A sequence of introductory pharmacy practice experiences to address the new standards for experiential learning.

Objective: To implement an introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE) curricular sequence in a manner that optimized preceptor availability, fostered significant learning, and addressed the new standards for experiential education.

Design: A 4-course, 300+ hour IPPE sequence was developed with 1 module in each semester of the first 2 professional years. Semesters were 18 weeks in length with IPPE taking place in the middle weeks as dedicated time blocks when no concurrent didactic courses were scheduled.

Fluctuations in vancomycin CNS tissue concentrations following intermittent and continuous infusions in the rat.

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the variability of vancomycin concentrations in the serum and CNS when administered continuously or as intermittent intravenous infusions in the rat. The hypothesis for this investigation was that the magnitude of change in serum vancomycin concentrations directly relates to the extent of vancomycin concentration fluctuations in the CNS. Microdialysis and serum sampling techniques were employed and biologic samples were analysed for vancomycin using HPLC.

Ischemic stroke prevention: an update on antiplatelet therapy.

Stroke is the third leading cause of mortality in the United States. As the leading cause of neurological deficits worldwide, stroke is associated with tremendous costs both to society and to the individuals and families stroke impacts. Antiplatelet agents have demonstrated efficacy in preventing recurrent atherothrombotic strokes and are the principal pharmacologic modality employed.