MCW Pharmacy School Advanced Physical Assessment Certificate Program

Pharmacists, pharmacy residents and other healthcare providers

• Discuss the role of the pharmacist in conducting physical assessments
• Demonstrate the four steps involved in the physical assessment process: inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation
• Explain the importance of a patient-centered physical assessment care process
• Demonstrate and interpret appropriate physical assessment techniques for the following topics: vital signs, diabetes, respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological

Pre-Work

Participants are required to complete three hours of pre-work. Assignments will be distributed two weeks in advance of the program.

Live Program Agenda

8:30-9 a.m.
Registration, Welcome and Introductions
Continental Breakfast

9 a.m.
Introduction to Physical Assessments
Rachel Kavanaugh, PharmD, BCACP | Director of Professional Labs – Year 2, Associate Professor, MCW School of Pharmacy

9:15 a.m.
Diabetes Physical Assessment
Rachel Kavanaugh, PharmD, BCACP | Director of Professional Labs – Year 2,  Associate Professor, MCW School of Pharmacy

10:00 a.m.
Vitals Collection
Mathew Letizia, PharmD | Assistant Professor, Director of Professional Labs – Year 1, MCW School of Pharmacy

10:50 a.m.
Respiratory Physical Assessment
Rachele Harrison, PharmD, MEd | Assistant Professor, MCW School of Pharmacy
Amy Zosel, MD, MSCS | Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, MCW School of Medicine

11:45 a.m.
Lunch Break

12:30 p.m.
Cardiovascular Physical Assessment
Zachary Hovis, PharmD | Assistant Professor, MCW School of Pharmacy

1:20 p.m.
Neurologic Exam
Jillian Theobald, MD, PhD | Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, MCW School of Medicine

2:10 p.m.
Wrap up and evaluations

Requirements for Pharmacy CE Credit

Participants must satisfactory complete the self-study assessment with a grade of 70% or higher, attend the live in-person application-based program, complete program evaluation and all assessments, and achieve competence measured by hands-on evaluation of skills. Successful participants will receive 8.0 continuing education contact hours (0.8 CEUs). The evaluation and assessment must be completed by July 14, 2026.

Early Bird Registration (Deadline: May 31)

• Pharmacy Resident or Fellow: $89
• MCW Pharmacy Preceptor: $159
• Pharmacist / Other Healthcare Providers: $299

Regular Registration (June 1 - July 27)

• Pharmacy Resident or Fellow: $109
• MCW Pharmacy Preceptor: $209
• Pharmacist / Other Healthcare Providers: $349

Group Discount

• Groups of 4 or more are eligible for a group discount.
• Email Shannon Gustavson, Executive Assistant, at sgustavson@mcw.edu

Register to attend