Pharmacy Matters events to discuss new program

By Heidi Wicks | Aug. 26, 2014

The School of Pharmacy is in the early stages of developing a new, practice-ready program for future pharmacy students.

The pharmacist’s role as health-care providers is expanding, and as such, pharmacy schools across the country are adapting their curricula to meet these demands.

The Association of Faculties of Pharmacy of Canada (AFPC) recently announced that as of 2020, all pharmacy schools across the country should commit to a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree at the entry-to-practice level. 

As such, the School of Pharmacy is committed to providing the best possible education and experience for its students, and has begun the process of creating an entry-to-practice doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program. The program is anticipated to roll out in the fall of 2017.

Dr. Carlo Marra, dean, School of Pharmacy, says the curriculum transformation will be one of the school’s top priorities for the next three years.

“Excellence in teaching and learning, research and public engagement means that we must strive to produce the country’s best pharmacists, who will become leaders in our profession,” he said. “We are developing this program for the betterment of our students, the advancement of the pharmacy profession and for a better health-care system.”

Dr. Lisa Bishop, program director, will co-lead the program’s development with Dr. Marra and Dr. Carla Dillon, associate dean, undergraduate studies. The team began the process by holding a brainstorming retreat for faculty and staff. Their goal was to determine guiding principles of the PharmD program by highlighting the desired knowledge, skills, attitudes and values of graduating pharmacists and examining the school's strengths and which areas require improvement.

“The group was very engaged and productive during the brainstorming discussions and it was clear that they are committed to making this the best program in the country. It was an inspiring way to start the program planning,” said Dr. Bishop.

Upcoming events

But the brainstorming is just getting started.

The school's Pharmacy Matters series debuts in early September.

An event for pharmacists will take place on Sept. 9 from 7-9 p.m.,  and an event for current and prospective pharmacy students will occur on Sept. 15 from 12:30-1:30 p.m.

The event series is intended to provide targeted stakeholder groups with the opportunity to share their input about the upcoming program.

“We want this process to be inclusive for all of our stakeholders,” Dr. Bishop added. “We appreciate and greatly value the role the pharmacy community plays in the calibre of our program -- from our preceptor program, to teaching in the classroom, volunteer time, to financial support.”  

In order to reach pharmacists across the province, the Sept. 9 event will be webcast live with an accompanying Twitter and Facebook feed to provide participants outside of St. John’s with an opportunity to add their voice.

Similar future events are planned to address other stakeholder groups, including faculties and departments within the university who will be connected to the new program, as well as a session during the Pharmacists Association of Newfoundland and Labrador conference in mid-September.

“Anyone can visit our website at any time to provide input on the program’s development,” said Dr. Bishop. “We welcome advice and feedback at all stages of the new program’s planning and development.”

To participate in the event via Twitter (@schoolofpharm) or Facebook (facebook.com/schoolofpharmacy), be sure to use the official hashtag #MUNPharmD. Pharmacists can also complete a survey or complete a feedback form at any time by visiting  (http://www.mun.ca/pharmacy/aboutpharmacy/PharmD.php). 


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