Guglielmo comments on pharmacy education

Learning how to solve problems and think critically—using course content as the vehicle to apply these skills—is one evolving goal of the UCSF School of Pharmacy doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum, according to the School’s dean, B. Joseph Guglielmo PharmD, in an interview posted April 12, 2016, in Pharmacy Times.

Guglielmo states that more professional opportunities for pharmacists exist now than during his entire career, because of state laws that are expanding the scope of practice of pharmacists and making advanced practice possible. Recognition of pharmacists as providers at the national level is imminent, he predicts. In addition, gaps in primary care open the doors for PharmD graduates to care for patients beyond today’s practice norm.

While the prospects for advanced practice pharmacy are good, much work remains. “The role of pharmacists in society remains poorly defined,” says Guglielmo. “But in my opinion, the role of the pharmacist is clear: to ensure the right patient receives the right medicine. However, we don’t yet fully accept our responsibility for this critical role. Today’s graduating students must be proactive problem solvers who will break down barriers that hinder expanded roles for pharmacists of the 21st century.”

More

• [Pharmacy Times: An interview with the dean of the UCSF School of Pharmacy][link defunct]
• The PharmD graduate of the future
• PharmD curriculum transformation