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Pharmacy Professionalism Toolkit for Students and
Faculty
Provided by the APhA-ASP/AACP Committee on Student Professionalism
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NEW STUDENTS
Public Affirmation of Professionalism
Description of activity
In many institutions, students demonstrate public affirmation of
professionalism in a variety of ways. Most common is through the
reciting of the Oath of a Pharmacist or the Pledge of
Professionalism in some type of public forum. Some schools
incorporate this activity into important ceremonies, such as the White
Coat ceremony, pinning ceremony, or graduation. Several schools have
tapped into the creativity of their students by having them write their
own pledge during the orientation sessions. Developing a pledge that is
unique to each new class promotes creativity, ownership, and pride.
Rationale
As healthcare professionals, pharmacists must hold themselves to very
high standards. By reciting or developing a pledge, new students are
able to see early on the importance that our profession places on ethics
and values.
Areas of professionalism addressed
Through public affirmation, students demonstrate pride for the
profession of pharmacy and commitment to the caring of patients. They
also have an opportunity to reflect on the various attributes of
professionalism addressed in these pledges.
Special issues involving planning / promotion /
implementation
The Oath of a Pharmacist and Pledge of Professionalism can easily be
distributed and recited at any professional ceremony, including the
White Coat ceremony. However, more planning and preparation will be
required when new students compose their own pledge. If the pledge will
be recited during the White Coat ceremony, orientation is an ideal time
for students to develop a class pledge. Special consideration should be
given to discussing both the Oath and the Pledge in small groups before
reciting so that students fully understand the meaning behind the vows
they are saying and the commitments they are making.
Examples of programs and resources
2004 AACP School Poster:
“Our Prescription for Professionalism.”
Mary Ann F. Kirkpatrick, Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy of
Shenandoah University.
Reference
APhA-ASP/AACP-COD
Task Force on Professionalism. White paper on pharmacy student
professionalism. J Am Pharm Assoc. 2000;40:96-102.
Checklist of planning steps
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evaluate current school programs at which public affirmation of
professionalism can be made |
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consider implementing new programs, such as white coat
ceremonies |
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choose the Oath or the Pharmacist or the Pledge of
Prfessionalism, or have students create their own pledge |
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| If students write their own pledge: |
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choose the appropriate time within the curriculum for students to
write the pledge |
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if new students will be writing the pledge, consider having them do
this during orientation or during their introduction to pharmacy
course |
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break students into small groups to begin the writing process and
then bring the groups together to compose one pledge |
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choose student and faculty leaders to guide them in the writing
process |
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plan a ceremony or event at which the students can recite their
newly written pledge |
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display the pledge in the school/college of pharmacy |
Student Orientation
Professionalism Orientation Booklet
Peer Mentoring Programs
Introduction to Student Pharmacy
Organizations
White Coat Ceremonies
Public Affirmation of Professionalism
Service Projects in Community
Charity Fundraisers
Outside Speakers to Reinforce Messages
Introductory Pharmacy Courses
Student Portfolio Process
Integration into Residence Life Programs
Issues for 0-6 Programs
Issues for Distance Learning Programs
Issues for Religious-Affiliated Programs
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