Smart Pharmacist ProgramTMLearn Today
Apply Tomorrow
A globally recognised professional development and practice transformation program designed to turn learning into measurable impact in pharmacy practice and patient care.
A joint initiative by:
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What is theSmart Pharmacist ProgramTM?
Built on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) principles and other globally-adopted frameworks, the Program moves beyond traditional, time-based learning to focus on competency development, practice transformation, improved quality of services, and measurable patient outcomes.
First implemented in 2014, the Program has expanded internationally, supporting pharmacists, professional associations, academic institutions, regulatory authorities, and healthcare systems to advance patient-centred pharmacy practice.
It was co-created by Michael Rouse and Arijana Meštrović, based on their vast international experience with pharmacy education and practice.
The Needfor change
Despite decades of progress in pharmaceutical care and clinical pharmacy, the application of the acquired knowledge and skills in everyday practice remains inconsistent.
Traditional continuing education models typically focus on measuring participation rather than evaluating competency development and real change in professional practice.
- Develop competencies aligned with modern healthcare needs
- Apply learning directly in their daily practice
- Improve service quality and patient outcomes
- Strengthen motivation, leadership, and professional identity
TheSmart Framework
How theProgram works?
1. Innovation Workshops
Stakeholders assess healthcare priorities, opportunities, and local practice needs.
2. Development of Core Tools
Creation or adaptation of:
- Competency frameworks
- Quality indicators for provision of services
- Learning portfolios
3. Train-the-Trainer Model
Building local leadership, capacity and scalability through educator and trainer development.
4. Clinical Practice Modules
Focused implementation in pharmaceutical care areas such as:
- Asthma & COPD
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Patient care processes
- Mental health
- Reproductive health
- Weight management
- Medicine Therapy Management
- Dyslipidemia
- Women’s Health
5. Reflection & Evaluation
Pharmacists are able to measure patient outcomes, reassess their competencies and quality of service provision, and complete the CPD cycle.
SMART Learning Academy
Building the culture of Continuing Professional Development.
The SMART Learning Academy is designed to help universities and pharmacy schools design and deliver outcomes-driven continuing education and continuing professional development activities with practical application and measurable impact.
Click the link to download a document with more details about the key concepts and model.
Global Reach
The SMART Pharmacist ProgramTM has already been implemented or introduced in
(“Mike”) Rouse
Founder & Managing Director, Global Pharmacy Solutions
Internationally recognised leader in pharmacy education, accreditation, Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and practice advancement with more than four decades of global experience across pharmacy practice, education, and quality assurance. Mike has worked extensively with academic institutions, regulators, professional associations, and healthcare organisations worldwide to advance competency-based education, accreditation systems, and professional transformation.
Global Pharmacy Solutions (GPS) is an international consultancy focused on accreditation, quality assurance, professional development, change management, and pharmacy practice advancement. The organisation supports institutions and stakeholders in creating sustainable, outcome-driven transformation across pharmacy education and healthcare systems.
Director of Professional Programs, Pharma Expert
International consultant, educator, and global leader in competency development, pharmacy education, and professional transformation. Arijana has contributed to international pharmacy initiatives, competency frameworks, educational quality standards, and professional development programs across more than 50 countries.
Pharma Expert is an international education and consultancy agency focused on advancing excellence, innovation, and professional transformation in pharmacy and healthcare. The agency specialises in competency-based education, lifelong professional development, leadership development, pharmacy service advancement, and strategic healthcare consultancy.
TheSmart Experience
What participants say about the SMART Pharmacist ProgramTM
particularly in supporting pharmacists to take a more active role in patient care. What we found especially valuable was its practical, case-based approach, which made it easier to translate knowledge into real clinical practice.
We saw clear improvements in areas such as therapy optimization, patient monitoring, and pharmacist involvement in clinical decision-making. Beyond individual practice, the Program has also brought together key stakeholders across the healthcare system, helping to move forward the recognition and integration of pharmaceutical services. It is contributing to a broader shift in how the role of pharmacists is understood, supporting their position as essential contributors to patient care.
North Macedonia
Biljana Bozhinovska, Managing Director, Annifarm
a decisive shift, from knowledge to practice, from potential to performance. What stood out was not only the global expertise, but also the clarity and conviction with which Mike Rouse and Arijana Mestrovic delivered it in a way that truly resonated locally.
At JSS AHER, we saw tangible outcomes, with faculty thinking differently, students becoming more practice ready, and institutions embracing more meaningful international collaboration. Importantly, through the Indian Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (IACP), the impact extended well beyond JSS AHER, contributing to a broader shift in how pharmacy practice and education are being approached across the country. This was not just a program; it was a mindset shift that is helping redefine the future of pharmacy in India.
India & Mauritius
Dr. B Suresh, Pro Chancellor, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research and Former President, Pharmacy Council of India
a new pharmaceutical service focused on women’s intimate health. Beyond strengthening our knowledge in this area, the program helped us better understand our own strengths, identify gaps, and anticipate the challenges involved in bringing a new service into practice.
The guidance we received was particularly valuable because it encouraged reflection, confidence, and practical action rather than providing predefined solutions. As a result, we introduced a service that not only enhances pharmacists’ expertise and professional confidence, but also improves access to counselling, supports prevention, and empowers women to make more informed decisions about their health. The initiative is contributing to a broader recognition of pharmacists as trusted healthcare professionals in women’s care.
Slovenia
Elvira Omerovic Pesec, Head of the Pharmacy Department, Lekarne Maribor
primary healthcare in Türkiye, supporting a more structured, measurable, and patient-centred approach to pharmacy services. What proved especially valuable was its practical and collaborative delivery model, combining peer-to-peer learning, competency-based training, continuing professional development, and digital tools to support patient follow-up.
Through nationwide implementation, we saw meaningful improvements in chronic disease management, treatment adherence, and patient outcomes, while also increasing pharmacists’ confidence in delivering quality care. Importantly, the experience demonstrated the significant contribution pharmacists can make to sustainable healthcare systems when supported by appropriate standards, documentation processes, and collaborative healthcare models. It also highlighted the importance of embedding such initiatives into national healthcare policies to ensure long-term impact and stronger recognition of pharmacists’ role in primary care.
Türkiye
Arman Üney, Former President of the Turkish Pharmacists Association (TPA)
with patients, particularly within primary healthcare settings where access to clinical pharmacy support can be limited. What stood out most was the practical, patient-centred nature of the modules, which addressed major non-communicable diseases and helped enhance the quality of pharmaceutical care.
We observed positive improvements in patient outcomes, pharmacist confidence, and the provision of advanced care services. The program has played an important role in strengthening pharmacists’ contribution to patient care and optimising medication management within primary healthcare. We look forward to continuing this valuable learning journey through future modules.
Oman
Dr. Sara Albalushi, Director of Pharmaceutical Care Department, Directorate General of Medical Supplies at the Ministry of Health
particularly in strengthening clinical pharmacy services and supporting pharmacists in advancing their professional competencies. What stood out most was the practical and collaborative approach of the program, along with the expertise and engagement of the facilitators.
The strong support and collaboration between the program team and HMC stakeholders contributed significantly to its success and impact. The program helped empower pharmacists, encouraged innovation in practice, and supported the development of more patient-centered pharmacy services within our organization.
Qatar
Dr. Rasha Al Anany, Head of Pharmacy CPD Office
Our International Engagement is in action
Global expertise. Local impact. Here are a few examples.
Whether you’re a professional association, academic institution, regulatory authority, or healthcare organisation, the innovative SMART Pharmacist ProgramTM can help drive meaningful transformation in pharmacy practice.
Explore implementation opportunities, partnerships, workshops, and professional development initiatives.