Description of an introductory course designed to socialize pharmacy students

This paper describes an introductory course designed to socialize first-yea r PharmD students. The course was delivered 6-7 hours daily for two weeks. Students had to attend all assigned sessions and complete all assigned work in order to successfully pass the course and officially enter the professi onal curriculum. The course used a combination of large group discussions a nd small team exercises. These were designed to provide active learning str ategies, but to also orient the students to the type of instruction and tea m exercises they would have during the remainder of the curriculum. Topics discussed included roles of faculty, responsibilities of different types of pharmacists, time management, active learning strategies, the curriculum, developing a personal mission statement, pharmaceutical care and drug misad venturing. Ninety-one students were enrolled in the course and they all suc cessfully completed this course. The course was very well received by the s tudents based upon the enthusiasm in the course and written evaluations. Th e highlight of the course for many students was a white coat ceremony at th e end that symbolized their passage into the professional program. This int roductory course has been one factor that has improved the professionalism of the students and it may be useful to other colleges and schools of pharm acy.