DUAL DEGREE MEETING

Introduction

  • Discussion regarding competitive marketplace in academic pursuits, particularly in relation to advanced degrees and their advantages.

  • Emphasis on the importance of passion over financial incentives in choosing a degree.

Key Themes

Competitive Edge with Advanced Degrees

  • Having experience in clinical studies can provide advantages over competitors.

  • Regulatory knowledge is crucial when dealing with the FDA.

Importance of Passion

  • Choosing a field should primarily be driven by personal passion rather than financial rewards.

MBA Degree Overview

  • MBA can offer advantages in various professional realms, especially for those with a scientific background.

  • Flexibility of online courses to accommodate students with professional commitments.

  • Encouragement for students to ask questions and seek clarifications during sessions.

Program Format

  • Online courses available, allowing students the flexibility to manage their time.

  • Courses have deadlines but are structured to be accessible even during vacations.

Personal Story Example

  • Reference to a personal anecdote about a friend with a Ph.D. in Chemistry who pursued an MBA and became a CEO in a biotech company.

  • Reinforces that an MBA cultivates resources and knowledge beneficial in advancing one's career.

Health Informatics Overview

  • Introduction to health informatics and its significance in the healthcare field.

  • Role of pharmacists in health informatics and how they contribute to patient care.

Case Study Example

  • Discussion on the absence of pharmacists in fictional media portrayals of emergency rooms, highlighting the practical importance of their role in clinical settings.

  • Professional informaticists contribute to drug safety and new drug development, showcasing interdisciplinary collaboration.

Training in Health Informatics

  • Importance of implementing systems for safety initiatives and reducing errors in healthcare settings (e.g., computerized provider order entry).

  • A master's degree in health informatics is presented as a key to advancing pharmacy practice and patient education.

Curriculum Overview

Degree Structure

  • Outline of various degrees and their respective courses, focusing on the dual-degree program structure of PharmD combined with masters (e.g., Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Research, Health Informatics).

  • "Six plus zero" structure where students can finish both degrees in under six years.

Course Requirements

  • Masters require a minimum of 30 credits for full completion.

  • Encouragement to maximize credits through "double-dipping" (courses that count for both degrees).

Course Sequence Details

Clinical Research & Regulatory Affairs

  • Detailed description of the course layouts and prerequisites, emphasizing time management.

  • Specific courses highlighted include TRA 814 (Capstone Project) for Regulatory Affairs.

  • MCR 804 involves drafting a clinical research protocol.

Health Informatics

  • Overview of HIN 738 (Leading Change in Health Informatics) focusing on how to influence change.

  • Description of the capstone course being an experiential learning opportunity alongside research focus.

Administrative Information

Student Interactivity

  • Students were encouraged to engage in discussions (online and offline) regarding their interest in various programs.

  • Administrative processes, deadlines, and requirements for dual-degree tracking were emphasized.

Applications and Interviews

  • Clarification on the process of applying and conditional acceptances into the programs, including GPA requirements.

  • Interviews are now conducted in the context of the information session to gauge student interest and qualifications.

Financial Considerations

  • Students directed to consult financial services for personalized financial advice on their tuition and fees.

  • Highlight the necessity of understanding financial obligations early in the program planning stage.

Conclusion

  • Reminder for students to ask any lingering questions regarding the programs being discussed, with focus on health informatics and MBA specifics.

  • Emphasis on understanding that acceptance into the programs stems from meeting specific criteria and maintaining a solid academic standing.