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Agarwal G, Colbert BM, Jacobs S, Deshpande AR, Chandran L, Issenberg SB. Beyond the M.D.: Transdisciplinary approaches of high-volume dual degree M.D./Masters programs at U.S. allopathic medical schools. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2024; 24:766. [PMID: 39014386 PMCID: PMC11253467 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05709-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Transdisciplinarity has been described as a fusion of theories, methods, and expertise across disciplinary boundaries to address complex, global problems. This approach has coincided with an increase in US medical schools offering masters degrees along with an MD degree to equip medical students to practice in complex, interconnected health systems. This study focused on medical schools that graduate the most dual degree students per year and explored the alignment of such programs with a transdisciplinary approach. METHODS We identified 19 allopathic medical schools that annually graduated an average of 10 or more dual-degree students from 2015-2020. We surveyed these schools and asked participants to describe the reason(s) their institutions offered dual-degree programs. Two authors coded the narrative responses from the survey. RESULTS Responses were received from 17 of the 19 schools. The analysis of participants' responses regarding their institutions' purpose for offering dual programs revealed several themes associated with a transdisciplinary approach to training. The most common themes were expand skill sets beyond a medical degree (73%), provide opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration (67%), expand career interest and goals (60%), develop leaders (53%), enhance residency applications (47%) and further the institution's vision and mission (45%). CONCLUSIONS This study is the first comprehensive evaluation of MD/Masters programs in the United States that includes a summary of the medical schools with the largest dual degree programs and their reasons for offering them. The findings support the hypothesis that allopathic medical schools recognize the need for a transdisciplinary approach to prepare students for the complexities in healthcare. These programs provide students with opportunities for additional areas of expertise, leadership development, enhancement of competitiveness for residency application, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Medical schools without dual-degree programs may consider developing these programs to provide benefits to students and institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gauri Agarwal
- Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, United States of America.
| | - Brett M Colbert
- Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, United States of America
| | - Sarah Jacobs
- Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, United States of America
| | - Amar R Deshpande
- Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, United States of America
| | - Latha Chandran
- Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, United States of America
| | - S Barry Issenberg
- Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, United States of America
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Salmon K, Fan J. An update on characteristics of dual PharmD/MBA programs in the United States: 2016-2017. CURRENTS IN PHARMACY TEACHING & LEARNING 2019; 11:469-475. [PMID: 31171248 DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2019.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study was conducted to update current literature on the characteristics of dual doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) and master of business administration (MBA) programs in the United States. METHODS After a preliminary search of institutions' websites for public information regarding PharmD/MBA programs, an email was sent to representatives of each school requesting additional promotional or program information that was not found online. After the data was collected and organized, an electronic survey was sent to each representative. Characteristics obtained include those related to program history, student and school demographics, enrollment requirements, and program structure. RESULTS Sixty-six schools of pharmacy were included in the study and asked to complete an electronic survey, and 36 (54%) programs responded. The oldest program was established 29 years ago, while most of the programs (43%) have been active for 11 to 20 years. Programs were similar in enrollment requirements, point of entry, and time to dual degree completion. Programs varied in the program structure, including how dual degrees are awarded. CONCLUSIONS This study provides updated information about the characteristics of dual PharmD/MBA programs across the United States. This information may be useful to programs interested in developing or modifying existing dual programs and to students deciding whether to pursue a dual PharmD/MBA.
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MESH Headings
- Commerce/education
- Commerce/statistics & numerical data
- Education, Graduate/classification
- Education, Graduate/methods
- Education, Graduate/statistics & numerical data
- Education, Pharmacy, Graduate/classification
- Education, Pharmacy, Graduate/methods
- Education, Pharmacy, Graduate/statistics & numerical data
- Educational Status
- Humans
- Schools, Pharmacy/classification
- Schools, Pharmacy/organization & administration
- Schools, Pharmacy/statistics & numerical data
- United States
- Universities/classification
- Universities/organization & administration
- Universities/statistics & numerical data
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Salmon
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy, 200 University Park Dr., Edwardsville, IL 62025, United States.
| | - Jingyang Fan
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy, 200 University Park Dr., Edwardsville, IL 62025, United States.
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Poloyac SM, Cavanaugh JE, Hagemeier NE, Kumar K, Melchert RB, O'Donnell JM, Priefer R, Touchette DR, Farrell DF, Block KF. Breaking Down Barriers to Pharmacy Graduate Education: The Report of the 2017-2018 Research and Graduate Affairs Committee. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION 2018; 82:7147. [PMID: 30323399 PMCID: PMC6181166 DOI: 10.5688/ajpe7147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The 2017-2018 Research and Graduate Affairs Committee (RGAC) was given three charges aimed at helping academic pharmacy address barriers that must be overcome by both students and schools to attract, retain, and support the development of a diverse, well-rounded, and successful graduate student population. These charges were (1) identifying teaching methodologies, tools and opportunities that graduate programs can introduce into curriculum to overcome barriers to success of today's and tomorrow's learners; (2) developing a strategy for achieving member support of the 2016-2017 recommended graduate competencies by identifying gaps in and existing examples of courses or opportunities that achieve competency-based pharmacy graduate education; and (3) identifying potential strategies to address identified barriers to pursuing graduate education, especially among under-represented student populations. This report describes attitudes toward and opportunities related to competency-based education in graduation education in colleges and schools of pharmacy, identifies types of tools schools could use to enhance training towards the competency framework developed by the 2016-2017 RGAC, particularly with regards to the so-called power skills, and outlines a role for AACP in facilitating this training. This report also considers a number of barriers, both perceived and real, that potential students encounter when considering graduate training and suggests strategies to understand the impact of and mitigate these barriers. To strengthen competency-based graduate education, the RGAC puts forth two recommendations that AACP develop a toolkit supporting the training of power skills and that AACP should develop or curate programs or tools to support the use of individual development plans (IDPs). The RGAC also puts forth a suggestion to schools that IDPs be implemented for all students. In considering the barriers to pursuing graduate education, the Committee proposes one policy statement that AACP supports the training and development of an increasingly diverse population of researchers at pharmacy schools through active efforts to promote M.S. and Ph.D. education along with Pharm.D. education. Additionally, the Committee provides recommendations that AACP should expand its efforts in career tracking of graduate students to include collection and/or analysis of data that could inform the Academy's understanding of barriers to pursuing graduate education in pharmacy schools, the AACP Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness should expand upon graduate program data described in the annual Profile of Pharmacy Students report, and finally that AACP should include graduate programs in efforts to increase diversity of students at pharmacy schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M Poloyac
- University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jane E Cavanaugh
- Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Nicholas E Hagemeier
- East Tennessee State University Gatton College of Pharmacy, Johnson City, Tennessee
| | - Krishna Kumar
- Howard University College of Pharmacy, Washington, DC
| | | | - James M O'Donnell
- University at Buffalo, The State University of New York School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Buffalo, New York
| | - Ronny Priefer
- Western New England University College of Pharmacy, Springfield, Massachusetts
| | - Daniel R Touchette
- University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Kirsten F Block
- American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, Arlington, Virginia
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Wheeler JS, Ngo T, Cecil J, Borja-Hart N. Exploring employer job requirements: An analysis of pharmacy job announcements. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2017; 57:723-728. [PMID: 28951136 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2017.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Postgraduate training, dual degrees, and board certifications are credentials viewed by academic pharmacy communities and professional organizations as positive assets for those seeking pharmacist jobs; however, a key question merits further investigation: do these views match employer expectations? The primary objective of this study was to identify the most common qualifications employers require as stated in job advertisements. METHODS Pharmacist job postings from the aggregate jobs website Indeed.com were evaluated for the 20 largest metropolitan areas in the United States. Search criteria included: pharmacist, full-time, and within a 50-mile radius of the metropolitan area. Positions were excluded if they were not pharmacist specific, did not require a pharmacy degree, were part-time, or were temporary. Required and preferred qualifications were collected in the following categories: practice type, experience needed, training, certification, and desired skills. RESULTS Six hundred and eleven of 1356 postings met inclusion criteria. Positions were classified as community (113), health-system (264), industry (149), academia (9), or other (76). Four hundred and six (66.4%) required a minimum of a Bachelor's of Pharmacy degree, while 174 (28.4%) required a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Experience was required for 467 positions (range of 6 months to 14 years). Postgraduate training was required for 73 positions (66 residency/7 fellowship). One job required a Master's degree, type unspecified. BPS certifications were required for 7 positions (1.1%) and preferred for 22 positions (3.6%). Certifications and skills most required by employers were verbal and written skills (248), Microsoft Office proficiency (93), immunization certifications (51), and Basic Life Support/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certifications (37). CONCLUSION Postgraduate training, dual degrees, and board certification were not significant factors in the qualification criteria for the positions identified. The qualifications most often required by employers were experience and skills. Our findings indicated that employers wanted many soft skills that cannot be quantified.
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Ellinger LK, Trapskin PJ, Black R, Kotis D, Alexander E. Leadership and effective succession planning in health-system pharmacy departments. Hosp Pharm 2014; 49:369-75. [PMID: 24958944 PMCID: PMC4062750 DOI: 10.1310/hpj4904-369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Leadership succession planning is crucial to the continuity of the comprehensive vision of the hospital pharmacy department. Leadership development is arguably the main component of training and preparing pharmacists to assume managerial positions. Succession planning begins with a review of the organizational chart in the context of the institution's strategic plan. Then career ladders are developed and key positions that require succession plans are identified. Employee profiles and talent inventory should be performed for all employees to identify education, talent, and experience, as well as areas that need improvement. Employees should set objective goals that align with the department's strategic plan, and management should work collaboratively with employees on how to achieve their goals within a certain timeframe. The succession planning process is dynamic and evolving, and periodic assessments should be conducted to determine how improvements can be made. Succession planning can serve as a marker for the success of hospital pharmacy departments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Kathryn Ellinger
- Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Philip J. Trapskin
- Manager, Patient Care Services and Practice Advancement, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Raymond Black
- Pharmacy Product Specialist, Vigilanz Corporation, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Despina Kotis
- Director of Pharmacy, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Earnest Alexander
- Assistant Director, Clinical Pharmacy Services, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, Florida.
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Holtzman CW, Sifontis NM. Pharmacy students' perspectives on a PharmD/MPH dual degree program at a large metropolitan school of pharmacy. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2014; 12:359. [PMID: 24644517 PMCID: PMC3955862 DOI: 10.4321/s1886-36552014000100003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students' perceptions of a PharmD and master of public health (MPH) dual degree program. METHODS A seven-item survey instrument was developed and distributed to students at a large metropolitan school of pharmacy during scheduled class time in April 2012. RESULTS Among the 611 students enrolled in the PharmD program, 447 (73%) responded. Of those who responded, 72.3% were either "very likely" or "likely" to consider enrolling in such a PharmD/MPH dual degree program, and 77.4% believed that it would be attractive to future students. The most commonly identified potential limitations to pursuing the dual degree were time commitment (19.9%), increased workload and stress (11.2%), and tuition cost (10.3%). The most notable advantages documented were increased job opportunities for public health-related pharmacy positions (26.9%), increased ability to serve patients and the community (13.4%), and increased marketability for future jobs (8.7%). CONCLUSIONS PharmD student participants demonstrated overall positive attitudes and interest towards a PharmD/MPH dual degree program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol W Holtzman
- School of Pharmacy, Temple University . Philadelphia, PA ( United States ).
| | - Nicole M Sifontis
- School of Pharmacy, Temple University . Philadelphia, PA ( United States )
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MANAVI S, NEDJAT S, PASALAR P, MAJDZADEH R. What Motivates Talented Medical Students to Study Simultaneously at Master of Public Health (MPH)? IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 42:402-9. [PMID: 23785680 PMCID: PMC3684727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nearly three decades ago, the Master of Public Health (MPH) academic degree was introduced to Tehran University of Medical Sciences' School of Public Health, Tehran, Iran. A new program for simultaneous education of medical, pharmaceutical and dental students was initiated in 2006. Talented students had the opportunity to study MPH simultaneously. There were some concerns about this kind of admission; as to whether these students who were not familiar with the health system had the appropriate attitude and background for this field of education. And with the present rate of brain drain, is this just a step towards their immigration without the fulfillment of public health? METHODS This qualitative study was conducted in 2012 where 26 students took part in focused group discussions and individual interviews. The students were questioned about their motivation and the program's impact on their future career. The participants' statements were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS THE PRIMARY MOTIVATIONS OF STUDENTS WHO ENTERED THIS PROGRAM WERE: learning health knowledge related issues, gaining a perspective beyond clinical practice, obtaining a degree to strengthen their academic résumé, immigration, learning academic research methods and preparing for the management of health systems in the future. CONCLUSION Apparently, there was no considerable difference between the motivation of students and the program planners. The students' main motivation for studying MPH was a combination of various interests in research and health sciences issues. Therefore, considering the potential of this group of students, effective academic investment on MPH can have positive impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar MANAVI
- School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saharnaz NEDJAT
- Dept. of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Knowledge Utilization Research Center (KURC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parvin PASALAR
- Dept. of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza MAJDZADEH
- Dept. of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Community Based Participatory Research Center (CBPR), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Corresponding Author:
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Shannon SB, Bradley-Baker LR, Truong HA. Pharmacy residencies and dual degrees as complementary or competitive advanced training opportunities. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION 2012; 76:145. [PMID: 23129844 PMCID: PMC3475774 DOI: 10.5688/ajpe768145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The impact of pharmacy practice has been enhanced through additional graduate training opportunities, such as pharmacy residencies and dual-degree programs. This article compares and contrasts key aspects of pharmacy residencies and dual-degree programs, as well as examines the efforts of US colleges and schools of pharmacy in promoting these advanced training opportunities on their Web sites. Pharmacy residencies and dual-degree programs are complementary opportunities that allow student pharmacists to gain advanced knowledge and specialized skills beyond the traditional Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. The combination of these credentials can be highly advantageous in a variety of practice settings. As pharmacists collaborate with healthcare providers and professionals from other disciplines, more support is needed to expand the availability and use of these cross-profession, advanced training opportunities to enhance the future of the pharmacy profession.
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Hilsenrath PE. Healthcare management education settings in the United States. JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT HISTORY 2012. [DOI: 10.1108/17511341211258738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeThis paper aims to provide a history of graduate healthcare management education in the USA with an emphasis on the comparison of business schools and health science settings. It seeks to explain why different organizational cultures exist and how this affects education.Design/methodology/approachThe approach relies on literature review and descriptive analysis using secondary data. Institutional economics helps provide perspective on different academic cultures and orientations.FindingsHealthcare management education originated in the early twentieth century. Business schools at the University of Chicago and Northwestern were early pioneers. By mid‐century, schools of public health and medicine entered and came to dominate with strong graduate programs at Berkeley, Michigan and other leading universities. More recently, business schools have differentiated away from the generic MBA and expanded into this market. Advocates of health science settings commonly see healthcare as different from other forms of management. The externally funded model of medical education relying on patient and grant revenues dominates the health sciences. This can lead to preference for faculty who generate funds and a neglect of core academic areas that historically have not relied on grants and contracts.Practical implicationsThis history of health management education provides insight for students, researchers, educators and administrators. It underscores comparative advantage of different academic settings.Originality/valueThis paper serves to fill a gap in the management literature. It provides history and perspective about academic settings not readily available.
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Speedie MK, Baldwin JN, Carter RA, Raehl CL, Yanchick VA, Maine LL. Cultivating 'habits of mind' in the scholarly pharmacy clinician: report of the 2011-12 Argus Commission. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION 2012; 76:S3. [PMID: 22919095 PMCID: PMC3425935 DOI: 10.5688/ajpe766s3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
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Brueggemeier RW, Clark AM, Das SK, Forbes DS, Leff RD, Oie S, Sorofman BA, Thompson DF, Maine LL, Sagraves R. The path forward: the future of graduate education in the pharmaceutical sciences: the report of the 2010-2011 Research and Graduate Affairs Committee. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION 2011; 75:S13. [PMID: 22345736 PMCID: PMC3279011 DOI: 10.5688/ajpe7510s13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
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Naughton CA, Friesner D, Scott D, Miller D, Albano C. Designing a master of public health degree within a department of pharmacy practice. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION 2010; 74:186. [PMID: 21436927 PMCID: PMC3058449 DOI: 10.5688/aj7410186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2010] [Accepted: 08/08/2010] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The demand for public health services is being outpaced by a shrinking public health workforce. This creates a unique opportunity for pharmacists to become more engaged in public health activities, particularly in rural underserved areas. To meet the need for additional public health professionals, we designed a master of public health (MPH) program in a rural state under the leadership of a department of pharmacy practice. In addition to a core set of courses, the MPH program has public health specialty tracks (disease state management, emergency management, health promotion practice, infectious disease management, food safety, gerontology, and medical management and administration) that could be completed as a certificate program or used towards an MPH degree. The program allows students to complete the graduate degree with a minimum of prerequisite coursework. The MPH degree provides an opportunity for pharmacists and other health care professionals to gain an understanding of the interprofessional approach to solving public health problems and will enhance their role in public health and within their health care team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia A Naughton
- North Dakota State University College of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Allied Sciences, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA.
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