"Chasing equality in pharmacy training - closing the awarding and attainment gap for Black trainees in pharmacy" describes how to close the differential degree awarding gap and registration assessment attainment for Black trainees in initial pharmacy education and training.
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) first recorded the variation in pharmacy registration assessment attainment for Black trainees in 2013, and the awarding gap at undergraduate level has been tracked by the Pharmaceutical Journal.
Resolving the differential degree awarding and registration assessment attainment gaps relies on support from different parts of the system and organisations involved in training pharmacy students and trainees.
Differential attainment and awarding gaps have created an uneven playing field, affecting the experiences of black trainee pharmacists, not just during their degree and registration year but also beyond. Resulting in a profound impact on the lives and careers of those affected. Beyond impacting career prospects and job opportunities, the profession is missing out on the wealth of incredible talent and diverse skills that could significantly elevate patient care, drive progress, and deliver innovation.
We hosted a panel session with, Diane Ashiru-Oredope founder of the African and Caribbean Pre-registration Pharmacist Network (ACPN), alongside foundation trainee pharmacists who are also ACPN members and BPSA executive members to share their experiences and perspectives on the differential degree awarding and registration assessment attainment gaps.
During the panel session we considered the real-life impact that differential gaps have on individuals' lives and career progression, such as the silent struggle, increased mental load, and imposter syndrome.
Co-chairs
- Diane Ashiru-Oredope and Aman Doll
Panel Members
- Halimah Bakare - Clinical Pharmacist, City Healthcare Partnership CIC
- Oyindamola Alabi - Clinical Pharmacist Hull University Teaching Hospitals and Academic Practitioner at the University of Huddersfield
- Nketia Obed-Arthur - Divisional Lead Pharmacist for General and Specialist Medicine
- Olubukonla Agunbiade - Pharmacist
- Nonye Anigbo, President, British Pharmaceutical Students' Association
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