The network is working with students in each pharmacy school to reach out to their lecturers, Heads of Schools and diversity leads in order to make pharmacy education staff aware of the campaign via a letter.
Updating the curriculum at schools of pharmacy where LGBT+ inclusion is lacking, supports the GPhC’s Initial Education and Training standards (IET), specifically the aim of “having a greater emphasis on equality, diversity and inclusion to combat discrimination and address health inequalities.” This addition was requested by the PDA and other organisations in pharmacy for the benefit of students and patients.
This is the beginning of a comprehensive change by the GPhC and schools of pharmacy to continue to develop and be more representative and inclusive of LGBT+ students and patients. The network is a safe space for LGBT+ pharmacists, pharmacy students and trainees to work together to help organisations and establishments in pharmacy make this change and support one another on their pharmacy journeys.
Holly Ikin, PDA Student Rep, said: “I think it’s important that the LGBT+ Network works alongside pharmacy schools, helping them to create a more inclusive and diverse curriculum that looks at the management and treatment of both physical and mental health problems amongst the LGBTQA+ community, as these are often overlooked in teaching.”
If any MPharm or OSPAP students are interested in getting involved in the #LGBTplusMPharm campaign, they can express their interest here.
They can also request a copy of the template letter by contacting the committee at lgbt@the-pda.org
Related links
- PDA LGBT+ Network writes to GPhC and PhSC on more inclusion of LGBT+ education in the MPharm programme
- For more information about the LGBT+ Network, how to join or become a network ally, click here
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Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
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