Design, Development, and Early Implementation of the Professional Pharmacy Curriculum in Iraqi Kurdistan

Due to 30 years of war and trade sanctions, critical gaps in the higher education system in Iraqi Kurdistan have developed. In recognition of the need for curricular change, the Kurdistan Ministry of Higher Education (KMoHE) worked with U.S. universities in 2008 to update various curricula including pharmacy. A pharmacy curriculum reform committee was formed and charged with identifying current and future needs of pharmacy practice and education, evaluating the current curriculum, recommending curricular change, and identifying needs to implement the new curriculum. The curricular changes recommended by the committee were accepted by the Minister of Higher Education and have been implemented in all three pharmacy programs in Iraqi Kurdistan. Faculty development to assist with delivery of the curriculum has been successful and continued support is provided.