The career of Joni Fowler, PharmD, BCPP, CGP career focuses on medical education and communication.
Through her three companies (Creative Educational Concepts, ConvenePro and PromoGistics) she interacts regularly with health care professionals in a variety of medical specialties.
She earned her PharmD from the University of Tennessee and was previously employed in as a Clinical Pharmacist in the Continuing Education department at University of Kentucky’s Chandler Medical Center and as a Clinical Pharmacist in the areas of geriatrics and psychiatry with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.
Tell us about your companies.
PromoGistics is a full service professional marketing and communications company with a diverse clientele. ConvenePro, LLC is a full service healthcare communications company specializing in market research, resource development, and event management for the pharmaceutical industry. We work primarily with consumer healthcare and pharmaceutical companies whose target audiences include specialists, primary care, consumers, patients, pharmacists and allied healthcare workers. Finally, Creative Educational Concepts, Inc. (CEC) is a nationally accredited provider of continuing education for physicians and pharmacists. CEC is dedicated to lifelong learning.
What do you like best about your current position? What do you like least?
I have a lot of variety in my daily activities and the work is mentally challenging. My position is flexible and I enjoy the family-like atmosphere of my work team. Some of the stresses include the pressure of being a business owner, human resource challenges and the constantly changing legal and regulatory environment in which we work.
Besides your pharmacy degree, what type of training is required or helpful for a position such as yours?
Training in marketing, accounting, finance, management and supervision would be big assets to someone considering a position like mine. Additionally, competence in legal and regulatory affairs, training in strategic planning and excellent communications skills are essential.
Do you engage in any outside consulting or other professional activities?
I was a founding member of the CPNP (College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists) and I remain active on committees as well as with BCPP recertification. I’m also involved with the American Lung Association at the state, regional and national level and with anti-smoking advocacy efforts.
Do you participate in research, conferences or other professional activities?
Yes, in addition to conducting hundreds of meetings through our companies every year, I attend national meetings in all medical specialties (asthma/allergy, cardiology, psychiatry, epilepsy, etc.) in order to stay abreast of clinical issues. I also attend conferences targeted to medical education providers and conduct workshops on accreditation regulatory compliance.
In what direction do you think the field of pharmacy and your area of focus are headed?
There will always be a need for lifelong learning and demonstration of sustained competence for health professionals. My industry faces particular challenges with regard to the evolving regulatory environment.
What advice do you have for students interested in or currently pursuing a career in pharmacy?
It is an incredible profession that provides training far beyond the conventional practice sites that most Americans see. There are a number of challenging, innovative opportunities available for those willing to explore them.
Is there anything else you’d like students to know about your career or the profession of pharmacy?
“If you can dream it, you can do it.” (Walt Disney)
She along with her businesses lack integrity, honesty, and class.