PRINCESS ANNE, MD— The Board of Regents of the University System of Maryland (USM) announced today the approval of a three-year Doctor of Pharmacy degree for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES).

“UMES has had a very successful year as it pertains to implementing academic programs in response to the expressed workforce needs of our region and the State,” said President Thelma B. Thompson. “The approval of the three-year Doctor of Pharmacy Degree by the University System of Maryland Board of Regents reflects a strong confidence in an institution that delivers. We are grateful."

In 2004, under Thompson’s leadership, the University established the innovative School of Health Professions (SHP) for the purpose of training health professionals through an integrated approach, based on a health perspective that focuses on prevention, wellness, and evidence-based practice. The new pharmacy program, along with the exercise science, physical therapy, physician assistant and rehabilitation services programs, will be housed in the School of Health Professions. Upon implementation of the program, the school will be renamed the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions.

The program is established in accordance with the mission of the University to address the health care needs of the community and of the state. A recent report by the University System of Maryland explains that Maryland imports approximately 50 percent of its pharmacists from outside of the state. The Department of Labor Occupational Skill Shortage Assessment Report (November 2005) predicts, however, a national shortfall of as many as 157,000 pharmacists by 2020, which means that Maryland can anticipate a moderately high shortage of licensed pharmacists. The UMES Pharm.D. Program, which will commence with an initial student enrollment of 55 in 2009, expects to positively impact the shortfall. Enrollment numbers are expected to increase to 210 by the fourth year of the program.

With an especially strong science program and a solid track record in delivering highly successful programs in the allied health fields, UMES will offer the Doctor of Pharmacy program as an entry level professional degree that will graduate caring, sensitive students who can: understand and deliver comprehensive pharmaceutical care, especially in rural and underserved areas on the Eastern Shore; communicate effectively with other health professionals and patients; know what factors affect initiating, maintaining, modifying or discontinuing drug therapy; provide pharmaceutical care to patients in various practice settings; promote public health; provide drug information and education; develop and manage medication dispensing and control systems; and meet the challenges of a changing health care system.

Students will be eligible for admission into the program, if they hold a relevant degree or after successful completion of the pre-pharmacy curriculum, which consists of two years of coursework that provides solid knowledge of the natural sciences, particularly in biology, chemistry, mathematics and the social sciences.

For more information about Allied Health Programs at UMES or the new pharmacy program, please contact Dr. Charles Williams, vice president for academic affairs, at 410-651-6508.

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Suzanne Waters Street, director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-621-2355, sstreet@umes.edu.

THIS IS STOMPING WITH THE BIG DOGS!!!!!Kudos to UMES and this what I pray for at FVSU.

That's what I'm talking about!!

quote:

Originally posted by Fudge Hammer-I Hit So Sweet:
THIS IS STOMPING WITH THE BIG DOGS!!!!!Kudos to UMES and this is what I pray for at FVSU.