How-To Strategies for Integrating Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Into Pharmacy Education Teaching and...

Artificial intelligence (AI), including generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), is increasingly being incorporated into health care practice and academic environments, creating an urgent need for pharmacy education programs to prepare learners to engage with these tools responsibly. Accrediting bodies and professional organizations emphasize innovation, digital literacy, and readiness for contemporary practice; however, specific guidance on how GenAI should be integrated into pharmacy education remains limited. As a result, pharmacy educators face uncertainty related to pedagogical alignment, ethical use, assessment integrity, and student reliance on AI-generated outputs. The purpose of this "how-to" guide is to assist pharmacy educators and training program leaders with practical strategies and examples for integrating GenAI into teaching and assessment across pharmacy education. This guide presents foundational principles to support responsible GenAI use, followed by a step-by-step framework that addresses identification of instructional needs, selection of appropriate GenAI modalities, activity design, student preparation for critical AI use, and assessment and refinement of AI-enabled learning activities. Common instructional contexts and applications are illustrated using real-world examples, including clinical reasoning exercises, communication skill development, scalable assessment, scholarly writing support, and formative feedback. Key challenges encountered during GenAI integration are synthesized, including overreliance on AI, inaccurate or biased outputs, variability in AI performance, and workflow considerations for faculty and learners. Specific mitigation strategies and design decisions are provided to support intentional implementation while maintaining academic rigor and professional standards. By focusing on instructional strategies rather than specific tools, this guide offers adaptable recommendations to support pharmacy educators in leveraging GenAI to enhance learning and prepare trainees for AI-enabled pharmacy practice.