IPA Rotation
The Iowa Pharmacy Association’s (IPA) specialty practicum is designed to allow students the opportunity to gain knowledge and insight into a professional association management environment.
Highlights of the IPA Rotation
- Exposure to the areas of public affairs and business development, professional and educational affairs, organizational and administrative affairs, and clinical and quality assurance services
- Utilization of writing skills based on scientific and professional literature and personal interviews
- Professional development and leadership opportunities
- The opportunity to plan and develop educational programs for pharmacists, students, technicians, and the public
- The chance to help advance the profession of pharmacy through policy work
- Development as an advocate for the profession through legislative activities and other governmental interaction
Rotation Goals
- Provide students with first-hand knowledge about a career in association management
- Expose students to “non-traditional” practice settings
- Assist students in better understanding the importance of professionalism and involvement in professional and leadership activities
What will I do?
- Work 8:00-4:30 pm Monday through Friday
- Attend all meetings that occur during the rotation time (e.g. IPA staff, committees, task forces, and board of directors meetings and conferences; legislative committee hearings; Board of Pharmacy meetings; and other meetings related to pharmacy activities)
- During the first week, meet with each of the full-time pharmacists on staff and learn about all facets of the association
- Write articles about topics such as therapeutic breakthroughs, clinical practices, and outstanding IPA members for publication in The Journal of the Iowa Pharmacy Association
- Evaluate a Remington or Whitney Award winner presentation
- Complete other projects in selected areas of focus
Rotation Competencies
Upon completion of this rotation, students should demonstrate proficiency with:Professional Communications and Interaction
- Present paper(s) and/or project(s) to staff in a professional manner
- Ask pertinent and relevant questions for obtaining adequate information before formulating an answer
- Respond to information requests and project assignments in a timely manner
- Exhibit professional demeanor, presentation and behavior when representing IPA or the profession of pharmacy
- Interacts professionally with IPA professional and administrative staff
- Listens to and appropriately reacts to constructive comments
Life-Long Learning
- Comprehend and utilize appropriate methods for discovering new knowledge
- Provide examples of pharmacy’s role in an evolving healthcare environment
- Understand IPA’s role in the continuing education process by reviewing the process of obtaining CE credit, identifying a topic for a CE program or reviewing re-licensure requirements
Value and Ethics
- Accept and understand duties and responsibilities for patient care
- Make decisions consistent with current ethical and legal standards of the profession
- Understand the importance of educating patients as well as other health care providers about the role of the pharmacist
Writing Skills
- Write an article suitable for publication
- Exhibit a professional writing style
- Demonstrate correct use of bibliography and citations
- Demonstrate appropriate research techniques
Professional Affairs
- Understand the importance of professionalism and leadership, by participating in IPA’s interaction with its members, committees, Boards and other organizations
- Understand the importance of pharmacy technicians and the issues surrounding their utilization
Public Affairs
- Understand the role of practitioner-based (or student based) grassroots political action
- Develop advocacy (letters, e-mail, etc.) to send to legislators or regulators on issues that are of importance to the extern
- Understand the IPA’s policy development process and House of Delegates structure and function
IPA Structure
- Understand the different departments within IPA and their purpose
- Review IPA’s relation to its Board and other organizations
- Understand the IPA’s associated companies and their significance
- Understand why professional organizations exist and why membership/involvement are important
- Understand the role of professional associations in representing and advocating for pharmacy