PHARMACY SCHOOLS NEED PROFESSORS

Pharmacy in academia is facing a critical shortage, according to Katherine Knapp, PhD, dean of the Touro University College of Pharmacy in Vallejo, Calif. Dr. Knapp is project director of the Aggregate Demand Index, a monthly national report on the demand for pharmacists in the United States.

Her report, "Significant Trends in the Pharmacist Shortage," showed that an estimated 4859 full-time faculty members are needed to teach a total of 48,592 pharmacy students. As of 2006, there were only 4216 full-time professors and 868 part-time professors. During her presentation at the recent National Association of Chain Drug Stores Pharmacy and Technology Conference, Dr. Knapp noted that pharmacy practice is the leading area where vacancies exist.