Pharmacist-led interventions in the home were effective in improving BP control and medication adherence. Further programs are needed to address uncontrolled HTN in this vulnerable population.

There is a lack of literature on home-based medication management programs performed by pharmacists. This report describes a unique program, which was perceived as positive and valuable by participants. This was demonstrated by the high rates received in the areas of satisfaction with the program and a willingness to recommend the program to others.

Objectives. To develop a relationship between a pharmacy management course and a mass merchandiser and to determine whether involving pharmacy managers from the mass merchandiser in the course would enhance student skills in developing a business plan for medication therapy management services. Design. The pharmacy managers from the mass merchandiser participated in lectures, provided panel discussions, and conducted a business plan competition. Learning was assessed by means of 4 examinations and 1 project (ie, the business plan). At the conclusion of the semester, surveys were administered to solicit student input and gain insight from pharmacy managers on the perceived value of this portion of the course. Assessment. Students' average grade on the business plan assignment, which included the oral presentation, the peer assessment, and the written proposal, was 92.2%. Approximately 60% (n 5 53) of surveyed students agreed or strongly agreed that their management skills had improved because of the participation of pharmacy managers from the mass merchandiser. All of the managers enjoyed participating in the experience. Conclusions. The involvement of pharmacy managers from a mass merchandiser enhanced student learning in the classroom, and managers felt that their participation was an important contribution to the development of future pharmacists.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine pharmacists' awareness and education about smoking cessation and their communication with patients about smoking cessation. A survey was mailed to East Texas pharmacists practicing in the areas of hospital or clinical, retail or community, managed care, consultant, or academic pharmacy. Outcome measurements included: measures of the awareness of the 5 A's and 5 R's of smoking cessation, training received in smoking cessation, and communication practices regarding smoking cessation. There were 320 respondents. Approximately 10% of the respondents indicated they had received tobacco cessation counseling education during their formal educational training, 36% during continuing education programs, and 9% during both formal training and continuing education. About 44% reported they had received no tobacco cessation counseling training. Among pharmacists surveyed, 5% responded that they usually or always ask their patients if they smoke cigarettes, pipe, or cigars, 43% reported they sometimes or half of the time ask, and 45% said they never ask. There is a clear relationship between pharmacists awareness and education of smoking cessation techniques and their communication with patients about them. Pharmacy education leaders must continue their movement to include public health in the pharmacy curricula to produce pharmacists who are prepared to better serve the community.

Academic tenure is a controversial and highly debated topic. Is tenure truly outdated or does it simply need to be reformed? On one hand, the tenure system has shortcomings including deincentivizing productive faculty members, inconsistent application of tenure policies and procedures, and the potential for discrimination during tenure decisions. On the other hand, the tenure system is a long held tradition in the academy, essential in higher education to ensure academic standards and values are upheld in the best interest of students. It provides faculty members with the academic freedom to try innovative teaching strategies and conduct research and assists with faculty retention and recruitment. Regardless of one's opinion, the tenure debate is not going away and warrants further discussion. This paper represents the work of a group of academic leaders participating in the