Geriatric concentration: A new elective sequence in an entry-level doctor of pharmacy program

Objectives. The geriatrics concentration elective sequence in the entry-level doctor of pharmacy program at the Mylan School of Pharmacy at Duquesne University was devised, first, to introduce students to the complex pharmaceutical care needs of the elderly; second, to expose students to career options and enhance employability through credentialing in geriatrics; and third, to increase the confidence and motivation for graduates to pursue advanced geriatrics education, training, and specialist certification. Design. The curriculum consists of a didactic elective sequence of 3 courses (8 total credits) offered in the evenings of the fifth and sixth academic years. Sixth year students must complete at least one specialized experiential rotation and pass a final comprehensive geriatrics certification examination. Assessment. Preliminary data from university teaching and clinical teaching effectiveness questionnaires in didactic and experiential courses, respectively, are presented. Available data are limited by voluntary student participation in instructor evaluation and by the short amount of time since program inception. Methods tentatively planned for assessing program outcomes are included. Conclusion. The geriatrics concentration has been positively received in the first 2 years since its inception, as suggested by sustained enrollment figures and preliminary teaching effectiveness evaluation data.