PharmD class certified in program on drug and alcohol abuse

The entire PharmD class of 2021 attained certification in Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT). SBIRT is an evidence-based practice used to identify, reduce and prevent problematic dependence on alcohol and illicit drugs.

“In the face of the growing opioid epidemic, the motivational interviewing techniques provided in the certification training will help student pharmacists to identify patients at risk, create an environment of understanding and impact their perceptions and likelihood to seek help,” said Dr. Catherine Wente, clinical assistant professor of Pharmacy Practice.

“It is very important for healthcare providers to be vigilant in detecting and guiding patients to the help needed for their condition,” Wente continued. “We want our students to be knowledgeable and ready for when they encounter such situations.”

Wente organized the certification as part of the pharmacy practice skills course and facilitated the training along with an interprofessional group of facilitators including PA faculty Laura Gerstner and April Pope, Public Health faculty Dr. Peter Ahiawodzi, and Pharmacy Practice faculty Dr. Andrew Muzyk and Dr. Brenda Zagar. She will also provide a certification session to interested students from the class of 2020 before they go out on rotations.