Impact of early direct patient care introductory pharmacy practice experiences on student pharmacists' career exploration.

Background And Purpose: The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy piloted a novel longitudinal introductory experiential program to provide second (P2) and third (P3) year professional students early exposure to pharmacist-provided direct patient care, opportunity to develop professionally expected behaviors, and ability to explore contemporary pharmacy career options. This paper describes the influence of the pilot on pre-advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) career interests and professional development.

Educational Activity And Setting: Forty P2 and P3 students participated in the longitudinal experiential pilot course.