(428) Investing in Growth: Strategic Professional Development for School of Pharmacy Faculty and Staff Members

Objective: We aimed to describe the efforts made to provide opportunities for faculty and staff professional growth.

Methods: Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy (LLUSP) has allocated funds and resources for the professional development of its employees. These efforts have intended to support the scholarly, research, clinical practice, service, and leadership goals of the faculty and staff. We have organized these initiatives into seven major categories over the past three years.

Results: From 2021 to 2023, faculty and staff members received support for the following categories: membership in leading professional organizations (AACP, ACCP, APhA, ASHP, FIP, etc.); support for attending professional meetings including registration, travel, and lodging; engagement in longitudinal certificate programs for pedagogy, research, and academic leadership (ALFP, MeRIT, AAL); teaching certificate program for residents; obtaining or renewal of clinical practice and specialty related training and certification (BPS, ACLS, PALS, BLS); provision of bench research training including laboratory facilities and equipment; and professional development resources which included both faculty and staff member (ACPE CE, CPD, CORE, Mental Health First Aid, Valued-Based Enrollment, Stop the Bleed and relevant resources including books and online platforms).

Conclusions: LLUSP has consistently provided funding and protected time to faculty and staff members to support their personal and professional goals. This strategy has ensured that the entire faculty and staff team who have crucial role in student education remains proficient and aligned with the contemporary professional and educational standards.