Still haven't found what you're looking for: The sanctity of the search in filling pharmacy academic leadership roles.

INTRODUCTION: Professional pharmacy programs confront many changes that may lead to responsibility adjustments and position changes among leadership roles. Two distinct avenues for filling vacant or newly created roles with administrative responsibilities are the search process and the direct appointment. COMMENTARY: Of the two avenues for position recruitment, the search process is highly preferred. A search, whether national or internal, ensures a broader applicant pool, an opportunity for candidates to share their vision for the role, and protects notions of shared governance between faculty and administration. Direct appointments, though more expedient in the short-term, apply a harried approach to decision-making, circumvent consideration of the best candidates, and sever trust among faculty. IMPLICATIONS: Pharmacy academic leadership should preference the process of a proper and thorough search when faced with filling a vacant or newly created role. The temptation of the direct appointment, especially for roles with leadership responsibilities, should be avoided, as they are ultimately a deleterious shortcut.