Journal of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems
Open Access

Abstract

Integration of Scholarship as a Written Communication Competency for Pharmacy Students in a Specialty Track Component of a Doctor of Pharmacy Curriculum

Nancy C Brahm, Tamra S Davis and Kevin C Farmer

Background: Professional development is an integral part of the advancement from novice to expert. Revised accreditation criteria for colleges and schools of pharmacy increasingly focus on the development of professional skills, particularly those involving communication. Aims: To report the development of student scholarship through focused studies designed to help pharmacy students gain written communications expertise. Methods: Deliberate incorporation of scholarship development into the didactic courses and introductory and advanced pharmacy practice experiences at one academic institution resulted in multiple publications and presentations. Results: Twenty-four posters are accepted for national presentation. Nineteen student- authored manuscripts have been published in peer-reviewed journals. Conclusion: This paper discusses scholarship via presentations and publications achieved through written communication activities for students participating in focused endeavors and lessons learned to guide other faculty interested in developing student initiatives in their curriculum.