Enhancing professionalism of pharmacy students: Results of a national survey

Objectives. The purpose of this survey was to identify the degree to which colleges and schools of pharmacy have adhered to the Recommendations for Educators as described in the White Paper on Pharmacy Student Professionalism and to describe the efforts made by colleges and schools of pharmacy in cultivating the professional development of pharmacy students. Methods. Eighty-three colleges and schools of pharmacy in the United States were surveyed using a 62-item questionnaire based on the Recommendations for Educators as described in the White Paper. Questions were designed to address the 4 phases of a school's professional development plan-recruitment, admissions, educational programs, and practice. Results. The survey response rate was 63% (52/83 schools). Of the 52 schools responding, 36 (69%) represented public institutions and 14 (27%) represented private institutions. A white coat ceremony, distribution of the Oath of the Pharmacist, and student involvement in professional organizations were components of the professionalization process in > 90% of the responding schools. Less than 50% of those surveyed engaged students in a formal mentoring program, required the maintenance of professional portfolios, offered a sole course on professional development, or provided scholarships to students in recognition of professionalism. Conclusions. The results of this survey offer information on the efforts made by colleges and schools of pharmacy in the United States to enhance the professionalism of pharmacy students. The results suggest a need for a consensus-based definition of professionalism and the development of standardized instruments by which professionalism can be assessed.