Preparing women for the profession: a course using structured role-model analysis.

Abstract

In response to increasing numbers of women entering pharmacy, a course was developed at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Pharmacy, addressing issues facing women in the profession. Our purpose was to prepare female students for their future careers by discussing career planning and management; the complexities of balancing career and family life; and career commitment. The technique of structured role-model analysis was used to encourage students to seek out, listen to, and learn from successful role-models. This technique enabled students to identify recurrent themes, advice and strategies among successful pharmacists who participated as guest speakers. Students were assisted in formulating their own career plans and developing a strategy for accomplishment. Courses of this type can increase a young woman's sophistication as she enters the profession and enable her to make more intelligent career decisions.