Pharmacy Students Compete in the American College of Clinical Pharmacy Clinical Research Challenge
The R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy continues to gain national recognition, as a student team advanced to the second round of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Clinical Research Challenge, a competitive, three-round event designed to strengthen clinical research and literature evaluation skills among pharmacy students.
The team, led by Ivana Karac, alongside Justin Cruz and Zach Nikkel, competed against 79 teams across the country in the first round of the competition. Following their performance, they advanced to round two, placing them among the top 40 teams nationwide.
The ACCP Clinical Research Challenge guides teams through multiple stages of research development, beginning with the analysis of a clinical research article and progressing to the creation of original research proposals and protocols. “It's a national, three-round, team-based competition designed to help students develop skills in clinical literature evaluation and research proposal development,” the team shared. “Each round builds on the previous one, from analyzing a research article to developing a letter of intent and ultimately a full clinical research protocol.”
For the second round, the team was tasked with developing a letter of intent centered on the value of clinical pharmacy services in pharmacogenomics within a large health system. The proposal required careful consideration of study design, feasibility, budget, and meaningful outcomes, including clinical, economic, and humanistic impacts. "Our research proposal focused on the value of clinical pharmacy services in pharmacogenomics within a large health system,” the team explained. “We had to design a study within a specific budget and timeframe, as if it were being conducted in a real academic medical center.”
Working under a tight timeline of just two and a half weeks during midterms, the team navigated both time constraints and a complex subject area that they had not yet fully encountered in their coursework.
“There was definitely a time crunch,” they said. “Pharmacogenomics is something we have had limited experience with, which added to the challenge, but once we identified a clear direction, everything came together.”
To overcome these challenges, the team relied on independent research, collaboration, and mentorship from faculty experts. By exploring current clinical practices and evidence-based guidelines, they developed a deeper understanding of pharmacogenomics and its real-world applications.
“A challenge we faced was not having a strong background in pharmacogenomics,” they shared. “We used available resources and met with Dr. Jason Karnes to better understand how pharmacogenomics is applied in clinical practice and which ideas would be feasible within our study design.”
“I am very impressed by the performance of Ivana, Justin, and Zach, who were able to critically evaluate and apply scientific literature despite being early in their PharmD training,” said Jason Karnes, PharmD, PhD. “The focus on pharmacogenomics was a particular challenge, and their ability to navigate these complex concepts at a high level speaks to both their talent and the strength of our research-focused pharmacy education. I anticipate great things from these student scholars.”
The experience also provided insight into the structure and complexity of clinical research, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how studies are designed and implemented.
“One of the most rewarding parts has been seeing what goes on in clinical trials and research,” the team said. “Writing the letter of intent gave us a better understanding of what it takes to design and execute a study.”
Throughout the competition, the team worked collaboratively, dividing responsibilities based on individual strengths while maintaining a shared approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
“All three of us divided responsibilities equally and focused on our strengths,” Karac said. “I helped coordinate meetings and guide the overall direction of the proposal, while my teammates contributed their strengths in study design and analysis. We supported each other throughout the process.”
Faculty mentorship also played a key role in the team’s success. Kathryn Matthias, PharmD, served as the team’s primary advisor, providing guidance throughout the competition, while Karnes offered additional expertise in pharmacogenomics.
“I was excited to hear they made it through the first round of the competition,” Matthias said. “I really liked how this group worked together to evaluate different project ideas and come up with a feasible proposal. This competition is a great way for PharmD students to get exposure to how clinical research projects are proposed and evaluated. Ivana, Justin, and Zach were great to work with.”
Representing the College of Pharmacy on a national level was a meaningful experience for the team, highlighting both their individual growth and the strength of their academic training. “It is a great honor,” the team shared. “We are proud to showcase the skills of our students and the strength of our education while giving back to the college that has supported us.”
Although the team did not progress to the final round, the College of Pharmacy was proud of its performance. “We’re looking forward to continuing to learn more about the clinical research process,” they said. “Regardless of the outcome, this experience has helped us better understand both our strengths and areas for growth.”
Opportunities like the ACCP Clinical Research Challenge provide student pharmacists with valuable exposure to the research process, helping them build skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and clinical application. Through experiences like this, students are better prepared to contribute to the advancement of patient care and the future of pharmacy practice.