Exploring experiential learning opportunities in pharmacogenomics for pharmacy education

Precision medicine is the future of healthcare, and pharmacists are well-positioned to play a key role in pharmacogenomics (PGx). Experiential learning offers valuable opportunities to gain hands-on experience in clinical PGx practices. This study aimed to explore experiential learning opportunities in PGx for pharmacy education. Four PGx clinics in the United States of America, which provide PGx services, were observed to assess the potential for experiential learning. Qualitative data were collected through observations of PGx clinic consultations and semi-structured interviews with four pharmacists, one at each site. This approach provided insight into the practice-based learning opportunities in PGx clinics to explore experiential learning. Multiple experiential learning opportunities were identified, including activities to develop knowledge and skills; conduct research; collaborate with an interprofessional team; create patient education resources; provide patient and healthcare education; provide comprehensive care; develop evidence-based medicine skills, including the use of PGx resources; address ethical, legal, and social implications of PGx, and leadership. Pharmacogenomics clinics offer valuable experiential learning opportunities for pharmacy education. Collaboration between healthcare and higher education institutions is essential to create these opportunities, ensuring the development of pharmacists who are prepared to meet future healthcare needs.