An advanced pharmacy practice experience in academia: More benefit than burden!

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Academic Careers in Pharmacy

Background:

• Pharmacy curricula often focus on community, ambulatory, and institutional practice.
• Students may overlook academic pharmacy as a career path.
• Faculty-perceived barriers can limit student exposure to academic roles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the student and faculty experience of an academic advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE).
• To offer strategies for overcoming barriers to implementing academic APPEs.
• To highlight the potential of APPEs in fostering interest in academic pharmacy careers.

Main Methods:

• A commentary detailing a student's and faculty member's firsthand experience with an academic APPE.
• Discussion of challenges and rewards from both student and faculty perspectives.
• Identification of practical suggestions for successful APPE implementation.

Main Results:

• The student gained a comprehensive understanding of faculty responsibilities and the rewards of academic pharmacy.
• The faculty member emphasized the importance of thorough planning and clear communication for a successful APPE.
• The experience solidified the student's interest in a teaching career.

Conclusions:

• Elective APPEs are ideal for exploring academic pharmacy careers.
• Faculty are pivotal in promoting student interest in academia through APPEs.
• Academic APPEs can be mutually beneficial for students and faculty.