Perspectives on Professionalism: Shared Responsibility for the Future of Pharmacy

Abstract

The goal of this article is to relate perspectives of a faculty member, a pharmacy preceptor, a recent graduate, and two students from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy about the key attributes of a pharmacy professional and to link them to education and the future of pharmacy. With growing numbers of schools/colleges of pharmacy and qualified candidates for admission, professionalism continues to be an important, yet elusive, focus. As a top-ranked school, we pride ourselves on comprehensive programs, an innovative curriculum, and a notable tradition of advancing practice. However the educational enterprise is challenged to recruit faculty, to compete for students with other schools/college of pharmacy and even other health professions, to balance budgets, and to build relationships with stakeholders, alumni, legislators, and donors for support. This article, written in the form of a conversation in this current environment, will identify foundational definitions of professionalism and the opportunities to apply professional attributes and traits to the profession of pharmacy and our communities. In order for the profession to flourish, such conversations should occur regularly so that the professional relationships among faculty, preceptors, graduates, and students are fortified for the future.