Introduction to leadership development using the "Five Practices" framework in a co-curricular pharmacy...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Leadership Development
• Experiential Learning

Background:

• Pharmacy education increasingly requires leadership training for students.
• Schools of pharmacy face challenges integrating leadership development.
• Co-curricular programs offer a practical approach to leadership education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a co-curricular leadership program for pharmacy students.
• To assess the impact of the Student Leadership Challenge framework on leadership skills.
• To measure improvements in leadership practices and self-perceived skills.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of three workshops based on Kouzes and Posner's Five Practices framework.
• Inclusion of background knowledge, self-reflection, discussion, and application activities.
• Pre-/post-series assessment of leadership practices and post-workshop surveys.

Main Results:

• High student attendance (average 68) and participation across all professional years.
• Majority of students met learning objectives, with over 90% finding sessions beneficial.
• Statistically significant improvements observed in four of five leadership practices and overall perceived skills (P < .001).

Conclusions:

• The co-curricular program is an easily implementable strategy for pharmacy schools.
• Minimal student commitment and faculty investment yield significant leadership gains.
• The program effectively enhances leadership skills and knowledge within the pharmacy student population.