2nd Annual BGCOP Shark Tank Event

Do you remember the first time you watched ABCs Shark Tank? Many find the competition, showmanship and innovative ideas captivating. Ever consider the hours of research or commitment required to compete at that level? The ETSU Gatton College of Pharmacy has. The 2nd annual Shark Tank event was held on April 26, 2017 as part of the third year Advanced Contemporary Practice of Pharmacy Course (ACPOP II).  It was a huge success. Eight student teams competed for the prize of being number one. Five external judges from various backgrounds of healthcare and finance were tasked with selecting the winning team. 

The competition is based on an academic challenge for the students to identify a healthcare gap and address that gap with innovative pharmacy services. In a group setting, they must set metrics for success, establish a revenue stream, identify expenses and project growth patterns. The topics presented by this years student groups were diverse and aggressive. Students analyzed public health statistics, corporate financials, CMS mandates and interviewed thought leaders to identify their topics. Examples included interprofessional endeavors to coalesce physician and pharmacy skill sets into a dynamic practice setting, infection control programs for high risk long term care centers, mental health services in rural settings, health information access systems for hospitals, interprofessional sports medicine, preventative health practices, and many more. The course coordinator, Dr. Gray stated that he enjoyed the opportunity for students to be involved in self-study projects which expand critical thinking skills while reflecting the universitys InTopForm program. Many would agree, programs and courses which require investigative research, group dynamics and public speaking should be encouraged in professional programs. I am very proud of the way our students prepared and competed. They will need to continue development of those skills as our health care system and marketplace change.

Representing the winning team PHARMPAS (Pharmacist Provision of Antimicrobial Stewardship)- Bart Lino added

The value of virtues such as determination and self-confidence seemed the most important lessons learned throughout this experience.  The reflex response to throw one's hands up when a problem seems insurmountable was routinely resisted and ultimately dispensed with in order to accomplish set objectives and build a viable business model.  Reliance upon the team to display their strengths became critical to the effort; no one person can do it all.  All of these lessons and many more will prove invaluable in virtually any pharmacy practice setting.

Representing the honorable mention team SPORTSRX Erin Davenport added

We feel that the opportunity to participate in a Shark Tank style presentation allowed our groups to learn lessons outside of the classroom. The building of this presentation allowed us to be creative and use teamwork as we each used our individual skills to make the presentation the best it could be. We learned life lessons in organization, collaboration, and determination. We are thankful of this unique opportunity presented to us by the Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy.