Author: Rachael Hills
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Finding Quality in a Sea of Pharmacy Schools
The U.S. has gained more than sixty new pharmacy schools since 2000.1 Since then, NAPLEX pass rates have slumped and attrition rates have risen.2,3,4 However, not all schools have dismal outcomes. The statistics show that certain schools are dragging down national NAPLEX pass rates.5 Prospective students need unbiased information about programs before applying. There is…
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Higher Matching Rates May Spell Trouble for Pharmacy Residency Programs
Pharmacy residency programs have experienced a growth spurt. Non-specialized PGY-1 programs increased by 7.6% from 2020 to 2023.1 During the same period, the number of U.S. PharmD graduates decreased by 13.3%.2,3 The decline in pharmacy school enrollment is well known.4 Its long-term effects on residency programs are unknown. Less students may lead to higher residency…
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Why do NAPLEX Pass Rates Keep Falling?
The last time NAPLEX first-time pass rates exceeded 96% was in 2008.1 Since then, the US has seen a 63.2% increase in new pharmacy schools. This leads many to believe low-quality students are being enrolled. What else could cause first-time pass rates to dip? Some blame the ACPE for allowing poor performing schools to remain…
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Is Low Pharmacy School Enrollment Leading to Lower Admission Standards?
Declining pharmacy school enrollment has resulted in lower quality applicants. These candidates have lower GPAs, PCAT scores, and NAPLEX first-time pass rates. The statistics reveal that pharmacy schools need to prioritize quality over filling seats. PharmCAS is the pharmacy school application hub for most colleges. Their data include GPAs, PCAT scores, number of applications, etc.…
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A Brief History of the Pharmacist Job Market and Its Impact on Pharmacy School Enrollment
Since 2000 the pharmacist job market has been a roll coaster of extremes. First, there was a shortage of pharmacists and pharmacy schools. Then there was a surplus of pharmacists and pharmacy schools. Why is this industry so erratic? One could blame the explosion of new pharmacy schools. Another culprit is retail pharmacy working conditions.…
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Vadadustat Essentials for Healthcare Professionals
What is vadadustat?1 The FDA approved vadadustat (Vafseo®) in March 2024 for the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Vadadustat is only approved for dialysis dependent CKD patients. It is not indicated to replace blood transfusions. What is vadadustat’s mechanism of action? Vadadustat is a hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase (HIF PF) inhibitor.…
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Vadadustat Basics for Patients
Disclaimer: Patients should review this guide before discussing vadadustat with their healthcare provider. Patients should always discuss potential medication changes and additions with their healthcare provider. What is vadadustat? Vadadustat (Vafseo®) is a new drug from Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. The FDA approved it for the treatment of anemia caused by chronic kidney disease (CKD).1 Vadadustat…
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Fezolinetant Essentials for Healthcare Professionals
Fezolinetant Basics for Patients is available at this link: Fezolinetant Basics for Patients. What is fezolinetant (VeozahTM) and its mechanism of action? Fezolinetant is a neurokinin-3 receptor antagonist.1 The FDA approved it for treating menopausal vasomotor symptoms (aka hot flashes). The antagonism blocks neurokinin B from acting in the brain’s thermoregulatory center.1 This decreases hot…
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Fezolinetant Basics for Patients
Fezolinetant is an FDA-approved drug for treating hot flashes.1 Astellas Pharma sells it under the brand name VeozahTM. Fezolinetant reduces the number of hot flashes experienced during menopause.1 Traditionally, physicians prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat hot flashes. The historic alternative to HRT is SSRIs (drugs used to treat depression and anxiety).2 Patients should…
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Five Signs That We Are Heading Towards the Post-Antibiotic Era
Several researchers have warned that the post-antibiotic era is approaching. In this era antibiotics become worthless or only the most toxic antibiotics work. Who or what is to blame for this issue? There are multiple causes: 1) overprescribing of antibiotics, 2) failure to de-escalate broad-spectrum antibiotics, 3) slow creation of novel antibiotic classes, 4) poor…
Dahlia Medical Communications 