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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
Student Orientation
Description of activity
Student orientation sessions offer a golden opportunity to introduce
professionalism. Student orientations serve to teach new students about
all aspects of student life as they segue into a professional
curriculum. These sessions may be held over several days or an entire
week. Faculty, staff, and current students often participate in this
process and sometimes even serve as group leaders or mentors. Activities
may include a mix of small group sessions and “lecture
style” sessions. Small group sessions are especially important for
conducting discussions about what professionalism entails. During
orientation new students may learn more about professional student
organizations, and they may even write a Pledge of Professionalism that
is unique to their incoming class. As described below, White Coat
ceremonies are often held at the conclusion of the orientation and serve
as the official beginning of the professional pharmacy experience.
Rationale
Student orientation is the first exposure that new students have to
pharmacy school. Most students are excited to begin a professional
degree program, and they are eager to learn all that pharmacy school
entails. Professionalism can be introduced to the new students in
several different ways and can be modeled by both faculty and current
students. By exposing incoming students to the importance of
professionalism from the first day of school, this concept will become a
part of their everyday life as student pharmacists.
Areas of professionalism addressed
The main focus for professionalism will be placed on expected
professional behaviors and attitudes in the classroom and during
school-sponsored events. Most colleges of pharmacy have an Honor Code
and/or a dress code that will be introduced to students during this
time. The roles that professional organizations take within the school
to promote professionalism can also be explained. School’s formal
and informal policies related to appropriate behaviors are typically
addressed.
Special issues involving planning / promotion /
implementation
In order to involve faculty and current students in the orientation
process, they must first be taught what is expected of them as leaders.
Planning must begin during the spring, especially for students selected
as orientation leaders. These leaders should meet together several times
before the actual student orientation to discuss the schedule, format,
and expectations.
Examples of programs and resources
- University of California, San Francisco
- University of Maryland
- University of Washington
2004 AACP School Posters:
“Enhancing Professionalism by Engaging Pharmacy Students Early in
their Education Experience.”
Gary W. Bumgarner, Alan R. Spies, C. Scott Asbill, Valerie T. Prince,
Samford University.
“Creating a Culture of Professionalism: The First Step in a
Life Long Journey.”
Cynthia B. Watchmaker, Donald T. Kishi, Michael E. Winter, University of
California, San Francisco.
“Howard University Professionalism Workshop and White Coat
Ceremony.”
Anthony K. Wutoh, Joseph R. Ofosu, Olu A. Olusanya, E. Jeannette
Andrews, Pedro J. Lecca, Howard University.
“Developing Professionalism Through the Official and Unofficial
Curriculum.”
Regina G. Caldwell, Dwaine K. Green, Phyllis E. Nally, Peggy Piascik and
William C. Lubawy, University of Kentucky.
“Intentional Professionalization Strategies Across the Pharmacy
Education Experience
(or Baking the Perfect Soufflé).”
Pamela U. Joyner, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
“Enhancing the Professionalism of Pharmacy Students at the
University of Washington.”
Authors: Katherine Hale, Gail Caballes, Dana Hammer, Nanci Murphy,
University of Washington.
Reference
Brown ME, Kirschenbaum HL, Bazil MK, et al. Orientation seminar for
students entering the professional phase of the pharmacy curriculum.
Am. J. Pharm. Educ. 1998;62: 84S.
Checklist of Planning Steps
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Begin all planning no later than spring or 3 months ahead of
time |
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Determine dates, length, and format of student orientation |
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Target areas of professionalism to be discussed |
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Identify special programs to reinforce professional topics (White
Coat Ceremony, Oath of a Pharmacist, Pledge of
Professionalism) |
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Identify outside speakers who may be involved |
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If applicable contact leaders of student organizations to inform
them of how student organizations will be introduced to new
students |
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If applicable, implement mentoring program to begin with student
orientation |
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Decide who will be involved in leading the orientation process
(students, faculty, alumni) |
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Assemble materials and packets for leaders and students |
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Hold a training session for leaders to go over schedule, materials,
and expectations |
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Upon completion of orientation, gather feedback from new students
and leaders |
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Record ideas for improvement for the following year |
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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