Intentional interprofessional experiential education in clinical pharmacogenomics for pharmacy and genetic counseling students

Abstract Introduction One of the core pharmacist competencies in genomics focuses on collaborating as a member of an interprofessional team as the pharmacogenomics expert. These teams may include genetic counselors, who are naturally suited to collaborate with pharmacists in the provision of pharmacogenomics‐based care. Interprofessional education (IPE) in clinical pharmacogenomics is needed to encourage pharmacist‐genetic counselor collaboration, especially within a real‐world, patient care setting. Objective To describe the creation and impact of a novel, intentional interprofessional experiential education learning experience in clinical pharmacogenomics for pharmacy and genetic counseling students. Methods Pharmacy and genetic counseling students participated in intentional interprofessional experiential education in clinical pharmacogenomics within a multidisciplinary pharmacogenomics clinic. Each IPE experience occurred during a single clinic day with two pharmacy students and one genetic counseling student when the clinical site was not actively hosting Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience students. The students engaged in intentional educational activities before, during, and after the clinic to support their understanding of clinical pharmacogenomics and interprofessional collaborative practice. The impact of this intentional interprofessional experiential education activity was assessed retrospectively through thematic analysis of written student reflections. Results During the 2023–2024 academic year, a total of 36 pharmacy and genetic counseling students were invited to participate in the clinical pharmacogenomics IPE activity. Of this group, 34 students participated and completed a written reflection on their experience. Themes identified in the written reflections were consistent with the four Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) core competencies. Student comments also elucidated how they intend to apply what they have learned to their future health care careers. Conclusion This IPE model involving pharmacy and genetic counseling students within a pharmacogenomics clinic is sustainable, impactful, and addresses both the core competencies in genomics for pharmacists and the IPEC core competencies for interprofessional collaborative practice.