Curricular and Co-curricular Coverage of Leadership Competencies and the Influence of Extracurricular Engagement on Leadership Development

Objective. To evaluate coverage of leadership-related competencies in a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum and the impact of co-curricular and extracurricular experiences on students' leadership perceptions and self-efficacy. Methods. Course syllabi were used to comprehensively map the PharmD curriculum to 11 competencies related to the Leadership CAPE outcome. A survey was developed and administered to all fast year through fourth year pharmacy (P1-P4) students to evaluate their leadership experience and engagement, and to assess their attitudes and self-efficacy in 11 leadership competencies. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate student level of engagement in leadership activities and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare students' attitudes and self-efficacy based on the extent of leadership engagement. Results. Curriculum mapping revealed that all competencies were covered in at least one course at the introductory or reinforce levels. There were 362 students (68% of all PharmD students) who completed the survey. When responses from students who reported active engagement in pharmacy student organizations (defined as e-board member or chair of committee, N=142 or 39% of respondents) were compared to the rest of the cohort, statistically significantly better attitudes and self-efficacy were seen in 7 of 11 competencies. Perceptions and self-efficacy of the 72 students (19.9%) who reported active engagement in nonpharmacy organizations did not significantly differ from those not actively involved in any organizations. Conclusion. The leadership competencies curriculum mapping exercise was useful in identifying gaps in coverage and depth of coverage, inconsistencies in course objectives accurately reflecting coverage of leadership topics and competencies, and considerations that should be given to co-curricular leadership development. Active leadership engagement in pharmacy student organizations should be encouraged because of associated improved leadership perceptions and self-efficacy.