The pharmacist as a provider of "pharmaceutical care" is examined both as a notion and as a new example for training practitioners. It is concluded that the example will require more from the pharmacist of the future and a reordering of perceptions about the nature of the pharmacy profession. (MSE)

Pharmaceutical educators are exhorted to bring both science and culture into the profession and to take an active role in the intellectual activity of the university. Improvement of clinical practice, patient-pharmacist relationship, service delivery, and community involvement are seen as contributing to the influence of the profession. (MSE)

Pharmacy technicians are a logical solution to providing adequate quality and quantity of pharmaceutical services. Technicians are currently trained through the military, technical/community colleges, vocational schools, and hospitals. There is no organization setting policy, establishing standards, or requiring compliance, but the issues are…

The impact of changing health care systems on the content of pharmaceutical education is examined, including the relationship between basic and applied sciences and between the applied sciences and skill and attitude formation, in both academic and clinical education. The role of pharmacy administration in the curriculum is discussed. (MSE)

The president of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy outlines the association's position on national policy concerning health care reform, then looks at some related controversial issues, including changes in the dispensing of prescriptions, pharmacist-managed medication review, adequacy of pharmacy training, and the role of research.…

Key shortcomings in current mainstream strategies of pharmaceutical education include (1) poor integration of basic sciences and clinical curriculum components; (2) curricular information overload and resulting problems; and (3) emphasis on research over teaching and service. Students need to learn teamwork, accountability, positive practice…

A discussion of current changes in optometry looks at the expanding for-profit health sector, changing student characteristics and enrollment patterns, the changing scope of optometric care and technology, and the demise of professionalism and ethics. Implications for pharmaceutical education are considered. (MSE)

The Argus Commission, asked to examine the interface between academic pharmacy and education programs in dentistry, optometry, and podiatry, envisioned a primary health care team and considered mechanisms for encouraging development of such teams and reducing competition. Its conclusions and recommendations are summarized here. (MSE)

The proceedings of the First International Congress on Clinical Pharmacy Education, which introduced pharmacy educators from outside of North America to the U.S. clinical pharmacy component of education and practice are presented in more than 20 separate papers. The program's objectives were: (1) to provide a historical overview of the development…

A discussion of sterile products in pharmacy looks at recent concerns in the health care community, action by professional associations, recommendations and guidelines for professional training of pharmacists and technicians, current and proposed curricula for undergraduate, graduate, continuing, industrial, and cooperative programs and…