PROMOTING PROFESSIONALISM THROUGH MENTORING VIA THE INTERNET

A mentoring program was established to develop professionalism among U niversity of the Pacific pharmacy students. All first year pharmacy st udents at the University of the Pacific are given a pharmacist mentor, and communication between the student and the mentor is via the Inter net e-mail system allowing for easy, accessible on-line communication. The pharmacist mentors are recruited from across the country and prac tice in a variety of professional pharmacy settings. The students are able to communicate in a professional manner with their mentors throug hout the student's professional pharmacy school training. The primary goals of this project are: (i) encourage early professionalism among p harmacy students; (ii) have mentors stress the importance and usefulne ss of didactic educational years; (iii) provide an overview of tools a nd professional goals of pharmacists; (iv) allow students to begin net working within the pharmacy profession; and (v) provide instruction fo r utilization of the internet and e-mail applications. Information on the development of the project, and an assessment of the project is pr esented.