A research team from the Clinical Pharmacy Department at the College of Pharmacy, University of Baghdad, has successfully published a peer-reviewed qualitative study in the prestigious international publishing house Springer Nature, titled: “A Qualitative Study on the Beliefs and Perceptions of the First Cohort of Graduates from the Clinical Pharmacy (PharmD) Program.”
The study employed a rigorous scientific methodology, conducting 21 in-depth interviews with graduates from the program’s first cohort. The findings revealed a significant improvement in the clinical skills of graduates, particularly in hospital work settings, as well as the high quality of practical training and academic activities provided during the program.
The study also recommended strengthening the curriculum by increasing reliance on applied OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) assessments, enhancing the capabilities of clinical trainers, and restructuring the time allocation for course materials. Additionally, the study highlighted several challenges facing the program, such as the intensity of the curriculum, the need to better balance theoretical and practical components, and the importance of improving the organization of the academic schedule.
This study represents the first systematic evaluation of the PharmD program from the perspective of its graduates and constitutes a valuable contribution to global literature in the field of pharmaceutical education. It also reflects the University of Baghdad’s commitment to international quality standards and staying current with the latest developments in the discipline.
It is worth noting that publication in Springer Nature represents international recognition of the quality and significance of the research in advancing pharmaceutical education not only in Iraq but also at the regional and global levels.
This study supports one of the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 4, which advocates for quality education.
