title: Strategies for implementation of an effective pharmacogenomics program in pharmacy education.
abstract: Sequencing of the human genome and the evidence correlating specific genetic variations to diseases have opened up the potential of genomics to more effective and less harmful interventions of human diseases. A wealth of pharmacogenomics knowledge is in place for the practice of precision medicine. However, this knowledge is not fully realized in clinical practice. One reason for this impasse is the lack of in-depth understanding of the potential of pharmacogenomics among the healthcare professionals. Pharmacists are the point-of-care providers and are expected to advise clinicians on matters relating to the implementation of pharmacogenomics in patient care. However, current pharmacogenomics instruction in pharmacy schools fails to produce pharmacists with the required knowledge or practical training in this discipline. In this perspective, we provide several strategies to overcome limitations faced by pharmacy schools. Once implemented, pharmacy schools will produce precision medicine-ready pharmacists.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Appalachian College of Pharmacy, Oakwood, VA 23631, USA.
authors.forename: U Subrahmanyeswara
authors.initials: US
authors.lastname: Rao
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Practice, Appalachian College of Pharmacy, Oakwood, VA 23631, USA.
authors.forename: Susan L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Mayhew
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Appalachian College of Pharmacy, Oakwood, VA 23631, USA.
authors.forename: Prema S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Rao
mesh_terms: D003479:Curriculum; D004512:Education, Pharmacy; D015894:Genome, Human; D023281:Genomics / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D010597:Pharmacogenetics / Q000193:education*; D012580:Schools, Pharmacy
keywords: PharmD curriculum; didactic instruction; education instruction; genetics; pharmacogenomics; pharmacy education; precision medicine; strategies for implementation