A curriculum development simulation in a graduate program

Exploring the Future of Graduate Education in Pharmaceutical Fields

To ensure graduate students remain at the forefront of healthcare, curricula must be aligned with current and emerging innovations likely to influence students' ability to be successful. In this study, a modified Delphi technique was utilized to determine and prioritize the innovations and professional skills needed. For innovations, the top three areas experts identified were (1) personalized medicine, (2) big data, and (3) cell and gene therapy. For professional skills, the top three areas were (1) creative problem solving, (2) communication, and (3) data literacy. These results can be used to inform graduate curriculum development within various pharmaceutical fields.

A leadership elective course developed and taught by graduate students

OBJECTIVE

To develop and implement a flexible-credit elective course to empower student pharmacists to develop lifelong leadership skills and provide teaching practice opportunities for graduate students.

DESIGN

An elective course focusing on leadership development for second- and third-year doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students was designed and taught by 4 graduate students under the mentorship of 2 faculty members. Student pharmacists could enroll in a 1-, 2-, or 3-credit-hour version of the course.

ASSESSMENT

Attainment of course objectives was measured using student pharmacist reflection papers and continuing professional development portfolios. Additionally, self-assessments of graduate students and faculty members delivering the course were conducted. In their responses on course evaluations, student pharmacists indicated they found the course a valuable learning experience. Graduate students found course development to be challenging but useful in developing faculty skills.

CONCLUSION

This flexible-credit elective course taught by graduate students was an innovative way to offer formal leadership instruction using limited college resources.