Overview of the Education and Training PRN

The Education and Training (EDTR) PRN was established to address the critical issues faced by pharmacists involved in teaching pharmacy students and residents. Although many of our members belong to other PRNs that align with their primary practice areas, they are drawn to the EDTR PRN because of their passion for education. This shared commitment to teaching creates a vibrant, diverse community within the EDTR PRN, offering a unique opportunity for collaboration and growth across a range of specialties. We invite you to join and engage with a network that values and elevates the future of pharmacy education!

Follow us on Instagram, X, or Facebook: @accpedtrprn

Opportunities and Resources for Resident and Fellow PRN Members

• Gain leadership experience. Resident and fellow members are allowed to sit on many PRN committees. Gain leadership experience by serving as vice chair on any of the following committees:
  • Prepare for residency and job interviews. The EDTR PRN offers mock interview sessions for students and residents attending the ACCP Annual Meeting (held in the fall). This workshop provides an opportunity to practice interview skills and receive feedback from pharmacists across the nation.
  • Student and Post-Graduate Trainee Support Committee: Responsible for liaising between StuNet and PRN members as well as developing initiatives to promote and support StuNet. In addition, this committee identifies recipients of the postgraduate travel awards.
  • Membership Committee: Responsible for encouraging interested individuals involved in pharmacy education to join the PRN as well as reaching out to ACCP faculty liaisons and students
  • Networking Committee: Responsible for encouraging relationships and communication among the PRN members and potential members
  • Communications Committee: Responsible for developing and distributing PRN newsletters and email list communications. Committee members also develop online resources for PRN members.

• Prepare for residency and job interviews. The EDTR PRN offers mock interview sessions for students and residents attending the ACCP Annual Meeting (held in the fall). This workshop provides an opportunity to practice interview skills and receive feedback from pharmacists across the nation.
• Get feedback on scholarly pursuits. Resident and fellow members presenting posters at the ACCP Annual Meeting are visited by EDTR PRN members to discuss their research findings and provide support for scholarly pursuit.
• Attend the Annual Meeting on our dollar. The PRN awards funds for resident and fellow PRN members to attend the ACCP Annual Meeting. Recipients must attend the EDTR PRN Business and Networking Meeting to comment on their experiences with ACCP, what they hope to gain or have gained from attending the Annual Meeting, and their interest in education and training. Calls for awards are sent in August, and recipients are notified in September.

If you have a question regarding education and training or about our PRN, please feel free to contact any of the officers listed below.

PRN Leadership:

Chair: Elizabeth Bald, Pharm.D.

Chair-Elect: Abigail Elmes-Patel, Pharm.D., MHPE

Secretary-Treasurer: Emily Buatois, Pharm.D.

Board Liaison: Jo Ellen Rodgers, Pharm.D., FCCP

Total Members: 563 as of January 2025

Current Topic of Interest Relevant to the EDTR PRN: Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that enables machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence like problem solving, pattern recognition, and decision-making. AI technologies have the potential to improve efficiency, accuracy, and personalization in every sector. Global availability and use of AI are growing rapidly. Focusing on education and health care, AI is swiftly transforming practice as we work to understand how to use and leverage its capabilities effectively and responsibly.

Overall, however, although there is a growing interest and effort to integrate AI into our teaching, the knowledge and experience levels among pharmacy educators are in development and require focused support to bridge the gap between curiosity and practical implementation. Potential examples include using AI to enhance workflow efficiency, develop assessment tools, enhance drug information searches and responses, and provide personalized feedback to students. Educators are also learning to navigate common pitfalls and challenges associated with AI technology, and there is a strong emphasis on understanding its ethical implications and responsible use. Overall, pharmacists should be equipped to effectively integrate AI into educational activities and ensure we are preparing our trainees to engage in contemporary pharmacy practice.

Join us at the ACCP Annual Meeting in Minneapolis in October 2025 for the EDTR PRN Focus Session for more regarding the use of AI in experiential education.

References

Abdel Aziz MH, Rowe C, Southwood R, Nogid A, Berman S, Gustafson K. A scoping review of artificial intelligence within pharmacy education. Am J Pharm Educ. 2024;88(1):100615. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpe.2023.100615

Cain J, Malcom DR, Aungst TD. The role of artificial intelligence in the future of pharmacy education. Am J Pharm Educ. 2023;87(10):100135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpe.2023.100135