Student leadership retreat focusing on a commitment to excellence

To design and evaluate a student leadership retreat focused on: leadership regardless of position or title, the need for passionate commitment to excellence, the importance of teamwork, and the value of self-reflection.

Students in their second, third, and fourth year of a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program were invited to participate in an off-campus leadership retreat that combined organized learning activities and social/networking opportunities. Retreat content utilized didactic, experiential, and self-directed learning activities.

Forty-two students participated in the retreat and were surveyed pre- and post-retreat. A student-led group evaluation and course evaluations were also utilized. Responses on the post-retreat evaluation suggested an increased belief in their ability to influence change and an enhanced awareness of the role of self-reflection in creating excellence in the profession.

An off-campus overnight retreat has value in challenging student perceptions about leadership and promoting reflection on their personal role in leading change within the profession Continued exploration and development of this format is warranted for commitment to excellence programming and also for additional leadership topics and audiences.