Learners will study the theoretical, mathematical, and functionally dependent physiologic relationships that comprise the quantitative basis for determining population and patient-specific drug dosage regimens. Learners will focus on the rate, time course, and extent of drug absorption, distribution, and elimination. They will utilize data of drug plasma concentrations in order to calculate and monitor safe and effective drug dosing regimens. Learners will practice fundamental pharmacokinetics concepts by calculating population and patient-specific dosage regimen of selected drugs used in various disease states.
Learners will explore the basic physiological, pathophysiological and biochemical foundations for the interaction of drugs with biological systems. Topics will include pharmacological principles such as mechanism of action, pharmacodynamics, drug-drug interactions, adverse reactions, and factors that can alter expected pharmacologic results. Autonomic drugs are used to illustrate pharmacological principles associated with pharmacotherapy that will be required for learners to build upon in future courses.
Learners will be introduced to the general principles of drug action at the molecular level. They will focus on the physical, chemical, and biochemical properties of drug substances; relationships between chemical structure and pharmacological activity; molecular basis for drug-receptor interactions; and physical chemical basis for Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET).
Learners will be introduced to patient assessment skills, including patient interview, physical assessment, and laboratory parameter evaluation. Learners will receive hands-on training with health assessment devices as well as an explanation of the practical operation and function of self-care diagnostic products. They will refine and apply verbal and written communication skills in a standardized patient care encounter setting and its associated documentation in the SOAP format.
Learners will acquire the necessary skills for dispensing medications in community, hospital, home health care, and long-term care settings as part of this competency-based course. Learners will gain knowledge and understanding of the dispensing process, medication errors, safety controls, controlled substances, third party reimbursement, pharmacy ethics, and supervisory skills. They will become familiar with the technology and automation commonly found in practice settings in order to accurately and efficiently dispense medications. Learners will understand the role of the pharmacist as educator and immunizer, demonstrating both subcutaneous and intramuscular injection skills.
Learners will be introduced to the basic principles of management applicable to professional pharmacy practice in this first course of a two-course sequence. Learners will acquire foundational skills in management, leadership, finance, and marketing that are crucial to practicing and leading effectively in an increasingly cost conscious health care marketplace.
Learners will gain knowledge of the pathophysiological and clinical presentation of common disorders of the renal system. They will integrate their knowledge of the biomedical, pharmaceutical, social/behavioral/administrative, and clinical sciences of therapeutic agents used to treat common renal disorders in order to provide and recommend optimal pharmacotherapeutic management.
Learners will gain knowledge of the pathophysiological and clinical presentation of common disorders of the respiratory system. They will integrate their knowledge of the biomedical, pharmaceutical, social/behavioral/administrative, and clinical sciences of therapeutic agents used to treat common respiratory disorders in order to provide and recommend optimal pharmacotherapeutic management.
Learners will gain knowledge of the pathophysiological and clinical presentation of common disorders of the cardiovascular system. They will integrate their knowledge of the biomedical, pharmaceutical, social/behavioral/administrative, and clinical sciences of therapeutic agents used to treat common cardiovascular disorders in order to provide and recommend optimal pharmacotherapeutic management.
Learners will gain knowledge of the pathophysiological and clinical presentation of common and complicated disorders of the cardiovascular system. They will integrate their knowledge of the biomedical, pharmaceutical, social/behavioral/administrative, and clinical sciences of therapeutic agents used to treat common and complicated cardiovascular disorders in order to provide and recommend optimal pharmacotherapeutic management.
Learners will transition from dependence to independence in the learning process through this three course sequence which is built on the premise of “see one, do one, teach one.” In this first course of the sequence, faculty will present and discuss health care problems (cases) and facilitate group activities in the process of problem resolution. Learners will apply the processes of problem solving, critical thinking, abstract thinking, and differential diagnosis to optimize and manage pharmacy care of patients with common disease states. They will apply information learned in the didactic integrated course sequences to patient care scenarios using problem-based learning methods.
Learners will continue the two-course management sequence by examining the applied functions of management (planning, organizing, leading, and controlling) with emphasis on the human interactions involved in operating a community pharmacy practice. Learners will acquire an understanding of organizational decision-making processes, methods of navigating change, and the leader’s role in change.
Learners will gain skills in aseptic technique, administration, and quality assurance procedures for sterile drug products. They will gain knowledge and experience compounding sterile preparations, utilizing infusion devices and catheters, and applying clean room and USP 797 requirements.
In this early exposure, learners will begin to build a knowledge base ofinstitutional pharmacy practice. Learners will gain insight and develop a sense of involvement in institutional pharmacy practice by applying basic pharmacy care within various aspects of the health system. Through observation and participation, learners will explore the various facets of health system pharmacy practice by integrating communication skills and relating didactic instruction to clinical involvement, humanistic care of patients, and social awareness of unmet medical needs. This may include, but is not limited to: patient care; medication-related services; screening for medical problems using a collaborative approach; and working within organizational structures with varying management styles. Learners will also develop an appreciation of various practice modalities, inclusive of, but not limited to: prescriber order entry systems, electronic medical records, prescription automation and informatics, purchasing, formulary control, medical teams, research, and committees. Learners will continue to gain insight into self and professional goals through reflection and on-going development of professional portfolios. Learners will give presentations at the end of the semester.
Learners will develop a deeper sense of involvement in institutional pharmacy practice. Learners will be exposed to and apply pharmacy care within various aspects of the health system. Learners will continue to expand their understanding of various practice modalities covered in PHAR 643. They will explore the various facets of health system pharmacy practice by integrating communication skills and relating didactic instruction to clinical involvement, humanistic care of patients, and social awareness of unmet medical needs. This may include, but is not limited to: patient care; medication therapy-related services; medication reconciliation; clinic management; provider interactions; screening for medical problems using a collaborative practice approach; committee meetings; and working within organizational structures with varying management styles. Learners will increase their insight into self and professional goals through reflection and on-going development of professional portfolios. Learners will give presentations at the end of the semester.
In addition to curricular requirements, learners are required to satisfy professional development requirements. These program requirements have been selected by the College of Pharmacy to foster personal and professional growth and development. Learners will be required to develop and utilize electronic portfolios to document professional experiences (e.g., meetings, activities, assignments), track community service, and reflect upon and assess learning activities and experiences. The Professional Development series is delivered in a longitudinal, theme-based approach throughout the PharmD curriculum. In this early exposure, learners will begin to build a knowledge base of institutional pharmacy practice. Learners will gain insight and develop a sense of involvement in institutional pharmacy practice by applying basic pharmacy care within various aspects of the health system. Through observation and participation, learners will explore the various facets of health system pharmacy practice by integrating communication skills and relating didactic instruction to clinical involvement, humanistic care of patients, and social awareness of unmet medical needs. This may include, but is not limited to: patient care; medication-related services; screening for medical problems using a collaborative approach; and working within organizational structures with varying management styles. Learners will also develop an appreciation of various practice modalities, inclusive of, but not limited to: prescriber order entry systems, electronic medical records, prescription automation and informatics, purchasing, formulary control, medical teams, research, and committees. Learners will continue to gain insight into self and professional goals through reflection and on-going development of professional portfolios. Learners will give presentations at the end of the semester.
