Dr. Christine M. Klein
Clinical Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Vice Chair for Experiential Education
Education
- Pharm.D., Mercer University Southern School of Pharmacy
- Geriatric Pharmacy Practice Residency, Mercer University
- Fellow of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists
Courses
- PHA 306 Introduction to Pharmacy
- PHA 371/372 Practice of Pharmacy I and II
- PHA 474/475 Practice of Pharmacy III and IV
- PHA 575/576 Practice of Pharmacy V and VI
- PHA 551 Endocrine Disorders
- PHA 564 Geriatric Pharmacy
- PHA 580 Medication Therapy Management
- PHA 682 Academic Administration APPE
Teaching Philosophy
As a pharmacist and academician, my charge is to facilitate the transformation of a student into a pharmacist who is equipped with the ability to reason and deduct and who is continually learning and growing as a professional.
My teaching philosophy is rooted in the following Chinese proverb, “Tell me and I will forget. Show me and I may remember. Involve me and I will understand.” Students are able to retain information and apply what they have learned when they are actively involved in the learning process. The purpose of teaching and clinical instruction is more than rote memorization of the “the answer” or “the solution” to a problem, and instruction techniques must be varied enough to ensure all students are gaining the necessary foundational skills. Certainly, a strong foundation is necessary for the development of problem-solving and critical thinking skills. By utilizing case scenarios and other problem-based learning activities, I can help the students identify multiple possible causative factors. Once the probable cause is identified, instruction continues with determining the most appropriate clinical or medication intervention based upon patient specific factors such as concomitant diseases, medication history, and physiologic changes. Instruction via problem-based-learning yields an understanding of the complexities of pharmaceutical care; students gain an appreciation there is rarely a simple answer and there are often several possible answers.
Active learning is most successful when there is a dynamic of mutual respect between the professor and the students. This respect ensures that both of us view one another as key components in the learning process. As an instructor, I must be able to spark an interest in a particular subject in order to stimulate discussion and learning. My students cannot be passive; they must be willing to engage in the process. Via active learning, students develop the ability to dissect any particular problem into what is known and what is unknown; the unknown then demands to be made known. Pharmacy, as most health care professions, is continually evolving. Everyone–students and instructors alike–must be committed to life-long learning, as this is critical to ensure continued professional development. Therefore, my ultimate goal as an academician is to facilitate the development of a pharmacist who is equipped with the ability to reason and deduct and who is continually learning and growing as a professional.
Professional Involvement
- American Society of Consultant Pharmacists
- Georgia Chapter of American Society of Consultant Pharmacists — President, 2011- Present
- American Pharmacists Association
- Authorized trainer for American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Certificate Programs of Delivering Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Services in the Community and Pharmacy Based Immunization Delivery
Selected Presentations
- Klein C.M., “Blogging: A unique forum for student presentations and reflections.” Poster presentation, AACP Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA, July 2010.
- Lundquist L.M., Klein C.M., Gilbreath M.N., “Perceptions of preparedness for institutional pharmacy-related activities based on IPPE: Two years of experience.” Poster presentation, AACP Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA, July 2010.
- Klein, C.M., “Utlization of MyForum: Blogging as a means for student presentations.” Podium presentation, E*Value Annual Users Conference, Minneapolis, MN. October 2009
- Klein C.M., Miller S.W., “Educational Medication Therapy Management: An innovative approach to an Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience.” Poster presentation, AACP Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA, July 2009.
- Gortney J.S., Gilbreath M.N., Klein C.M., “Perceptions of preparedness for institutional pharmacy related activities based on IPPE experience.” Poster presentation, AACP Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA, July 2009.
- Klein, C.M., “Best practices for safe medication administration.” Invited presentation. Dekalb Board of Health, Children’s Medical Services, Atlanta, GA, February 2009.