Preceptor Newsletter Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy
Professional Identity Formation One of the key developments for student pharmacists is creating their own professional identity. What is Professional Identity Formation? A process of internalizing a profession's core values and beliefs such that one comes to "think, feel and act" like a member of the community. Student pharmacists start their journey of professional identity with several influences: - Prior experiences (culture, education, socioeconomic status) - Family, friends, peers and community - Existing identities (gender, race, ethnicity) - Personal characteristics Through their experiences as a student pharmacist, their identity as a pharmacist occurs through their own: - Participation in professional activities - Learning of the hierarchy & power relationships - Conscious self-reflection What is the role of the preceptor? - Role model - Establishing intentional educational activities - Effective feedback - Integrating students into the community of practice - Mentorship Through the research by experiential education scholars* (asking the question - How do pharmacy
preceptors perceive their role and contribution to supporting the professional identity formation of student pharmacists?), 4 main themes emerged: 1. Socialization of the student into the profession and practice setting 2. Preparing the learner to assume the role of a pharmacist 3. Helping students navigate emotions on the professional identity pathway 4. Finding the right fit within the profession This newsletter will examine each of these in the following series.