The Fellowship in Market Access Strategies is an advanced post-baccalaureate training program designed to prepare pharmacists for leadership roles in the pharmaceutical industry through specialized education and practical experience in Market Access and Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR).

By combining a rigorous academic foundation with a hands-on internship in pharmaceutical industry or healthcare consultancy settings (i.e., Market Access or HEOR departments), the fellowship provides a comprehensive academic–industry pathway that bridges theoretical knowledge with real-world application.

The didactic component is embedded within the existing M.S. in Pharmaceutical Development and Management and M.B.A. in Healthcare Management – Pharmaceutical Industry Track, with coursework designed to prepare fellows for an eight-month internship at leading pharmaceutical or consulting companies.

Designed as a competitive opportunity for a limited number of highly qualified candidates, the fellowship aims to develop the Market Access and HEOR expertise required for leadership positions in the pharmaceutical sector while fostering impactful research collaborations and contributing to evidence-based healthcare policy development.

Mission

The Fellowship in Market Access Strategies prepares pharmacists with advanced competencies in Market Access, Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR), strategic decision-making, and pharmaceutical industry practice through an integrated academic and experiential training program.

Vision

The Fellowship in Market Access Strategies will be recognized nationally and regionally as a leading academic–industry training program that develops highly qualified pharmaceutical professionals capable of advancing healthcare innovation, market access, and evidence-based policy across the region.

Program Features

Practice and Training Site

Internships are conducted at leading pharmaceutical companies and healthcare consultancy firms that have established Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the Lebanese American University School of Pharmacy.

Fellowship Special Features

A unique academic–industry partnership between the Lebanese American University School of Pharmacy and leading pharmaceutical companies and healthcare consultancies that combines graduate-level education with immersive experiential learning.

Program highlights include:

• Specialized education in Market Access and HEOR
• Online graduate coursework integrated within LAU graduate programs
• Eight-month industry internship
• Mentorship by academic and industry experts
• Research project with presentation and publication opportunities
• Direct exposure to pharmaceutical commercial strategy and healthcare policy

Educational Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the fellowship, graduates will be able to:

• Develop expertise in pharmaceutical industry operations, including Market Access, product management, and strategic frameworks.
• Apply business strategies, financial tools, and market analytics to support product commercialization and market access decision-making.
• Demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and professional communication skills required for cross-functional collaboration.
• Integrate academic knowledge with practical industry experience to successfully transition into pharmaceutical industry roles, particularly in Market Access and HEOR.

Fellowship Information

Duration: 12 months, including:

• Three online courses (9 credits)
• Eight-month internship

Program Format:

• Online didactic coursework
• Full-time industry internship

Number of positions: 2
Starting date: September 1, 2026
Application deadline (for 2026-2027): April 15, 2026

Fringe Benefits

The fellows may receive supportive stipend from industry partners.

Applying

Requirements

Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Pharmacy from an accredited school of pharmacy. Preference is given to candidates holding a graduate degree.

Applicants must submit:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Pharmacy degree from an accredited institution
• Graduate degree (preferred), including:
  • Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), or
  • Master’s degree in a relevant field (Healthcare Management, Pharmaceutical Development, Health Economics, Health Policy, Public Health, or related disciplines)
• Minimum undergraduate and graduate GPA of 3.0/4.0
• Personal statement outlining career goals and motivation for pursuing the fellowship
• Current curriculum vitae (CV)
• At least one letter of recommendation

Applicants will be interviewed by both the School of Pharmacy and participating partner companies.

Admission to the fellowship program and successful internship matching are both required prior to enrollment.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit their application through the LAU Admission Office – Pharmacy Access Fellowship application portal.

Program Contact

Fellowship coordinator

Soumana Nasser, Pharm.D., M.Sc.
Clinical Associate Professor
Department of Pharmacy Practice
Lebanese American University, School of Pharmacy
Phone: +961-9-547254, ext. 2225
Email: soumana.nasser@lau.edu.lb

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Roy Kanbar, D.Pharm., Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Lebanese American University, School of Pharmacy
Phone: + 961-9-547254, ext. 2447
Email: roy.kanbar@lau.edu.lb