An Interdisciplinary Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience Course

An interdisciplinary, introductory pharmacy practice experience course that students are required to take during their third professional year was started during the spring semester 2002. The course goals were to enhance students' abilities to work with primary care practitioners and to promote their understanding of the working environment of these individuals. Each student was assigned to a family physician, internist, or nurse practitioner, completed ten 2-hour visits to the professional's practice site, undertook tasks assigned by their preceptor, and completed a writing assignment. Most of the students were involved in direct patient-care activities. Students and preceptors agreed that the course goals were met and that the students made useful patient-care contributions. Pharmacy students were able to use self-directed learning skills to gain experience in working with primary care practitioners, develop insight into the working environment of these individuals, and provide valuable patient-care services. The course also demonstrated that physicians and nurse practitioners can be willing, active, and valuable partners in pharmacy education.