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Office of Scientific Professional Development

FDA's Office of Scientific Professional Development supports a range of dynamic and innovative programs and activities targeted at FDA's scientific staff and its stakeholder community.

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Audience Participating in Scientific Professional Development Lecture

Vision

Championing quality and innovative professional development opportunities for FDA's diverse scientific workforce.

Mission

Lead cross-agency staff collaborations to foster the scientific and professional development of current and future FDA scientists, through STEM training, continuing education, and recognition programs that advance FDA's public health mission.


FDA's Office of Scientific Professional Development (OSPD) supports a range of dynamic and innovative programs and activities designed to ensure that FDA's scientific staff and its stakeholder community are current with rapidly evolving regulatory science. 

Within the Agency, OSPD collaborates across FDA to strengthen its workforce by:

  1. Managing FDA-wide training programs for students, fellows, trainees, and senior scientists

  2. Facilitating FDA-wide continuing education collaborations

  3. Coordinating activities to educate external scientists and potential scientists 

  4. Coordinating activities to recognize the achievements of FDA scientists

 

1. Managing FDA-wide training programs for students, fellows, trainees, and senior scientists

This goal aligns with the 21st Century Cures Act, Federal STEM Education Plan, and HHS and FDA scientific workforce priorities. 

OSPD is responsible for:

- Managing Agency-wide traineeship and fellowship programs

- Coordinating training for students, fellows, and trainees in collaboration with the FDA Fellows Association. 

2. Facilitating FDA-wide continuing education collaborations

This goal aligns with section 746(a) of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to provide scientific training to FDA staff as well as HHS and FDA priorities to strengthen the workforce. 

OSPD coordinates continuing education (CE) for the Committee for the Advancement of Clinical and Scientific Education (CACSE) that offers trainings for medical officers, nurses, and pharmacists.

OSPD sponsors the annual Abrams lecture under a co-sponsorship agreement between FDA and The American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (ASCPT). 

OSPD coordinates the annual FDA 101 and assists other OCS offices with trainings such as Medical Countermeasures Professional Development and Responsible Conduct in Research and Human Subject Protection. 

3. Coordinating activities to educate external scientists and prospective scientists

This goal aligns with 21st Century Cures and Federal STEM Education Plan. 

OSPD coordinates: 

4. Coordinating activities to recognize the achievements of FDA scientists

This goal aligns with FDA’s scientific workforce priority.  
 
OSPD coordinates: 

The Office of Scientific Professional Development supports 21st Century Cures Section 3071, HHS Objective 4.2, and FDA Priority IV as well as the Federal STEM Strategic Plan.
 

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Contact Us

Contact Point
Office of Scientific Professional Development
Leslie D. Wheelock, M.S.,RN
Director
Office of Scientific Professional Development
FDA White Oak Campus - Building 32
Silver Spring, MD 20993
Hours Available
 
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