Report of the 2019-2020 AACP Student Affairs Standing Committee

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Professional Development
• Higher Education Administration

Background:

• The 2019-2020 Student Affairs Standing Committee addressed professional identity formation (PIF).
• This aligns with the AACP Strategic Plan Priority #3.4 concerning academic-practice partnerships and Interprofessional Practice (IPP).

Purpose of the Study:

• Outline key elements of PIF.
• Explore the relationship between curricular and co-curricular activities in supporting PIF.
• Determine evidence of PIF integration in student pharmacists' education.
• Define AACP's role in advancing PIF efforts.

Main Methods:

• The committee explored PIF through literature review and analysis.
• It gathered background information and resources relevant to the charges.
• The committee developed suggestions, recommendations, and a proposed policy statement.

Main Results:

• Key elements of PIF were outlined.
• The interplay of formal and informal learning activities on PIF was explored.
• Evidence of PIF integration in pharmacy education was assessed.
• Strategies and an action plan for AACP were defined.

Conclusions:

• The report provides recommendations for immediate and long-term actions by AACP and its members.
• It calls for a unified professional identity and integration of PIF into pharmacy education, training, and practice.