Building Confidence in Scholarship: Reflections on the ACCP Research and Scholarship Academy

Written by Erin Carson, PharmD, BCPS

Why Me? Why Now?

As an ambulatory care pharmacist and college of pharmacy faculty member, I spend much of my time helping learners close gaps in their clinical reasoning, supporting patients navigating gaps in chronic disease management, and closing communication gaps between care teams. Yet, despite years of practice, I recognized a gap of my own between the scholarly ideas I wanted to pursue, and the confidence and structure needed to bring them to life. I was confident in my abilities as an ambulatory care pharmacist and educator, but far less certain in my abilities as a researcher. I had completed research projects before, but I lacked a systematic framework for developing researchable questions, selecting appropriate methods, and translating findings into dissemination‑ready products.

When the opportunity arose to enroll in the ACCP Research and Scholarship Academy, I saw a chance to strengthen this part of my professional identity. I completed the entire program virtually and asynchronously over the course of a year, which allowed me to engage deeply with the content while balancing clinical practice, teaching, and family life. Although this was the final year the academy was offered, the experience was incredibly meaningful, and I am grateful to now have the chance to share about it.

Building a Foundation for Inquiry

The academy’s on‑demand curriculum provided a structured, stepwise approach to developing as a clinician‑scholar. Modules such as Introduction to Clinical Investigation and Defining a Researchable Question pushed me to refine my ideas using PICO (population, intervention, comparison, outcome) and FINER (feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, relevant) criteria. Sessions on observational studies, survey research, and qualitative methods expanded my understanding of study designs beyond what I routinely use in practice.

The modules on continuous and dichotomous data analysis were particularly impactful. As someone who teaches evidence‑based medicine, I appreciated revisiting foundational statistical concepts through the lens of practical application. The academy’s emphasis on implementation science, dissemination, and writing for publication helped me see how each step of the research process connects to the next.

The Portfolio Experience

Each module the academy offered was matched to a hands-on portfolio assignment. The portfolio assignments were where the learning became real. Each activity, including but not limited to crafting a research question, developing specific aims, outlining a study design, identifying variables, and drafting a background section, forced me to move from abstract ideas to concrete scholarly work.

Completing these assignments asynchronously required discipline, but it also gave me the space to think deeply and iteratively. I found myself returning to modules multiple times as my project evolved, appreciating how the curriculum was intentionally scaffolded to build skills in a logical sequence.

The culmination of the portfolio was the requirement to present a poster at an ACCP meeting. In Spring 2026, I presented my work at the ACCP Virtual Poster Symposium, a milestone that felt both validating and energizing. Sharing my project with colleagues helped me recognize how much I had grown as a scholar over the year.

What Comes Next

Participating in the Research and Scholarship Academy strengthened my confidence in designing and conducting practice‑based research. I now approach scholarly ideas with a clearer sense of structure, feasibility, and purpose. The program also helped me better mentor students and residents who are navigating their own early research experiences.

Although the academy has now been retired, ACCP continues to offer other professional development pathways, including Academies in Comprehensive Medication Management and Billing and Contracting. For those seeking structured growth in scholarship, the MeRIT or FIT programs may be excellent next steps.

Final Reflections

Completing the ACCP Research and Scholarship Academy filled the gaps in my toolset and gave me the confidence to pursue meaningful scholarly work that aligns with my clinical and educational passions. It reminded me that research is not reserved for those with protected time or formal training; it is a skill set that can be learned, practiced, and strengthened with intention.

The experience has shaped how I think, how I mentor, and how I contribute to our profession’s evidence base. For anyone seeking to grow as a clinician‑scholar, I encourage you to explore ACCP’s other academies and research programs.

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Erin Carson, PharmD, BCPS

Clinical Assistant Professor

University of Illinois Chicago Retzky College of Pharmacy