Peeling Back the Layers of Learning in Residency Programs

What happens when learners teach learners? Layered learning is a teaching model that brings pharmacy students, residents, and preceptors together in a collaborative learning environment. Our host Carolyn Liptak is joined by Dr. Sarah Eggers Russell, PharmD, BCACP, CPP of UNC Health REX and Dr. Kimberly James, PharmD of UF Health to discuss how layered learning works in pharmacy residency programs and why it continues to gain traction across healthcare settings. They share perspectives from their own programs and discuss what it takes to create meaningful learning experiences for learners at every stage of training.

Guest Speakers:
Dr. Sarah Eggers Russell, PharmD, BCACP, CPP
UNC Health REX

Dr. Kimberly James, PharmD
UF Health

Host:
Carolyn Liptak, MBA, BS Pharm
Pharmacy Executive Director, Regulatory Compliance
Vizient Center for Pharmacy Practice Excellence

Show Notes:

00:05 - What Is Layered Learning?

Definition of layered learning and its role in pharmacy education
How teaching, mentorship, and patient care occur simultaneously
Benefits for learners, preceptors, and patients

01:08 - Residency Program Overviews

UNC Health Rex ambulatory care residency program
UF Health pediatric pharmacy residency program
Opportunities for students, residents, and advanced learners across diverse practice settings

02:22 - How Layered Learning Works in Practice

Senior learners mentoring junior learners under pharmacist supervision
Developing teaching skills and professional behaviors
Expanding direct patient care opportunities while supporting preceptor workloads

03:33 - Defining Roles and Responsibilities

Setting expectations before the rotation begins
Assessing learner readiness for teaching responsibilities
Creating structured orientation processes for all learners
Providing feedback and evaluation opportunities for resident preceptors

05:55 - Adapting to Different Learning Styles

Tailoring rotations to individual learner needs
Gradually increasing clinical responsibilities
Using regular feedback sessions and midpoint evaluations
Building confidence through progressive independence

08:20 - Building Successful Layered Learning Experiences

Differences between primary and co precepting models
Leveraging learners to expand patient access and clinical services
Using shared precepting across diverse practice environments
Creating opportunities for leadership and teaching development

10:42 - Keeping Learners Engaged in Ambulatory Care

Managing clinic schedules and patient encounters
Evidence based patient case presentations
Topic discussions, drug information requests, and interdisciplinary shadowing opportunities
Exposure to diagnostic testing and specialty practice areas

12:13 - Structuring Layered Learning in the Inpatient Setting