Predictors of Success in Obtaining Postgraduate Residency or Fellowship.

Objective: As more pharmacy students are pursuing postgraduate training, colleges of pharmacy are investigating ways to predict success in matching for residency or fellowship. While data have been published about characteristics predictive of matching, we sought to study student scores, rotation types, and rotation evaluations as predictors of success.

Methods: Data were collected from students in the graduating classes of 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Evaluation of Academic and Nonacademic Factors of First-Generation Students Transitioning to a Pharmacy Program.

Objective: To evaluate the academic transition of first-generation (FG) students to a Doctor of Pharmacy program and the impact of early intervention/outreach.

Methods: The retrospective study evaluated the first semester performance in three classes of student pharmacists (beginning fall 2020, 2021, 2022) at a public university in the mid-South. Student demographics (age, sex, race, relationship status), nonacademic factors (Grit, impostor syndrome, testing anxiety, perceived stress), and academic factors (grade point average, academic probation, early intervention) were assessed.

Exploring the Relationship Between Imposter Phenomenon and Myers-Briggs Personality Types in Pharmacy Education.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between imposter phenomenon (IP) and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality types in pharmacy students.

Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study of doctor of pharmacy students who had previously completed MBTI and Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) assessments. CIPS scores and categories were compared between the 4 MBTI personality type dichotomies using independent samples t tests and chi-square.

Empowering Student Pharmacists through Social Determinants of Health Activities to Address Patient Outcomes.

The pharmacy education and its educators have to expose the student pharmacists to a plethora of activities regarding health disparities. It is essential for student pharmacists to be introduced to the key elements that comprise the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) during their didactic curriculum. However, while there have been efforts made in the United States to incorporate the SDOH in the pharmacy curricula, there is limited research on student pharmacists' perspectives of how content in the didactic curriculum prepared them to provide patient care.

Assessing Student Perceptions of Blended and Online Learning Courses in Pharmacoeconomics, Management, and Leadership.

Blended learning combines traditional face-to-face education with online instruction. This learner-centered approach has been shown to improve student engagement, critical thinking, and performance outcomes. The objective of this study was to assess and trend student pharmacist perceptions of blended and online learning used to teach pharmacy management, leadership, and economics within a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum.

Changes in Academic Performance after Transitioning to Remote Proctoring: A Before-After Evaluation.

Remote proctoring is often used to ensure testing integrity in a distance education environment but may impact academic performance. This quasi-experimental study aimed to evaluate changes in examination scores after transitioning to remote proctoring during the COVID-19 pandemic. Student pharmacists ( = 384) served as their own controls in this before-after analysis of examination scores with in-person versus remote proctoring.

Examining Preparatory Testing and Other Factors Associated With Performance on the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination.

To evaluate whether the score on the Pre-Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (Pre-MPJE) predicts pharmacy students' performance on the MPJE, and to determine whether demographics, pre-pharmacy school factors, or pharmacy school factors affect MPJE outcomes. We performed a retrospective review of pharmacy school graduates' (N = 156) MPJE scores, Pre-MPJE scores, demographics, pre-pharmacy school academic performance factors, and pharmacy school academic performance factors. Bivariate and correlational analyses were conducted along with multiple linear regression models to determine the influence of variables on the MPJE total scaled score.

Effects of Remote Proctoring on Composite Examination Performance Among Doctor of Pharmacy Students.

To determine the impact of remote proctoring on the academic performance of Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students. This was a retrospective, observational study that compared first professional year (P1) and second professional year (P2) pharmacy students' scores on eight composite examinations administered in spring 2020 (n = 387), the final three of which were proctored remotely, to that of a historical cohort of pharmacy students who took the same examinations in spring 2019 (n = 368). To assess whether remote proctoring affected academic performance, spring 2020 scores for examinations 6, 7, and 8 were compared to those of a historical cohort who took the same examinations in person with a proctor present in spring 2019.

Effects of peer-led study sessions on first-year student pharmacist performance in pharmacy math.

Introduction: To evaluate effects of peer-led study sessions on performance in a traditionally challenging course, Pharmacy Math, among first-year student pharmacists (P1s).

Methods: Peer-led study sessions were conducted throughout fall 2019 for P1s. Sessions were led by two second-year student pharmacists and focused on study skills and course-related strategies, principles, and content.

Longitudinal examination of perceived stress and academic performance of first-year student pharmacists.

Introduction: First-year pharmacy students (P1s) may experience a number of stressors that may affect academic performance due to the transition into a professional program. Study objectives were to evaluate student demographic and pre-pharmacy factors associated with perceived stress among P1s, analyze relative change in perceived stress over the P1 year, and assess associations between perceived stress and academic performance.

Methods: The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) was administered three times to P1s: during orientation, midpoint of fall semester, and midpoint of spring semester.

The need to prioritize "prioritization" in clinical pharmacy service practice and implementation.

Pharmacists are increasingly asked to incorporate new and greater amounts of clinical services into their traditional medication distribution responsibilities, but many barriers exist. Given the demanding pharmacy practice environment, improved time management may improve implementation rates. One area not previously explored within this area is the clinical skill of "prioritization" of medication related problems (MRPs).

Genetic Variation in CYP2R1 and GC Genes Associated With Vitamin D Deficiency Status.

This cross-sectional study enrolled 180 patients at a private family practice in Virginia. Total serum vitamin D concentrations were obtained weekly from January 30, 2013, through March 30, 2013, in consecutive patients regularly scheduled for laboratory work at the practice. Patients were categorized into 2 groups and analyzed for variant alleles in vitamin D receptor ( VDR; rs2228570), cytochrome P450 2R1 ( CYP2R1; rs10741657), 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase ( DHCR7; rs12785878), and group-specific component ( GC; rs2282679) to determine whether variants of those alleles influenced total serum 25(OH)D concentrations.

Management of prediabetes: a comparison of the treatment approaches utilized by a family practice clinic and an internal medicine/endocrinology practice.

Purpose: To compare the management of prediabetes between a family practice clinic and internal medicine/endocrinology practice.

Methods: A randomized, retrospective evaluation of the medical history in 168 eligible patients with a diagnosis of prediabetes or abnormal blood glucose (BG) at a family practice clinic (n = 78) and an internal medicine/endocrinology practice (n = 90).

Results: The internal medicine/endocrinology practice provided more counseling regarding lifestyle modifications (91.

Guidelines for resident teaching experiences.

Postgraduate year one (PGY1) and postgraduate year two (PGY2) residencies serve to develop pharmacists into skillful clinicians who provide advanced patient-centered care in various general and specialized areas of pharmacy practice. Pharmacy residencies are a minimum requirement for many clinical pharmacy positions, as well as for positions in academia. The role of clinical pharmacists typically includes teaching, regardless of whether they pursue an academic appointment.

Student pharmacist, pharmacy resident, and graduate student perceptions of social interactions with faculty members.

Objective: To describe the perceptions of student pharmacists, graduate students, and pharmacy residents regarding social situations involving students or residents and faculty members at public and private universities.

Methods: Focus groups of student pharmacists, graduate students, and pharmacy residents were formed at 2 pharmacy schools. Given 3 scenarios, participants indicated if they thought any boundaries had been violated and why.

Continuity of care between family practice physicians and hospitalist services.

Purpose: Hospitalist services are increasing in popularity and fewer primary care providers (PCPs) are caring for patients while hospitalized. Due to concerns with discontinuity of care, this study evaluated communication and medication discrepancies on admission and discharge between PCPs without admitting privileges and hospitalist physicians.

Methods: This retrospective analysis evaluated patients from a PCP office admitted to hospitalist services from January 2009 through July 2009.

Faculty perceptions of appropriate faculty behaviors in social interactions with student pharmacists.

Objective: To determine faculty and administrator perceptions about appropriate behavior in social interactions between pharmacy students and faculty members.

Methods: Four private and 2 public colleges and schools of pharmacy conducted focus groups of faculty members and interviews with administrators. Three scenarios describing social interactions between faculty members and students were used.

Impact of obtaining medications from pharmaceutical company assistance programs on therapeutic goals.

Background: Limited data exist regarding whether improved access to medications for indigent persons through pharmaceutical company assistance programs (PCAPs) leads to attainment of therapeutic goals.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of obtaining medications through PCAPs with pharmacist assistance versus prescription insurance on the likelihood of achieving therapeutic goals.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted in a private family practice clinic.

Impact of the Medicare modernization act on low-income persons.

Background: Low-income Medicare beneficiaries without prescription benefits have high out-of-pocket medication expenses that can discourage adherence to treatment regimens. The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act (MMA) of 2003 created a temporary drug discount card program and a prescription benefit with low-income provisions to assist with medication expenditures for eligible seniors.

Objective: To determine the impact of the new drug discount card and prescription benefit on medication expenditures by low-income Medicare recipients who require pharmaceutical company assistance for obtaining medications.

Enhanced antithrombotic effect of warfarin associated with low-dose alcohol consumption.

A 58-year-old Caucasian man was receiving long-term anticoagulation with warfarin for the prevention of ischemic stroke; his international normalized ratio (INR) had been stable. His INR increased when he began consistent, low-dose beer consumption for its perceived cardiovascular protection. After he stopped drinking the alcohol, his anticoagulation control improved and returned to previous levels.

Early evaluation of hematuria in a patient receiving anticoagulant therapy and detection of malignancy.

A 63-year-old Caucasian man had a painless episode of dark-colored urine while taking warfarin 62.5 mg/week for lone atrial fibrillation in the presence of documented stable anticoagulation. Urinalysis revealed microscopic hematuria.

Accuracy and precision of the CoaguChek S versus laboratory INRs in a clinic.

Background: The CoaguChek S is the next-generation coagulation monitor for measuring the international normalized ratio (INR) that replaces the CoaguChek device. Studies are lacking comparing the CoaguChek S with local laboratory INR assessment to ensure its accuracy and precision for monitoring patients on anticoagulation.

Objective: To evaluate accuracy, precision, and technical ease-of-use of the CoaguChek S compared with laboratory measurements.

Effect of stress on international normalized ratio during warfarin therapy.

Objective: To discuss the effect of stress on the international normalized ratio (INR) when patients are taking warfarin.

Case Summary: Two patients at a pharmacist-managed anticoagulation clinic who were stable with anticoagulation developed elevated INR values after a stressful event occurred. All other factors known to elevate the INR were unchanged; furthermore, the INR values returned to the prior level of control after resolution of the stressful events.

Possible effect of refrigeration of warfarin on the international normalized ratio.

A 43-year-old African-American woman taking warfarin for prevention of ischemic stroke experienced fluctuating international normalized ratio (INR) values over 8.5 months; no cause could be identified. After reading a pharmacy information sheet that accompanied a warfarin refill, she reported that she had been refrigerating her warfarin because her other drugs had been "sticking together.