Andrew Muzyk, PharmD, assistant professor of pharmacy practice at Campbell University, received the 2012 Association for Academic Psychiatry Psychiatric Education Award for his part in creating an interactive course for the Duke University psychiatry residency program.
Muzyk shares the award with Crystal White, MD, fourth-year psychiatry resident at Duke University. Their course focuses on the scientific study of drug actions and their effects on behavior.
The award, established in 1988, is presented annually to an outstanding psychiatric educator or educational program, in recognition of innovative and exemplary psychiatric education with significant impact.
“We are excited to win this award,” said Muzyk. “It’s great to have national recognition for our unique educational program. We would like to thank all the faculty and residents who participated in making this course successful.”
Muzyk and White were recognized for their one-year course because of its novel integration of active-learning exercises, discussion forums and peer-teaching methods, where residents had the opportunity to provide lectures. Course evaluations showed the mix of learning styles helped residents thoroughly understand the topics and these activities will be incorporated into future curriculum.
“Psychopharmacology is a rapidly changing field,” said Muzyk, who serves as course master of the new class. “A strong familiarity of pharmacology and study of psychotropic medications is absolutely essential for the competent practice of psychiatry.”