Student Scientific Inquiry in the Core Curriculum

Abstract

Objective. To design and implement a required student-driven research program as a capstone experience in the doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum. Design. A research proposal in the form of a competitive grant application was required for each of 65 fourth-year students in an inaugural PharmD class at Touro College of Pharmacy in New York. The focus of the proposals was on hypothesis-driven research in basic science, clinical research, health outcomes, and public health. Assessment. Students' research proposals were graded using a standardized grading instrument. On a post-experience survey, most students rated the overall experience positively, indicating increased confidence in their research skills. About two-thirds of faculty members were satisfied with their students' performance, and the great majority thought the experience would be useful in the students' careers. Conclusion. The capstone research project was a positive experience for fourth-year students.

Capstone Projects as Scholarship of Application in Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Education

“…Consistent with capstone education theory, our capstone experience is grounded in a strong learner-centered philosophy in that students take an active role through all subsequent project phases (Vaidean, Vansal, Moore, & Feldman, 2013). In the planning phase, students engage in an extensive review and integration of the literature and must locate and evaluate relevant evidence to support the decision-making process.…”

The Importance of Research and Scholarly Activity in Pharmacy Training

“…Colleges of pharmacy and residency programs might consider implementing varied strategies to provide research training. Research electives, summer camps, field experiences, internships, active learning–based projects, capstone experiences, and research tracks have all been implemented in pharmacy curricula to offer research training to student pharmacists . For example, faculty at the University of Tennessee designed a 2‐credit elective class that provided early clinical research exposure to second‐year pharmacy students.…”

“…Creating and disseminating new knowledge to guide patient pharmacotherapy and optimize medication use are key elements of clinical pharmacy . The importance of clinical pharmacists' engagement in both practice‐based and extramurally funded research has been well described . Clinical pharmacists begin learning fundamental skills during school and continue to develop these skills through postgraduate training programs, continuing education, and professional organization involvement.…”

“…1 The importance of clinical pharmacists' engagement in both practice-based and extramurally funded research has been well described. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Clinical pharmacists begin learning fundamental skills during school and continue to develop these skills through postgraduate training programs, continuing education, and professional organization involvement. However, competing priorities in Pharm.D.…”

Student Scientific Inquiry in the Core Doctor of Pharmacy Curriculum: Critical Issues in Designing and Implementing a Student Research Program

“…The detailed design, assessment and results of the program have been reported elsewhere 66 . This student research experience was both successful and rich in lessons learned, which further shaped the views of the importance of the critical issues identified above.…”