Exploring the Future of Graduate Education in Pharmaceutical Fields
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Exploring the Future of Graduate Education in Pharmaceutical Fields Amanda A. Olsen 1 & Lana M. Minshew 2 & Michael B. Jarstfer 2 & Jacqueline E. McLaughlin 2
# International Association of Medical Science Educators 2019
Abstract To ensure graduate students remain at the forefront of healthcare, curricula must be aligned with current and emerging innovations likely to influence students’ ability to be successful. In this study, a modified Delphi technique was utilized to determine and prioritize the innovations and professional skills needed. For innovations, the top three areas experts identified were (1) personalized medicine, (2) big data, and (3) cell and gene therapy. For professional skills, the top three areas were (1) creative problem solving, (2) communication, and (3) data literacy. These results can be used to inform graduate curriculum development within various pharmaceutical fields. Keywords Pharmaceutical sciences . Personalized medicine . Graduate students . Doctoral training . Delphi
Background Recent advancements in science and technology, coupled with increased knowledge about health and medicines, have significantly impacted healthcare [1–3]. Pharmaceutical industries, in response, have undergone substantial changes in recent years, characterized by new business models (e.g., open innovation), innovative technologies, and increased research and development costs [2, 4]. These changes are expanding the roles and responsibilities of pharmaceutical scientists, along with the related knowledge and skills needed to be successful [5, 6]. Despite everchanging career demands, doctoral training in the biomedical sciences has remained largely unchanged for decades [7]. Programs generally prepare students for traditional careers despite market saturation and expanding student career goals [8, 9]. Student debt, program length, and workforce opportunities have further influenced enrollment, retention, and graduation in doctoral programs [10]. These trends have prompted questions about the extent to which graduate
programs adequately align with contemporary needs of the market [5]. To address these concerns, some graduate programs have revised their curricula (e.g., student recruitment strategies, mentor models) [7]. However, modifications are generally reactionary and minor and most curricula fail to constructively address the rapid changes occurring within the field [7]. Few studies describe methods for determining curricular content and addressing the skills needed by students to advance or develop innovations now and in the future [6, 11–13]. The purpose of this study was to identify current and emerging innovations, along with key professional skills, that will influence doctoral training across several pharmaceutical science fields. By pinpointing these areas, institutions can develop more contemporary curricula that better position their graduates for the rapidly evolving field of healthcare and its related sciences.
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* Jacqueline E. McLaughlin [email protected]
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