The USC Mann School introduced a new course open to second- and third-year PharmD students. PHRD 641: Focused Sports Physical Assessment and Drug Development is the most recent addition to the USC Mann’s sports pharmacy program’s course lineup.
The new course focuses on screening tools and physical assessments related to sports injuries or sports-related situations. Students will learn to use validated screening tools to assess and advise on therapeutic interventions or health preservation in clinical settings.
Similar to other sports pharmacy electives at USC Mann, this course allows students to master their skills in pharmacist-athlete conversations to identify opportunities for athletes’ self-treatment or to refer athletes for additional care. These assessment skills are critical for sports pharmacists who are part of an interprofessional medical team.
This course also touches upon sports pharmacists’ roles as medication specialists, who offer expert guidance on antidoping policies and procedures for monitoring the therapeutic use of prohibited medications in sports.
Michael Kessler, the Mann School’s dedicated sports pharmacist, will serve as instructor. The course will be offered starting in the fall 2024 semester.
PHRD 641 joins PHRD 640: Sports Pharmacy and PHRD 642: Sports and Dietary Supplements, making a total of three sports pharmacy electives available to interested students. The Mann School is also creating a 12-credit certificate for practicing pharmacists that is expected to be the first national certification in the specialty.
For more details about USC Mann School’s course offerings, visit USC Schedule of Classes.