More than Our Enemy: Making Space for the Microbiome in Pharmacy Education

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Pharmacology
• Medical Education

Background:

• The human microbiome, comprising commensal microorganisms, significantly impacts health.
• Current Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) curricula, specifically the 2016 ACPE Standards, focus on medical microbiology with a pathogen-centered approach.
• Advances in biotechnology have deepened the understanding of the microbiome's role in health and disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the discrepancy between the growing consumer market for microbiome-related products and the static PharmD training.
• To advocate for a revision of the 2025 ACPE Standards to incorporate the beneficial aspects of commensal microbiota.
• To propose integrating microbiome science into PharmD curricula for future pharmacist training.

Main Methods:

• Review of current evidence on the human microbiome and its health implications.
• Analysis of existing ACPE Standards for Doctor of Pharmacy curricula.
• Discussion of potential integration points within PharmD programs.

Main Results:

• The current PharmD curriculum's focus on pathogens neglects the beneficial roles of the microbiome.
• There is a significant gap between consumer awareness/access to microbiome products and pharmacist training.
• The proposed revision aims to align educational standards with scientific advancements and market trends.

Conclusions:

• Updating the ACPE Standards is crucial to reflect the importance of the microbiome in patient care.
• Integrating microbiome science into PharmD education will better prepare pharmacists to guide patients on beneficial microbial therapies.
• Pharmacy education must evolve to encompass the therapeutic potential of microbiome supplementation and commensal microbiota.