An Integrated, Case-Based Curricular Model for the Entry-Level Doctor of Pharmacy Degree

This paper outlines a proposed entry-level, Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum which emphasizes case study-based presentation of integrated content and concepts, and utilizes small group learning as the primary educational setting. The preprofessional phase of the proposed six-year curriculum consists of a first year of basic science coursework and general education studies, followed by a second year which is centered around the foundational sciences which are involved in the function of the human body. The initial three years of the professional phase of the proposed curriculum are completely integrated among the various pharmacy-related disciplines presented in problem-solving, case study format, and divided into what can be termed “pharmaceutical care modules, ” rather than traditional courses. The sixth year of the proposed program would consist of eleven experiential rotations. Although there are numerous potential advantages to the proposed curricular structure, the perceived disadvantages of the proposal, which are primarily operational concerns and concerns regarding changing faculty roles, have prevented implementation of such a curricular structure at the present time