Understanding Minority Education in Pharmacy
Barry Bleidt PhDpages: 141 - 151
- DOI: 10.1300/J060v03n02_15
- Version of record first published: 25Nov1992
Abstract:
Minority education is an economic, societal and altruistic issue. One out of every three wage earners, by the year 2000. will be minorities. If a large percentage of these individuals are not economically empowered, societal productivity and social security, among other things. will suffer greatly. Pharmacy offers an excellent opportunity for economic advancement. The key to success in muticulhlral pharmaceutical education is commitment-long-term, unwavering commitment. Historically Black Colleges and Universilies have shown this strategy to be most effective. Majority institutions need lo emulate some of their tactics in order to succeed. Different types of support groups are needed by students in order to increase their chances for success. Academic, professional and social networks are each very important ingredients. Also, cultural sensitivity toward all students is paramount. It makes the individual feel and act important. Ethnic diversity is healthy and good. Striving to achieve it is not easy, but well worth the effort. Using many of the suggestions from the entire special volume, institutions desiring to endeavor into this meaningful and rewarding activity (i.e., increasing the number of minority pharmacists) can and will succeed. Early science-education pipelines, the Carolyn Brown effect and the nature of commitment are but some of the advice offered. Read well, take notes, call for additional information and try, by all means, try-all students and the profession will benefit.