The Interconnectedness of Interprofessional Education and Professional Identity Formation

Professional identity formation (PIF) is the transformative process by which an individual, “thinks, feels and acts” in accordance with professional norms. In the pharmacy academy, institutions are required to support students on this transformative journey, however the most efficient and effective way to do so has yet to be determined. Interprofessional Education (IPE) in pharmacy programs typically consist of activities and assessments across most of the professional years. These IPE activities designed in accordance with the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) Core Competencies include key elements of PIF such as, individual growth opportunities, socialization and “pivotal” moments that can propel an individual’s professional identity development. In light of curricular overload and attempt for curricular efficiency, pharmacy programs might consider using already existing IPE programming to help augment student PIF.