UBC launches the first pharmacy leadership university course in Canada

The University of British Columbia has launched the first graduate level university diploma program in Canada focused exclusively on developing pharmacy leadership.The Graduate Diploma in Pharmacy Leadership (GDPL) is an online program offered by UBC’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences that, unlike traditional pharmacy education programs, is designed to help pharmaceutical professionals develop essential leadership skills and experience."There needed to be a pathway to make the next cadre of pharmacy leaders," said Patricia Gerber, director of Degree Programs at UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. "The profession can't afford to have pharmacists who are interested in leadership wait years to feel comfortable or to feel equipped to step into leadership roles," said Gerber.The GDPL consists of five distinct courses, starting with foundational topics like leadership and organizational behaviour, and then progressing to more advanced subjects such as evidence-informed decision-making, leadership in pharmacy education and contemporary leadership issues in pharmacy.These courses are then structured into an asynchronous module that allows for each participant to control the pace of their learning, with the only exception being a few synchronous sessions held throughout the year.However, Gerber added that these synchronous sessions are scheduled on the same day of the week so that participants can plan their schedules around them well in advance.Gerber explained that the decision to use asynchronous modules was made in order to accommodate each participants' unique professional and personal schedules.“It's designed for somebody who has a full-time job,” said Gerber. “We have some [participants] who are parents with little kids at home.”To better align with each participants' schedule, the 11-month program is delivered entirely online, with the exception of a one-week, in-person immersion session at UBC’s Vancouver campus in early September."That is a very critical week where we establish foundations of leadership and organizational behaviour,” said Gerber.According to Gerber, the goal of this in-person session is to foster a sense of community among participants that will last them throughout the rest of the program."One of the things that we are loving that we're seeing in the current cohort is the camaraderie that creates, where they are so tight, working together, and helping each other out," said Gerber.Gerber explained that, because every participant receives the same graduate diploma, the competitive atmosphere common in many university programs is replaced by a spirit of cooperation among the participants in the GDPL."It really is evident how they are motivating each other, helping each other, and pushing each other through," Gerber said.Gerber also noted this collaborative nature is further supported by UBC's focus on the primary motivation of each applicant. Gerber said many participants have expressed the sentiment of not wanting to prepare for a new role, but rather, “lead better in what I'm currently doing."This mentality is reflected in the GDPL’s admission standards. Instead of focusing on academic or professional experience, Gerber explained the program prioritizes each applicant's motivation to become a leader."We’re not looking for x many years of experience, x many years leading . . . we just want people that care to lead, that care to enhance their leadership skills and knowledge," said Gerber.While this year's cohort is slated to graduate in August 2025, the recruitment process for next year's cohort has already begun. The application portal for the GDPL 2025 program opened on Nov. 1, 2024. The application period ends on Jan. 31, 2025.UBC hosts regular online information sessions throughout the year for interested applicants. The next information session will be held on Dec. 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. PST.Further information about the GDPL application process and the program's curriculum can also be found on UBC’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences website.

UBC launches the first pharmacy leadership university course in Canada

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