Development of a psychiatric pharmacy elective track

IntroductionDevelopment of expertise in new pharmacy graduates is the gradual transition from novice to expert. Information on the development of specialty knowledge at the student level in pharmacy curricula has not been published extensively.MethodsThis paper reports an overview of the development of a psychiatric pharmacy elective track at the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy to help professional pharmacy students gain expertise in a selected area of interest.ResultsAn elective track in psychiatric pharmacy with didactic and advanced pharmacy practice experiences is described. Curricular development is outlined and includes lessons learned. Advanced pharmacy practice experiences, both patient-based and research-focused, are discussed. Personal investment in the process by interested students and faculty, in addition to the resources needed to foster the process toward expertise, are highlighted.ConclusionsProfessional development is an integral part of the advancement from novice to expert. Elective tracks with focused areas of study may facilitate this development.