Dear Colleagues:

This issue of ACCP International Clinical Pharmacist features a key article that describes a major paradigm shift in pharmacy education and practice in India. The article on “Pharmacy Education and Practice in India – A Profession in Transition” recounts the major changes in pharmacy education since the bachelor’s of pharmacy degree was first offered in 1937, followed by the enactment of the Pharmacy Act in 1948, and then the introduction of the Pharm.D. degree by the Pharmacy Council of India in 2008. The article goes on to describe the impact of this most recent shift in focus on student pharmacist experiences and pharmacist roles and concludes by highlighting the importance of legislative work in driving these changes and maintaining high professional standards.

As pharmacist roles change to embrace clinical roles, lifelong professional development and credentialing become essential to ensure and maintain professional competence. Moreover, professional development programs intended to advance knowledge and clinical skills become an essential part of the professional development of clinical pharmacists. The article on “Responding to the Professional Needs of International Practitioners: Advanced Clinical Pharmacy Practice and Specialty Certification” describes one such international program.

ACCP International Clinical Pharmacist editorial staff invite pharmacy leaders, policy-makers, educators, and practitioners to voice their opinions and share their work with the international pharmacy community.

Sincerely,

Wafa Y. Dahdal, Pharm.D., BCPS (AQ Cardiology)