Pharmacogenomics primer course for first professional year pharmacy students

Background: The importance of pharmacogenomics (PGx) is widely recognized in healthcare; however, PGx knowledge and confidence is lacking among many healthcare professionals. Pharmacists are the most logical PGx experts, yet most pharmacy schools do not require the basic science foundations of PGx as admission prerequisites. Methods: A PGx primer course was developed for first year pharmacy students. In addition to genomics-based didactic material, this course also contains journaling' exercises and a group term paper based on a self-genotyping/phenotype exercise. The effectiveness of this course was evaluated by anonymous genomics knowledge surveys, course evaluations and unsolicited student comments. Results: Data demonstrate this course engendered a significant increase in genomics knowledge and a positive perspective towards PGx. Conclusion: A course such as this bridges the current PGx basic science knowledge gap and can serve as a template for providing fundamental genomics knowledge until admissions prerequisites ensure that all incoming students are ready to embrace PGx.