Exemplar case studies demonstrating why future pharmacists need to learn medicinal and analytical chemistry

The aim of this work was to design, deliver, and evaluate group case studies focused on the integration of analytical and medicinal chemistry with pharmacy practice. A patient-centered beta-blocker workshop was developed and delivered to year two MPharm and BSc students. Students were tasked with reviewing patient clinical data along with analytical spectra presented as patient case studies, and were asked to identify the correct beta-blocker in each scenario. They had to explain their results by discussing the structure-related pharmacology of the drug, thereby integrating analytical and medicinal chemistry with clinical pharmacy skills. Students’ perception of the value of chemistry to pharmacy practice was evaluated following attendance at the workshop. There were 97 students who attended the noncompulsory sessions. Over 95% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the workshops helped them to “integrate pharmaceutical science and practice” with 97% positively indicating that the workshop helped them to understand the relevance of chemistry to pharmacy practice. Appropriately designed case studies are an effective method for helping students to integrate analytical and medicinal chemistry with clinical pharmacy. With pharmacists having increased clinical remits, teaching of analytical and medicinal chemistry must be designed to support students for their future roles.