(37) APhA-ASP encourages pharmacy companies or institutions (not affiliated with a school of pharmacy) that employ student pharmacist to provide a structured mentored-program.

R2 PRT:Internship/Externship – Wording/action:
(37) APhA-ASP encourages pharmacy companies or institutions (not affiliated with a school of pharmacy) that employ student pharmacist to provide a structured mentored-program.

Reasons for the Action(s) / Pros and Cons:

As of now, most pharmacy companies/institutions employ pharmacy interns whom serve as extra help in the pharmacy. We believe that these employers do a disservice to the students, themselves, and ultimately the profession by not having a structured program that includes a mentor—from within the pharmacy—to fortify the students’ experience and ensure their progress.

Ultimately, PharmD candidates will make smoother transitions from intern to pharmacist. The students will provide better service for their company and, more importantly, to their patients.

Pro:
• Students will have trust in the pharmacy company/institution that employee them
• A mentor/student partnership benefits the student and the company. The student receives individual advice and preparation for his/her career as a pharmacist and the company can better prepare their students for success.
• A mentor can closely follow an intern’s progress and make important suggestions for improvement
Con:
• Mentors should only be pharmacists who are enthusiastic about the role
• The shortage of practice pharmacy limits the number of mentors that are available.
• Mentors may have to take on multiple students at one time.
• Students should not be held back or punished for missing milestones put in place by mentors
• Such partnerships should not interfere or take priority over the students’ education

Lisa Johnson, Shaunda Johnson, Whitney Moore, Keena Segre ;
757 576 6352 (Lisa Johnson) ; misslisa_j@yahoo.com ;
Hampton University