Orientation 2007 — Now Foundations of Pharmacy
he week of August 6 – 11, 2007 was both exciting and anxious for 148 new student pharmacists at HSOP. Traditionally this week was called Orientation. It is now called PYDI 5080 Foundations of Pharmacy and the week is spent almost exclusively on this one class. Dave Brackett, Clinical Director of Early Practice Experience and Assistant Clinical Professor of Pharmacy Practice oversaw the week's proceedings. Classes were held in the new Education and Clinic Wing of the Harrison School of Pharmacy.
March of the Laptops
Monday morning started a long day of laptop pick-up for the attendees. These computers had to be customized by the HSOP IT staff with pharmacy specific installs before they could be used in class. Laptop computers are an integral part of the pharmacy curriculum at HSOP, one of the most "wired/wireless" schools on the AU campus.
Class Combines Some Fun Along with Work
Tuesday, Foundations of Pharmacy began in earnest with classes exploring everything from the pharmaceutical care process and the history of pharmacy to professionalism and the honor code. There was a special orientation class dedicated to the distance education which will take place this year with the opening of the satellite school in Mobile. Icebreaker events through the week included Team Tower Building, an interesting contest which taught many lessons about teamwork and brought on a lot of laughter. Later, groups competed with word/logic puzzles which proved to be real brain teasers, but also helped the "newbies" get to know each other better.
The Myers-Briggs test explored the personality of the test takers and will help them understand how to study smarter and what they need to achieve a balance between college and personal life. Faculty focused on techniques that will bring these new student pharmacists success in school and later in their professional career. Sponsors provided the attendees with gift bags and meals. Student organizations had their chance to shine by presenting slide shows with age appropriate music to bolster the appeal to join their organizations. Later they set up tables in the atrium to sell some pharmacy school essentials and their fundraiser items, such as HSOP T-shirts.
Mock Malpractice Trial in the News
Friday's mock trial, the culmination of the week's events, attracted media attention this year. It was featured in The AU Daily, AU Wire Eagle, the Opelika/Auburn News and the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer.About the Case
The case involved arguments and deliberations in a fictional $375 million civil law suit against apharmacist. With all new student pharmacists in attendance and numerous other visitors, the trial began with the assistance of real lawyers. The witnesses and the jury were faculty, staff and student pharmacists volunteers. Throughout the week, the P1s worked on a "case study" about the mock trial.
Attorney Mark Conradi, an AU pharmacy graduate from Clanton and a law professor at AU, presented the case for the defense. Robbie Treese, a prosecutor with the Lee County District Attorney's office, was the Plaintiff’s attorney. Kenney Gibbs, also with the Lee County District Attorney's office, presided as judge.
The case revolved around a fictional 25-year-old female who was prescribed an anticoagulant, and a few weeks later, is prescribed an antibiotic for a different ailment. The pharmacist overlooked a known interaction problem between the medications, which resulted in the patient’s death. The trial reinforced the scope of patient care responsibility that pharmacists must assume. It was an intense experience for student pharmacists just starting on their educational journey. One thing for sure, it made all future pharmacists present look at their chosen profession from a different perspective.
This is the third year HSOP has presented a mock trial, an event unique among schools of pharmacy. Past participants include AU legal counsel Lee Armstrong and retired Alabama Supreme Court Justice C.C. “Bo” Torbert. The trial has proved a valuable tool to introduce students to the law and the professional responsibilities of pharmacists.White Coat Ceremony
Saturday brought the week to a close starting with a morning meeting between Dean Evans and the parents. The grand finale was the White Coat Ceremony in which the new student pharmacists received their white coats, one of the most recognizable symbols of the professional pharmacist. Each student posed for a photo with the Dean as they received their white coats. HSOP student pharmacists may order photos on-line at http://www.cameragraphics.org/ After you enter the site, click "photography" on the left column. A pop-up with sub headings will appear. The third bar may be blank or it may show the word "Events." When you mouse over it, you'll see "White Coat Ceremony." Clicking on that link opens a page with complete information about how to order prints by email or phone. You can also view a slide show of candid shots covering all the week's events here.
Acknowledgements
Good luck to new 2011 class. Many thanks to lawyers Conradi, Treese and Gibbs for participating in the mock trial exercise. Thanks also to the HSOP faculty, staff and student pharmacists who helped to make the week a success. A special mention must be made of the leadership shown by the P2s and P3s who assisted with activities throughout the week. Thanks also to our sponsors Wal-Mart, Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid for providing meals during the week and Rite Aid who sponsored the White Coat Ceremony. Your support was much appreciated.Orientation week’s activities were numerous and included:
A Mock Trial
Orientation to Team Rooms
Computer, Blackboard and Information Skills
Pharmaceutical Care Process
Future of Pharmacy
Pharmacy Internship/P4 advice to P1s
Orientation to Distant Education/Mobile
The "Choice" Seminar
Committee for Admissions and Academic Progress/Counseling/Study Skills
Myers-Briggs and Diversity
Professionalism— what it means to care/the value of service
Team Meetings
Professionalism and Honor Code
Early Professional Experience Orientation
Introduction to professional organizations and pharmacy fraternities
History of pharmacy/medications
Team design competition — tower building
Team puzzles — a contest
A dinner/sponsored by CVS
The White Coat Ceremony sponsored by Rite Aid
