Students for the Doctor of Pharmacy degree must be able to perform the essential functions in each of the following categories: Observation, Communication, Motor, Intellectual, and Behavior/Social. However, it is recognized that degrees of ability vary among individuals. Individuals are encouraged to discuss their disabilities with the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and consider technological and other facilitating mechanisms needed in order to train and function effectively as a pharmacist. The UF College of Pharmacy is committed to enabling its students by any reasonable means or accommodations to complete the course of study leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
Observation: A student must be able to observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences, including but not limited to physiological and pharmacological demonstrations in animals, evaluation of microbiological cultures, and microscopic studies of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathological states. A student must be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand. In detail, observation necessitates the functional use of the sense of vision and other sensory modalities.
Communication: A student must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients. The focus of this communication is to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity and posture, and perceive nonverbal communication. Communication includes speech, reading, writing, and computer literacy. A student must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written forms with all members of the health care team.
Sensory/Motor: A student must have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients by physically touching patients, e.g., assessing range of motion of a joint, blood pressure readings, taking a pulse reading. A student must be able to execute motor movements to provide general care and emergency treatments to patients, e.g., first aid treatments, cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A student must be able to execute motor movements required in the compounding of medications inclusive of using techniques for preparing sterile solutions, e.g., parenteral or ophthalmic solutions. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision.
Intellectual (Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities): (Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities): A student must have the ability to measure, calculate, reason, and analyze. A student must be able to synthesize and apply complex information. A student must be fully alert and attentive at all times in clinical settings.
Behavioral/Social Attributes:: A student must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his or her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, and the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the interaction with patients. A student must possess the ability to develop mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. A student must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. A student must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many patients. A student must possess compassion, integrity, interpersonal skills, and motivation to excel in pharmacy practice.
Professionalism and Fitness for Duty. A student must possess the personal traits essential to the profession of pharmacy. These traits include, but are not limited to, respect, honesty, empathy, humility, conscientiousness, courtesy, civility and decency in their interactions with others. Professionalism also requires that students appropriately manage mental and physical health related issues, including any involving alcohol or drug use, and that they are fit for duty in their as a student pharmacist.