(349) Triangulation of Professional Identity Formation Efforts: Curricular, Co-Curricular, and Extra-Curricular Initiatives

Objective : Describe our program's multi-faceted approach to assisting students with professional identify formation (PIF).

Methods: Using assessment-driven perspectives and process improvement measures, we implemented required and optional opportunities to help students grow professionally, clarify career focus and differentiate themselves through curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular initiatives.

Results: Within the curriculum, exposure to career opportunities, cultural competence, and team functioning are embedded in the social and administrative course series. Concepts are introduced in the P1 year and reinforced and practiced in multiple courses. Interprofessional activities are designed and implemented to support students’ PIF and help transition from uniprofessional to interprofessional identity formation in teams. Students are challenged to move from their siloed professions to become effective team members through processes of professional socialization. Within our elective pathways, four concentrations exist for students to select from, including the recent addition of an ambulatory care concentration. Professional community service, meeting, and seminar opportunities are provided within a structured co-curriculum that enables students to reflect on and self-assess their growth through these experiences. Within the co-curriculum, a successful P4 pilot workshop series focusing on personal digital and professional branding was developed. Extra-curricular activities are provided through student organizations and pharmacy organizations with further development of PIF. As evidence of effective teamwork, three student organizations with similar missions were recently consolidated to provide cohesive engagement and leadership for existing students as well as to provide focused volunteering options for incoming/new students.

Conclusions: Pharmacy programs should provide students with tools to develop individual professional identity. This helps students define their career path, build their brand, and differentiate themselves. PIF opportunities are maximized through the required and elective curriculum, and through extra- and co-curricular activities.