At Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy’s annual State of the School address, Dean Michael Crouch reveals the school’s ongoing work to establish a new Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum, citing a need to evolve alongside the ever-changing health care environment.

“If you look at the evolution of pharmacy practice, we’ve seen so much change over the past 100 years,” he said. “I truly believe that as a school and a profession of pharmacy our best days lie ahead, but we have to be proactive. One of the greatest risks we face is to do nothing.”

The school is in its tenth year of its current Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum, and though the curriculum has changed and grown over time, this latest evaluation will result in a transformational change.

The school’s mission—to prepare students to be exemplary pharmacists—drives this decision, along with the school’s desire to fully utilize its new facilities in Samford’s College of Health Sciences, including its Experiential Learning and Simulation Center.

As a part of the event, Crouch facilitated a panel discussion with Nena Sanders, vice provost of the College of Health Sciences, Danielle Cruthirds, chair of the school’s curricular transformation task force, and John Arnold, chair of the curriculum committee.

“When we began this whole process, we started with the end in mind,” Cruthirds said. “As a faculty, we asked ourselves: What does the pharmacist of the future look like, and how can we ensure our graduates are prepared to fill that role?”

Arnold explained that his committee, which is comprised of students, faculty and alumni, will guide the development of the new curriculum, building on the competencies and general framework voted upon by the faculty. He stated the detailed work is just beginning.

“We’ve built the foundation, and now we’re framing the structure that will house our new curriculum,” Crouch said. “We have a remarkable faculty and staff, and I know the final result will be extraordinary.”