The PharmD Students’ Beliefs, Perceptions, and Challenges Regarding their First Year in the PharmD Program: A Qualitative Study

Background: The beliefs of pharmacy students in their curriculum may be critical to the success of medical education and the development of global health competences. Objective: To assess the beliefs, attitudes, and obstacles of PharmD students at the College of Pharmacy, University of Baghdad, during their first year in the newly adopted PharmD program. Method: In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted using flexible probing approaches. A sample of fourth-year PharmD students from the University of Baghdad's College of Pharmacy was selected using a purposive sampling method. The gathered data was analyzed using a thematic content analysis approach. Results: 40% of participants applied for the program because they believed it would improve their chances of finding work in the future. The majority of participants complained about the difficulties of the first course, citing the numerous themes as their greatest issue. Two individuals (13%) said the benefits were minor, while 40% said the subjects' difficulty allowed them to adapt and study faster and more efficiently. Six of the fifteen participants thought the information they were given was inadequate. Furthermore, more than half of the participants said the practical aspect was insufficient. Moreover, half of those polled advised decreasing organic chemistry because they thought it was superfluous. Sixty percent are hopeful about the future of PharmD in Iraq and believe that if it is well organized, it will be successful. Conclusion: Despite some challenges during the first year of the program, most participants are hopeful about the future of PharmD in Iraq and believe that it will be successful if it is well organized.