Perspectives on Professionalism: Shared Responsibility for the Future of Pharmacy

Main Article Content

Cynthia J. Boyle
Cheryl Simmons Gray
Ganesh Kumaraschandran
Jackie Lu
Sara Low

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.

Article Details

Section
Pharmacy
Author Biographies

Cynthia J. Boyle

Director of the Experiential Learning Program, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 North Pine Street, Baltimore, MD 21201

Cheryl Simmons Gray

A pharmacy preceptor, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, USA

Ganesh Kumaraschandran

Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, USA

Jackie Lu

PhramD student, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, USA

Sara Low

PharmD student, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, USA

References

Abramowitz PW: Nurturing relationships: an essential ingredient of leadership. Am J Health-Syst Pharm 2001; 58: 479-483.

Benner J. Beardsley RS: for the American Pharmaceutical Association Academy of Students of Pharmacy-American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Council of Deans Task Force on Professionalism: White paper on pharmacy student professionalism. J Am Pharm Assoc 2000; 40: 96-102.

Boyle CJ. Fostering leadership and professionalism. Am J Health-Syst Pharm 2006; 63: 1-2.

Boyle CJ, Beardsley RS, Morgan JA, Rodriguez de Bittner M. Professionalism: a determining factor in experiential learning. Am J Pharm Educ 2007; 71: Article 31.

Ray MD. Curbside conversation about noblesse oblige and moral commitment. Am J Health-Syst Pharm 2006; 63: 666-669.

Roth MT, Zlatic TD: Development of student professionalism. Pharmacotherapy 2009; 29: 749-756.