About FPD-Include

FPD-Include, which stands for Faculty Professional Development for inclusion in pharmacy education, is a collaborative effort involving Utrecht University, San Pablo-CEU, Helsinki University, and the University of Bergen as the coordinator.

FPD-Include is dedicated to transforming pharmacy education to better serve a diverse student group by promoting inclusiveness and ensuring accessibility. As the pharmacy profession evolves from a focus on drug manufacturing to a patient-centered approach emphasizing counselling and information provision, it is crucial that pharmacy education adapts accordingly. Our goal is to prepare empathic pharmacists who are equipped to meet the diverse health needs of patients through inclusive and culturally responsive practices.

To achieve this, FPD-Include is developing an open toolkit in collaboration with pharmacy educators via a COIL course. This toolkit aims to support educators in implementing effective, inclusive teaching strategies that cater to underrepresented and marginalized students, including those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, displaced and refugee students, students with disabilities, and students from racialized and immigrant communities.

Through ongoing training and professional development, FPD-Include empowers educators to overcome challenges related to inclusion, such as a lack of understanding of diverse student needs and experiences. The COIL course provides a unique platform for educators from various countries to connect, engage in collective learning, and develop inclusive teaching practices that are critical for fostering student success and creating equitable learning environments.

At FPD-Include, we are committed to modeling inclusive teaching strategies and providing a space for innovation in educational practices. Our approach not only enhances educators' capacity for inclusive teaching but also ensures that future pharmacists are prepared to deliver patient-centered, inclusive care.