Postgraduate Education in Pharmaceutical Medicine in Australia: Evaluation and Evolution to a Global Program Over 20 Years.

Background: The Pharmaceutical Medicine program at the University of New South Wales provides postgraduate education for students seeking employment relating to development of new medicines and medical technology. The objective of this study was to determine which changes to the program were required to meet future educational needs of students. Methods: Responses to questions from 76 students, tutors, lecturers, and stakeholders were obtained via Qualtrics surveys. Results: Most respondents would recommend the program because of scope and program emphasis, content, quality of teaching, flexibility, and availability of distance and online content. Students valued links to industry and the national regulatory authority. Respondents recommended program content be current, expanded to meet needs of the Asia-Pacific region, and structured to ensure opportunities for networking and collaboration. Conclusions: Recommended changes to the program are being implemented to optimize skills and knowledge of graduates for roles in global pharmaceutical, medical technology, and biotechnology industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]