Dr. James Colbert: Experiential Education, Pediatrics

Research Summary: Pediatrics, Experiential Education

Dr. Colbert has practiced in a wide variety of acute care hospital environments. His clinical expertise is in general pediatric medicine, and in previous positions has practiced in a pediatric intensive care unit, neonatal intensive care unit, labor and delivery unit, post-partum care unit, burn unit (with focus on pediatric patients), adolescent medicine unit, family medicine service and a general pediatric service. In addition, he has practiced in a pediatric hematology/oncology Clinic. His primary research interest is in the area of experiential education, specifically involving preceptor development and assessment, and assessment of student performance in the clinical clerkship environment. Dr. Colbert has additional research interests in the clinical use of hydroxyurea in the management of sickle cell anemia.

Academic Achievements

Education: B.A. Biological Sciences (1977) UC Berkeley; Pharm.D. (1981) UCSF; Fellowship in Academic Leadership (ALFP), AACP (2008-2009).

Awards and Honors: Fellow, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (2004); “Health Hero” of the Year by the Sickle Cell Disease Association of United Way/CHAD of San Diego (2002); Faculty Teaching Award, UCSD School of Medicine, Pediatric Residency Program (2001); Pharmacist of the Year, San Diego Society of Health-System Pharmacists (2000); Novation-Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group Scholar for excellence in Pediatric Pharmacy Practice (1998); Fellow, California Society of Health-System Pharmacists (1998); Preceptor of the Year, Pharmacy Practice Residency Program, UCSD Medical Center (1998); Outstanding Teacher Award, Division of Family Medicine Residency Program, UCSD School of Medicine (1993).

Leadership Experience: Assistant Dean for Experiential Education, SSPPS (2006-present), Clinical Manager, Department of Pharmacy, UCSD Medical Center (2003-2006); Education and Staff Development Coordinator, Department of Pharmacy, UCSD Medical Center (2001-2003). Team Leader, Pediatric Pharmacy Team, Department of Pharmacy, UCSD Medical Center (1995-1996); Residency Coordinator, General Pediatrics Residency (PGY2 Resident), Department of Pharmacy, UCSD Medical Center (1995-1996); Member, California Pharmacy Student Leadership (CAPSLEAD) Planning Committee, 2006-present; Chairman, CSHP Seminar 2009 Management Team (2007-2009); President, Board of Directors, Delegate to CSHP House of Delegates, San Diego Society of Health Systems Pharmacists (1994,1999-2002, 2006-2008). Major, United States Army Reserve, Veteran, Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm 1990-1991; Operation Joint Endeavor (Bosnia) 1996-1997.

Teaching

• Pharmacy: Pharmacy Practice (SPPS 201).
• Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE, SPPS 100, 200).
• Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE, SPPS 400, 401).
• Pediatric Pharmacotherapy (SPPS 267).
• Mentorship of student research projects Medicine: Introduction to the Health Care System: Social & Behavioral Science (SOM 202D).

Key Contributions to Clinical Pharmacy

• Co-founded the Pediatric Pain Service at the UCSD Medical Center. This led to improvements in pain management for pediatric oncology and sickle cell anemia patients.
• Established the role of pediatric pharmacist on the General Pediatric Service at the UCSD Medical Center.
• Established clinical pharmacy services in the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology clinic at the UCSD Medical Center.
• Co-founded the UCSD Sickle Cell Anemia Pediatric Family Support Group.

Selected Recent Publications

Colbert J and Kuo GM. Chapter 3. Preceptor- Student Relationship: Creating an Environment that Promotes a Win-Win-Win Situation for Preceptors, Pharmacist Interns and Clinical Practice Sites. In: Cuellar LM and Ginsburg, editors. Preceptor’s Handbook for Pharmacists, 2nd Edition. Bethesda (MD): American Society of Health-System Pharmacist. July, 2009.

Van Amburgh et al (2010). Succession Planning in US Pharmacy Schools" American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, Volume 74, Issue 5.

Potential Collaborative Programs with the Pharmaceutical Industry

• Developing programs that will improve clinical outcomes for pediatric patients with sickle cell anemia, and other pediatric hemoglobinopathies.
• Developing clinical practices that will improve appropriate medication use for pediatric patients.