Expectations and orientation activities of first-year pharmacy practice faculty

Objectives. To determine the expectations and orientation activities of first-year pharmacy practice faculty members. Methods. A survey instrument assessing the expectations and orientation activities of first-year pharmacy practice faculty members was mailed to the chairs of the pharmacy practice departments of the 82 United States schools and colleges of pharmacy with instructions to forward the survey instrument to a recently employed faculty member for completion. Results. Of the 44 (54%) pharmacy practice departments represented, mean expectations for first-year faculty members were to teach 17.2 didactic hours, precept 6.7 students, and serve on 1.1 and 0.76 departmental and college committees, respectively. Forty-two percent were expected to initiate a research project, while 35% were expected to submit a manuscript for publication. Seventy-seven percent received a formal orientation with introduction to faculty and staff members and computer support being the most common activities, while guidance in developing research ideas and writing research protocols/manuscripts were the least common. A substantial number of faculty members also desired more teaching instruction than was provided. Conclusion. First-year pharmacy practice faculty members should receive additional orientation instruction regarding scholarship and teaching activities.