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CORVALLIS - A collaborative workshop by the Oregon State University College of Pharmacy and OSU's College of Business is designed to provide pharmacists with practical business know-how to supplement their pharmacy training and boost their bottom line.

The continuing education workshop, "The Business of Pharmacy," will be held May 14-15 in Corvallis.

At the workshop, pharmacists will learn to add marketing and management expertise to their pharmacy knowledge base. Topics include strategic planning for pharmacy growth and innovation, marketing services, and managing employee relationships.

The idea for the workshop came from focus groups of community pharmacists, who said they could use some help on the business side of their enterprises.

"Because pharmacists are medication experts and healthcare professionals, their curriculum is packed with science and clinical application courses," said Wayne Kradjan, dean of OSU's College of Pharmacy. "But there is no question that health care, including pharmacy, is also a business venture. No matter where they practice, pharmacists need to know more about business applications to assure their success."

The workshop will include five education modules taught by top OSU faculty in business, management and human resources. Such areas are a departure from traditional continuing education for pharmacists, noted Lee Strandberg, professor emeritus in the College of Pharmacy.

"Continuing education for pharmacists typically addresses medication, health issues, and insurance and law updates," Strandberg said. "The focus groups specifically requested pharmacy-targeted business skills."

The fee for the day-and-a-half workshop is $250 and the event is supported Safeway, Rite Aid, Fred Meyer, Walgreen's, and AstraZeneca. Participants receive 11 ACPE other credits. Space is limited. Register online at http://pharmacy.oregonstate.edu or call outreach education at 541-737-2329.