toward rational, evidence-based, cost-effective use of drugs in four domains:
Advanced Training in Clinical Pharmacology is well suited to dual training. Research is integral to the discipline and a research degree is supported as part of Advanced Training in Clinical Pharmacology.
There are currently shortages of Clinical Pharmacologists worldwide, including Australia and NZ. Appointments are often joint appointments to Hospital and University. Clinical Pharmacologists are employed by other organisations such as Government and the pharmaceutical industry.
The service has three clinical pharmacologists: A/Prof Matt Doogue, Dr Paul Chin and Prof Murray Barclay and up to two registrars.
We are a multi-disciplinary department providing tertiary medical services. Services include Medicines Information, Medicines Utilisation, Clinical Decision Support, Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Clinical Consultation. We are responsible for a range of clinical resources for clinicians and patients. Staff have lead roles in medicines governance. Currently, the implementation and ongoing development of electronic medicines systems and use of medicines data is a major focus of the department.
Within the University we coordinate and teach Clinical Pharmacology, mainly to 5th and 6th-year medical students. Staff are encouraged to undertake higher degrees (Masters, PhDs). The department is research active in several high-quality research collaborations.
The registrar participates in all department activities and the role is tailored to the needs of individual trainees.
The department is accredited for full-time core training in Clinical Pharmacology. Trainee activities are directly aligned to the RACP curriculum. There are educational, research and productivity-related meetings each week, in which all staff actively participate.
Research is a high priority of the department, through our University alignment. It is focused on improving prescribing through individualising regimens (medicines, dosing, & monitoring). Particular areas of interest include clinical decision support, clinical informatics, therapeutic drug monitoring, and adverse drug reactions. The Department produces 10-15 publications per year. Registrars are expected to complete at least one research project per training year and are supported to present their research projects at national and international conferences and to publish in international journals.
Our registrars have their own workspaces and work closely with the SMOs. The position is training focused and registrars are encouraged and supported to attend Australasian training meetings as well as use local training opportunities. Trainee initiatives are supported and encouraged.
Advantages to training in Clinical Pharmacology in Canterbury.
We are one of the leading Clinical Pharmacology Centres in Australasia.
Dr Murray Barclay
Director of Training
Email: murray.barclay@cdhb.health.ac.nz
Dr Matt Doogue
Clinical Director
Phone: +64 22 406 3735
Email: matt.doogue@cdhb.health.ac.nz
