The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy believes that professionalism is central to its mission. In a community devoted to learning and public service, a foundation of professional behavior must exist if that community is to thrive with respect and harmony. Therefore, members of the academic community are required to conduct themselves in accordance with the highest standards of professional behavior. This document was developed to guide our faculty, students, and staff as they carry out their responsibilities in academic and professional settings.

The diagram of a bicycle wheel above helps to conceptualize professionalism in pharmacy. The spokes of the wheel are the attributes of professionalism from which professional behaviors and actions should emanate and the tire of the wheel is literally “where the rubber meets the road” - a road that leads to patient care; scientific discovery, application & scholarship; teaching; and professional service & leadership.