Advanced science education in the regulatory arena: The Center for Drug Evaluation and research experience at the Food and Drug Administration

A challenge faced by the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) in effectively carrying out its mission requires it to integrate the disciplines of science, medicine, law, and public policy. One way to do that is by ensuring a highly trained multidisciplinary staff, The CDER has been able to meet this requirement by identifying the core competencies needed to accomplish its mission. The use of a competency-based training model in the planning, development, and delivery of its advanced scientific education program allows CDER staff to maintain current knowledge as well as prepare for future scientific education needs, The CDER educational model could be readily adopted to meet the educational needs of other organizations. (C) 2002 the American College of Clinical Pharmacology.