Contributing factors for career goal advancement of pharmacy learners in the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color community

PURPOSE: To explore factors influencing career goals and goal attainment for pharmacy learners (eg, students, residents, fellows) who identify as part of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community. METHODS: In late 2021 and early 2022, US-based pharmacy learners were invited to participate in two focus groups. In the first focus group, participants were asked to reflect on career goal influences, barriers, and facilitators. In the second focus group, participants were asked to provide suggestions for educational institution and healthcare organization improvement to support career goal attainment for learners in the BIPOC community. Focus group transcripts were coded using both deductive and inductive coding and thematic analysis. RESULTS: Fifteen learners were included in the first focus group, and 10 learners were included in the second. The most common career goal motivators were self-efficacy factors. Barriers and facilitators were often closely related. The most common barriers were financial, lack of representation, and lack of support. Common facilitators included mentorship and informal networking opportunities. Participants suggested multiple strategies for educational institutions and healthcare organizations to support BIPOC learner success, including genuine investment, representation, financial support, improved access to professional development opportunities, partnering with other professional organizations, and prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. CONCLUSION: Institutions should prioritize effective, positive mentoring relationships and exposure to BIPOC professionals. Training programs and associations should consider improving financial support and lowering the cost of involvement to reduce barriers. All stakeholders should prioritize DEI in their organizational culture to promote career advancement of BIPOC learners and professionals.