Pharmacy Professionalism Toolkit for Students and Faculty Provided by the APhA-ASP/AACP Committee on Student Professionalism

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Professionalism Scholarships and Awards

Description of activity
Professionalism scholarships/ awards can be treated either as a combined or separate entity. A recognition award may be presented to a student or faculty member who has demonstrated exceptional professional behavior. This award can be offered annually to one student per class for a total of four awards per year with the award for a 4th year student presented at his or her graduation ceremonies. Nominations may be made by a student’s peers, instructors, the various deans, or practitioners.

Rationale
Offered annually, this recognition award can serve to encourage students to work on their professional and personal development as they progress through the program. The award also demonstrates to the educational and professional community the value the school places on pharmacy professionalism.

Areas of professionalism addressed
Criteria for the award should be determined by each school, but could include:

• Relating well to faculty, staff, and other students in a learning environment
• Demonstrating a commitment to the profession supported by a strong work ethic
• Cheerfully providing service to the community through philanthropic endeavors and civic responsibilities
• Demonstrating a continuing commitment to excellence and follow-through in fulfilling commitments
• Consistently exceeding expected performance
• Contributing to a culture that promotes professionalism

The award can reflect any of the following depending on the award criteria:

• Different individual areas of professionalism
• Recognizes a student who exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism
• Recognizes a student with the greatest improvement in professional behavior

Special issues involving planning / promotion / implementation
The school or college should establish a committee to develop the award criteria and select the award recipients. If a scholarship is to be established, sources of funding also need to be identified.

Examples of programs and resources

• APhA-ASP Mortar and Pestle Professionalism Award
• University of Washington - Professionalism Recognition Award criteria
• Humanism in Medicine Award
• Campbell University (scholarship based on participation)
• Purdue University
• Ohio Northern University
• Ohio State University

Professionalism Scholarship and Awards
Professional Committees
Patient Care Projects
Poster Presentations
Patient Counseling Activities/Competitions
Developing a Portfolio
Honor Codes
Broadening the Scope of Practice
Leadership Conferences
Mentor Programs
Interprofessional Activities
Etiquette Dinner
Monthly Column on Professionalism
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