Healthy Skepticism Library item: 7739

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Peters BN, Boster EA, Kroskie CA, Morvay SI, Zaucha JA.
Redesign of a pharmacy internship program
ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting 2002;

Abstract:

The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy is completing the transition to the Doctor of Pharmacy entry-level program. Demands placed on students have increased in the new program, which has made it more difficult to hire and retain qualified interns for year-round employment. This fact prompted us to redesign our internship program. To better meet students’ needs, the program was split into an outpatient portion (requiring year-round commitment) and an inpatient portion (summers only). The outpatient portion has remained unchanged, continuing to involve interns in all aspects of pharmacy care including prescription processing, patient counseling, and compounding. The inpatient internship was transformed into a three year program that provides exposure to both technical and clinical aspects of pharmacy practice. The level of training and responsibility increases annually, from purely technical functions to high-level project work in the final year. The program is in its second summer. Word of mouth advertising resulted in approximately eight applicants per available position this spring. Intern feedback has been very positive. Long-term success will be determined by the department’s ability to retain highly skilled interns upon graduation.