Commitments for the Future of Pharmacy: A Review and Opinion of the Pharm.D. Curricular Debate

Abstract

For over 30 years, the content and form of the pharmacy curriculum and the title of the degree to be awarded have been subjects of controversy among pharmacy educators and practitioners. Scores of articles have been written about a universal Pharm.D. degree, all of which present different angles and opinions. Those who favor a universal Pharm.D. desire an improved image for the profession, greater employment opportunities, preparation for future pharmacy roles, the elimination of the multi-tiered structure, and decreasing costs for services. Those who oppose the entry-level Pharm.D. degree stress a need for multiple levels of education to meet the varying demands of practice, emphasize the oversaturation of the job market and increased costs to schools to adopt the new curriculum, and protest bestowing a doctoral title for reasons of self-esteem. The authors of this article consider it timely to present and evaluate these arguments, to provide the reader with a comprehensive review of the debate, and to call for unity within the profession as it considers the future educational needs of pharmacy practitioners.