title: Self-perceived professional identity of pharmacy educators in South Africa.
abstract: Objective. To identify, describe, and analyze the self-perceived professional identities of pharmacy educators within the South African context. Methods. Narrative interviews were conducted, recorded, and transcribed. Thematic analysis and interpretation of the transcripts were conducted using qualitative data analysis software. Results. Multiplicities of self-perceived professional identities were identified. All of these were multi-faceted and could be situated on a continuum between pharmacist identity on one end and academic identity on the other. In addition, 6 key determinants were recognized as underpinning the participants' self-perception of their professional identity. Conclusion. This study afforded a better understanding of who pharmacy educators in South Africa are as professionals. Moreover, the findings contribute to an international, collective understanding of the professional identity of pharmacy educators.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Burton
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
authors.forename: Shirley-Anne
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Boschmans
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hoelson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003625:Data Collection; D004512:Education, Pharmacy; D005178:Faculty; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019359:Knowledge; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010595:Pharmacists; D011364:Professional Practice; D024382:Professional Role; D012580:Schools, Pharmacy; D012649:Self Concept; D013019:South Africa
keywords: academic identity; communities of practice; pharmaceutical education; pharmacy educators; professional identity