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It seems at least a quarter of the prescription
consults I give as a pharmacy intern end with patients inquiring about the
College of Pharmacy at Touro University-California. "Never heard of it," they
say, spotting the school's emblem on my white coat. Even some of the
pharmacists I work with have wondered about the California pharmacy school I
attend.
Understandably, there is a lack of name
recognition for Touro University-California College of Pharmacy. The program
is in its second year of the accreditation process and has had no more than
145 students in its classrooms. I like to believe it is my class's duty and
privilege to get the word out about Touro. We are, after all, the charter
class--the first class to go through the developing curriculum and the first
that will graduate from the program. Telling others about Touro is the least
we, the charter students, can do in return for the opportunities the program
has given us.
The College of Pharmacy
One of the newest additions to pharmacy academia, Touro is a Jewish-sponsored
university, established in 1997 and located in the San Francisco Bay area. The
College of Pharmacy was the fourth college established on the Touro campus,
which also serves as home for programs in the fields of medicine, education,
and health sciences.
Touro offers a four-year PharmD program, which
includes a two-year didactic plus two-year clinical rotations model not seen
in other national pharmacy schools. It is proposed that the two years of
clerkships will help pharmacists develop a higher level of clinical
preparation.
But beyond these characteristics I might consider
"brochure" material, the college has some unique attributes I feel compelled
to discuss. The Touro faculty and staff, led by Dean Katherine Knapp and
Associate Deans Debra Sasaki-Hill and Paul Goldsmith, has made a promise to be
there for the students throughout our endeavor. Knowing that these
administrators' doors are always open--even after office hours--makes such a
difference. Whether our conversations are about the deeper pharmacy
experience, the Beatles, or about a personal loss or struggle, it is amazing
to see how our staff blurs the lines between being mentors and caring friends.
Touro's heavy emphasis on group work is another
notable characteristic. Our class of 63 is divided into ten teams so we can
participate in Student Group Discussions (SGDs). These daily sessions
supplement our lectures and encourage group process through presentations,
debates, clinical skits, and other active learning assignments. Students who
enjoy flexing their creativity and imagination will find much to like here.
SGDs also provide a nice break from the traditional lecturing routine, giving
us time to socialize and to help each other understand difficult topics.
Through teamwork, SGDs promote greater appreciation of our classmates as both
friends and professionals.
The "Charter Class Experience"
There is a tremendous concern that goes with being a student at a newly
established college of pharmacy that is still working toward full
accreditation. Transitioning into a professional college is difficult in its
own right, but to do so with no other pharmacy classes to intermingle with
makes for a potentially isolating experience. The Touro PharmD candidate is
responsible for his or her professional growth and development, in addition to
the growth and development of the PharmD program. Why, then, would students
accept the uncertainty and demands that come with attending an unproven
college?
Many of my peers said they chose Touro because
they wanted the challenges, rewards, and opportunities that come with being
trailblazers. This ambitious spirit is why I am here as well. We understood
the risks involved, but we also saw the bigger picture at Touro and found
endless possibilities.
Both faculty and students rose to the challenge of
being first and have brought into fruition nearly everything we felt our
college needed. A few of my peers became class officers to set a precedent for
future classes. Some helped establish community outreach programs. One person
even offered homemade drug information cards to the class. Clubs were started,
national association applications were completed, weekly newsletters were
published, and even pharmacy apparel was designed and sold. Our greatest feat,
however, was that our college achieved "candidate status" in our first year of
eligibility. Considering how much hard work we put into our first year, this
is something we are unabashedly proud of.
Not many pharmacy students get the chance to play
with an empty canvas. On our arrival, there was so much to do, and it is
amazing to look back at what we have accomplished. Besides the education we
have received and the friends we have made, being able to see what creativity
and enthusiasm can achieve is truly one of the greatest gifts Touro has given
us.
Opportunity in Our Responsibility
Providing feedback to staff regarding the college's ongoing development is no
doubt one of the most significant responsibilities given to the charter class.
The program is still in a fluid state, and the faculty made it clear that
student input is essential in shaping all aspects of the program's structure.
Indeed, a plethora of communication channels have been made available for us
to express our honest assessment of the curriculum, professors, learning
atmosphere, and other issues of significance.
Curriculum meetings, in which the program's work
and progress is discussed, are students' most significant opportunity to shape
the learning environment. Student representatives present our comments and
concerns to the staff for deliberation at these meetings. We have seen many
progressive outcomes as a result. One of our biggest contributions has been
helping to synchronize our biology, pharmaceutics, clinical, and
social/behavioral courses to make our learning experience more effective.
The Future
It really is a gift to have our voices heard and appreciated. Having this much
impact on the College of Pharmacy's growth was not something I'd anticipated.
I realize now how tremendous and essential the role of the charter class is in
breathing life into the vision of a developing college.
Of course, we are only the beginning at Touro. We
look to future classes and faculty to continue the evolution of the program
and take it to new frontiers. With so much to be done and many more
opportunities ahead, I am excited to see what Touro has in store for pharmacy.
Obviously, I am also looking forward to seeing what my peers and I have in
store for pharmacy as professionals.
The charter class has made history, but it will be
in the future when we will ardently make the grand strides in our profession
and our community. If you've never heard of us, trust me, you will soon
enough.
Thanks to Dr. Aglaia Panos, Dr. James Kuperberg,
Richard Hornstein, Kelly LeDaniel Atkins, and Kelly Fowler for your
contributions.
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