title: Early Introduction to Professional and Ethical Dilemmas in a Pharmaceutical Care Laboratory Course.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the effects of an early professional development series in a pharmaceutical care laboratory (PCL) course on first-year pharmacy students' perceptions of the importance of professional attitudes and action.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three hundred thirty-four first-year students enrolled in a PCL course participated in a new required learning activity centered on development of professional attitudes and behaviors. Students discussed situational dilemmas in pharmacy practice in small groups, highlighting application of the Oath of a Pharmacist and the Pharmacists' Code of Ethics.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Students completed an optional questionnaire at the beginning and end of the semester to assess change in their attitudes and behaviors related to professionalism in pharmacy practice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  While students entered their training with a strong appreciation for professionalism, they felt more confident in applying the Oath of a Pharmacist and the Pharmacists Code of Ethics to dilemmas in practice following the new learning activity.
authors.affiliation: UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Megan G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: Wingate University School of Pharmacy, Wingate, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Melissa M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Dinkins
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D032781:Codes of Ethics; D003479:Curriculum; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D004522:Educational Status; D004995:Ethics, Professional / Q000193:education*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D010465:Perception; D024382:Professional Role; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013339:Students, Pharmacy / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*
keywords: pharmaceutical care lab; professional ethics; professionalism