The Challenges of Professional Development in the Evolving World of Pharmacy Education

Abstract

The primary purpose of schools and colleges of pharmacy is to produce pharmacists capable of providing competent patient centered care. To accomplish this goal, pharmacy students must learn and retain a great deal of knowledge as well as develop professional attitudes and behaviors. In recent years, several articles have been published questioning the professionalism of pharmacy students and whether colleges of pharmacy are promoting professionalism (Hammer, 2003;Chisholm, 2004). Professionalism has a broad definition and encompasses every aspect of the duty of a pharmacist. The definition of professionalism and a discussion of professional socialization roadblocks are important considerations when establishing guidance to students and faculty. Responsibilities of the student and responsibilities of the educator should be clear to all involved. E-professionalism presents a new consideration when outlining professionalism standards to pharmacy students and should be addressed as well. Colleges of pharmacy must develop methodologies to aid in the development of professionalism among pharmacy students in all types of learning environments, whether a student attends a traditional campus or a distance campus. Finally, with the implementation of distance campuses, professionalism is presented with new and unique challenges which require continuous evaluation to prevent negative outcomes.

Reflections on the Pharmacist-Patient Covenant

“…13 Still others place the covenantal relationship as the hub of professional activities of the pharmacist stating, "If one lacks the core value of the covenantal relationship then all other professional behaviors will lack strength and substance." 14 There are often references in the pharmacy literature to the Code of Ethics as a source for guidance in the resolution of a practical ethical or professional problem and thereby the ideal of the covenant is also applied. There are many examples in the pharmacy educational literature where students are asked to apply the Code of Ethics to a case or scenario and reason to what course of action should be taken.…”