Utilizing Required PharmD Projects and Assistantships to Engage Students in Research Across Disciplines

Many areas of pharmacy practice require knowledge and application of research methodology. Incorporating opportunities to participate in research projects can assist PharmD students in developing skills and abilities in pharmacy practice (PP), social and administrative sciences (SAS), and pharmaceutical science (PS) research principles. At Cedarville University School of Pharmacy, students participate in required longitudinal research projects. In their first semester (P1 fall) research course, they rank projects offered by PP/SAS/PS faculty, are assigned to teams, and complete and present research proposals. From P1 spring to P3 fall, the students conduct their research projects. In the P3 spring, students take a research seminar course, during which they write a journal-style manuscript and present their results to faculty and students. Data from the first two cohorts indicate that these projects improved students’ perceived understanding of the research process (7-point, Likert-type agreement, mean±SD: 5.98±0.72). In addition, students are introduced to PP/SAS/PS research, including collaborative research between departments (23% of projects). Students may also engage in extracurricular training programs offered by PP/SAS and PS departments and work on additional research projects to prepare for future fellowship and residency opportunities. For example, the PP/SAS department provides a semester-long, structured training series in scientific writing, data analysis, and methodology prior to working on research projects in a part- or full-time capacity. Students completing this training have engaged in post-graduate residencies and fellowships. Thus, a variety of research experiences can help students for future practice and improve understanding of how the PP/SAS/PS disciplines are related