No matter the setting, pharmacy practice today is dynamic and evolving. With recent legislation introduced in Congress recommending provider status for pharmacists, plus opportunities arising from new models of health care delivery, there has never been a more significant need for continuing professional development for pharmacists across the country. The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) recognizes this, having just approved a new Definition of Continuing Education for the Profession of Pharmacy and an accompanying Guidance on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for the Profession of Pharmacy.

At Ohio State, CPD is a strategic planning priority for the College of Pharmacy, and we are committed to providing resources for pharmacists to stay up-to-date and ready for opportunities yet to come. Our belief in the importance of CPD is the primary reason why we named Dr. Bella Mehta to be our Director of Continuing Professional Development last September. Dr. Mehta is an Ohio State alumna and a fellow of the American Pharmacists Association. Her research interests include patient-centered medical homes, ambulatory/community pharmacy service, complementary and alternative medicine, and pharmacist reimbursement.

She has graciously agreed to share a few words about what’s next for the college’s CPD program:

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is more than just continuing education. It is a process of lifelong learning that the ACPE defines as a, “self-directed, ongoing, systematic and outcomes-focused approach to lifelong learning that is applied into practice.” Traditionally, CPD has been synonymous with continuing education (CE) and while this is important, CE is just one of many components that Ohio State will be offering as part of our growing CPD programming.

One key focus for CPD will be developing ongoing programming throughout the year that will enable practicing pharmacists to be ready to provide care in emerging health care models. Included will be offerings of certificate programs licensed through the American Pharmacists Association in the areas of diabetes, immunizations including travel health, medication therapy management, and the new cardiovascular health program. Future topics that are being explored include those focused on business and entrepreneurial skills, specialty medications, as well as pharmacists providing interprofessional team-based care. Additionally, CPD will be working closely with the Professional Experiential Programs team to identify ways to enhance preceptor development for our IPPE and APPE preceptors who are valued team members in our pharmacy student learning.

The College of Pharmacy has been a leader in innovative pharmacy practice. As part of the college’s strategic plan, CPD is working to develop a center that will support development and implementation of progressive pharmacy services throughout Ohio and beyond. The center will assist providers in developing direct pharmacy care services and prepare providers for providing exemplary care in evolving health models. The center’s Advisory Task Force has begun discussions to create a model that will include input from business and industry leaders as well as thought leaders in public health to drive practice innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities and to advance the pharmacy profession locally and globally.

Thank you, Dr. Mehta and all of the faculty, staff, and stakeholders who will be part of this crucial outreach to practicing pharmacists across Ohio.

Best regards,

Katherine Kelley