Ask The Expert Interview
ACCP Student, Trainee & Early-stage Professional Committee Interview: Gilbert Burckart
Associate Director for Pediatrics, Office of Clinical Pharmacology, US Food & Drug Administration
Please describe your current work/research?
My current regulatory research is examining pediatric drug development programs with the goal of improving these studies, and eliminating failed pediatric trials.
Why did you choose the field of clinical pharmacology?
Clinical pharmacology was a natural progression for someone involved with patient care who identifies questions regarding the care of those patients. To answer those questions, you have to study the problem and design laboratory experiments and patient trials that answer the critical questions before you can optimize patient care.
How did you break into the field after completing your education?
It was probably a little bit of luck that my first faculty position was with Dr. Sumner Yaffe at Buffalo Children’s Hospital. I really consider my faculty position there as a fellowship, because there was also Dr.’s Gary Levy, Milo Gibaldi, and Bill Jusko.
Who was most influential to you in selecting your career path?
There were a number of mentors and colleagues that I looked up to: John Piecoro at the Un. Of Kentucky (pediatric patient care), Sumner Yaffe in Buffalo (pediatric clinical pharmacology), Bill Evans in Memphis (clinical research), and Thomas Starzl in Pittsburgh (innovation and exploration in solid organ transplantation).
What advice would you give a new and upcoming clinical pharmacologist?
Always be looking for new opportunities to expand your knowledge and experiences.
In your opinion, what qualities should a student work on during their graduate studies to become a successful scientist?
Work on becoming an expert in the area that you are working in through reading and asking questions.
How do you distribute your time over research, teaching, meetings, traveling, consulting?
Moving to the FDA 11 years ago required a change from the academic life; more meetings, less traveling. So you have to keep focused on your goals (improving pediatric patient care in my case), or the administrative work can take all of your time.
What benefits have you enjoyed as a result of being an ACCP Member?
My ACCP membership has provided a means to contribute back to the profession through sharing ideas and providing training programs, and also provides a group of colleagues that I can share research ideas and collaborate with.
How can students get involved in the various initiatives of the college?
Students should look at the abstract deadlines and not miss one. The meetings where you can present provides valuable feedback for your research and for you education.
What do you enjoy most about attending ACCP Annual Meetings?
The camaraderie with colleagues that I have known for decades, and seeing previous students who are now flourishing as researchers is the best part of the ACCP meetings.
What networking opportunities are available for students attending the ACCP Annual Meeting?
The poster sessions and the opening reception are great places to meet people and share ideas.
What are some of the long term benefits of getting involved in ACCP as a student?
Basically you can establish your own network of colleagues who you will be seeing and collaborating with throughout your career.
What do you do when not working (i.e. other activities like sports, art, music etc.)
Golf, working around the house, watching movies, watching tennis, church activities.
