Testing the reliability and validity of the modified Amsterdam Inventory for Auditory Disability and Handicap in career firefighters in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Firefighters are routinely exposed to loud noise that put them at risk for hearing loss. A reliable and valid measure to assess firefighters' hearing function is important. This study aims to test the reliability and validity of the modified Amsterdam Inventory for Auditory Disability and Handicap ((m)AIADH) in firefighters. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sample of 239 career firefighters from six partnered fire departments in Central Texas and Northern California. The internal consistency, convergent and criterion validity, and the ability to discriminate groups by measured hearing, perceived hearing, and a combination of measured and perceived hearing, were examined using the total score and score for each of the five subscales of the (m)AIADH. RESULTS: The study participants were primarily men (93%). Satisfactory internal consistency was revealed for the (m)AIADH with Cronbach's alpha above 0.80 for all five subscales. Criterion analysis presented a moderate correlation between the (m)AIADH and the average of hearing threshold at high frequencies (4, 6, and 8 kHz). For convergent validity, the (m)AIADH was moderately to highly related with perceived hearing. There were statistically significant differences in the total (m)AIADH score and the five subscales for measured hearing thresholds except for "intelligibility in quiet." The (m)AIADH also showed a discriminative ability to distinguish between the group with good perceived hearing and the group with bad perceived hearing. CONCLUSION: The (m)AIADH is a reliable and valid measure to assess various dimensions of hearing function among firefighters.

The short form effort-reward imbalance: Measure of occupational stress for firefighters.

PURPOSE: The original effort-reward imbalance (ERI) questionnaire has been widely used as a measure of occupational stress. The need for brief measurement of psychosocial stress at work has risen. This study examined the psychometric properties of a 16-item short form ERI (S-ERI) questionnaire. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 247 career firefighters in the United States. An internet-based survey contained the S-ERI questionnaire, and assessed perceived health, demographics, and work characteristics. Internal consistency was tested by item-total correlation and Cronbach's α coefficients. Factorial validity was assessed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and criterion validity was examined by testing the S-ERI's association with perceived health, controlling for other factors. RESULTS: The study participants were primarily young and mid-aged White males (mean age = 42 years, 75% White non-Hispanic, 93% males). The S-ERI questionnaire showed satisfactory internal consistency, with Cronbach α coefficients above 0.80 for all three scales: effort 0.82, reward 0.83, and overcommitment 0.81. CFA showed all the S-ERI components had a good fit (goodness-of-fit index = 0.99, comparative fit index = 0.92, root mean square error of approximation = 0.06). In terms of criterion validity, significantly increased odds ratios (ORs) for perceived health (those indicating they were less healthy) were found in firefighters in the lowest tertile of reward (OR = 7.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.86-17.43), and highest tertile of overcommitment (OR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.00-5.22), after controlling for other factors. CONCLUSION: The S-ERI questionnaire is a reliable and valid measure to assess occupational stress. We recommend the use of S-ERI as a measure of occupational stress when initiating efforts to improve firefighters' wellness.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Among Firefighters/Paramedics in San Francisco, CA.

OBJECTIVES: Despite having close contact with the general public, members of the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) reported relatively few cases of COVID-19 during the first half of 2020. Our objective was to explore evidence for prior undetected infections by conducting a seroprevalence survey, and to document both risk and protective factors for prior COVID-19 infection. METHODS: This cross-sectional study assessed workplace practices and exposures of SFFD personnel during the first 6 months of 2020 via questionnaire and documented prior COVID-19 infections by serologic antibody testing using an orthogonal testing protocol. RESULTS: Of 1231 participating emergency responders, three (0.25%) had confirmed positive COVID-19 antibody results. CONCLUSIONS: Safe workplace practices, community public health intervention, and low community infection rates appear to have been protective factors for emergency responders in San Francisco during our study period.

Use of Real-World Data and Pharmacometric Modeling in Support of Lacosamide Dosing in Pediatric Patients Under 4 Years of Age.

The antiepileptic drug lacosamide (LCM) is approved in the United States and the European Union as monotherapy as well as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of focal seizures in children ≥4 years of age and adults. Using real-world therapeutic drug monitoring data, we performed a pharmacometric analysis for 315 pediatric patients (>1 month to <18 years of age) who received lacosamide as both monotherapy and adjunctive therapy. Population pharmacokinetic modeling was performed using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling with a 1-compartment structural model with linear elimination, where clearance and volume of distribution were allometrically scaled for body weight, with no further need for age-associated maturation functions. A covariate analysis for age, sex, race, and coadministration of other antiepileptic drugs identified phenobarbital and felbamate to significantly increase lacosamide clearance (1.71- and 1.46-fold, respectively). Based on the developed population pharmacokinetic model, simulations were performed in virtual pediatric patients to explore age-associated dose requirements to match lacosamide exposure in patient groups of different age with the exposure achieved in children ≥4 year of age with the weight-based dosing recommendations provided by the US Food and Drug Administration. Based on this approach, our analysis suggested that children ≥3 years of age needed the same dose as recommended by the US Food and Drug Administration for children ≥4 years of age (12 mg/kg/d), while children 1 to 3 years of age may need 13 to 14 mg/kg/d and infants between 1 month and 1 year of age may need 15 to 18 mg/kg/d (based on their actual age) to match the exposure seen in children ≥4 years of age.

Persistent Hypersomnolence Following Clobazam in a Child With Epilepsy and Undiagnosed CYP2C19 Polymorphism.

We describe an 11-year-old female who presented with severe hypersomnolence after receiving 1 week of modest doses of clobazam (CLB). In reviewing the above case, we considered that the hypersomnolence could be related to a pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, or pharmacogenomic issue associated with CLB or to a combination of these factors. Although serum concentrations of CLB and its active metabolite are sensitive to factors that affect cytochrome-dependent metabolism, drug-drug interactions were omitted as a cause of the hypersomnolence. Subsequent DNA analysis of the cytochrome P450 2C19 gene revealed the patient as *2/*2 genotype with poor metabolizer enzyme activity. Because genetic testing of all patients treated with CLB is currently not practical, CLB dose/concentration ratios and pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction impact models may be indicated. Genetic testing should be considered when an adverse effect suggests the possibility of a polymorphism important to drug metabolism.

Status Epilepticus: The Slow and Agonizing Death of Phenytoin.

Since its introduction in 1950, phenytoin (PHT) has been the premier parenteral anticonvulsant used in the management of generalized convulsive status epileptics (GCSE) that is refractory to benzodiazepines. Without question, its arrival was vital to the care of patients with acute seizures and was a welcomed alternative to paraldehyde and phenobarbital. However, after more than half a century of use, there continues to be insufficient evidence-based data to support its efficacy over other anticonvulsants as a first-line agent in pediatric or adult patients with GCSE. This coupled with its narrow mechanism of action, complex pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenomics, drug-drug interactions, unique adverse effects, and formulation issues that make administration difficult mandates that PHT be replaced by safer and superiorly effective anticonvulsants for the treatment of GCSE when benzodiazepines are ineffective. We believe that levetiracetam should become the preferred agent for seizures unresponsive to or recurring after treatment with a benzodiazepine as it is at least equally effective to PHT and has several important advantages. PHT has overstayed its welcome and it is simply time for it to exit the realm of acute seizure management as a first-line agent for benzodiazepine-refractory GCSE.

Implementation of an ACPE-Accredited PharmD Curriculum at a Saudi College of Pharmacy.

Objective. To establish an academic curricular collaboration between the newly established college of pharmacy at King Saud Bin Abdulaziz Saudi University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS) and a US college of pharmacy accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, and assess measures of success. Methods. Criteria for selecting a college for collaboration were established. A systematic approach was followed in negotiating legal, logistical, and financial issues with the selected collaborating institution. Course materials were transferred and implemented and minimal changes were made to the alignment and sequencing of lectures. The faculty at KSAU-HS developed and implemented research and seminar courses. Pharmacy practice experiences were designed and rubrics were developed. Results. All courses were implemented successfully. The PharmD students scored significantly higher in all academic levels in a benchmarked progress test than did students in other programs. Students' evaluation of 43 first-, second-, and third-year courses in 2017-2018 using a survey that assessed numerous aspects of each course showed significantly higher overall satisfaction than the institutional averages. Also, female students indicated significantly higher satisfaction with the PharmD program than did male students. Conclusion. The transfer and implementation of an accredited PharmD curriculum to the KSAU-HS College of Pharmacy went smoothly and the program was launched on time. Learning and teaching success was facilitated by the KSAU-HS faculty. Program outcomes were verified by students' high scores on a benchmarked examination and by their satisfaction with the courses.

Impact of Pharmacy School Characteristics on NAPLEX First-time Pass Rates.

Objective. To assess the impact of pharmacy school characteristics on the pass rates of students taking the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) for the first time. Methods. A retrospective review of NAPLEX first-time pass rates, pharmacy school characteristics and percent of total graduating class who matched for a first postgraduate year (PGY1) residency was performed for 2014, 2015, and 2016. All US colleges of pharmacy accredited as of July 2017 were included. Independent samples t tests, paired samples t tests, correlational analysis, and multiple linear regression were conducted. Results. The first-time pass rates on the NAPLEX were significantly higher for the following: schools located within an academic health center; schools established before 2000, and public schools. The 2016 NAPLEX first-time pass rate was significantly higher for schools with a traditional four-year program structure versus an accelerated three-year structure. Also, a school's first-time pass rate on the NAPLEX was positively, significantly correlated with percentage of fourth-year students who matched for a PGY1 residency and being located within an academic health center. The NAPLEX first-time pass rate for the previous year and percent of the total graduating class that matched for a PGY1 residency were significant predictors in the final regression models for 2015 and 2016 NAPLEX first-time pass rates. Conclusion. While differences in certain program characteristics was coorelated with NAPLEX pass rate, many of these factors are not modifiable. Programs can proactively and critically evaluate their educational programs and the readiness of their students to sit for the NAPLEX.

Development of an Instrument to Measure Academic Resilience Among Pharmacy Students.

Objective. To develop a valid and reliable academic resilience scale for use in the didactic portion of the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum to identify those pharmacy students who have greater capacity to overcome academic adversity. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among first-year, second-year, and third-year pharmacy students to assess psychometric properties of a 30-item adapted academic resilience scale. Data were also collected using the Short Grit Scale (Grit-S). Demographic characteristics were collected from student records. Exploratory factor analysis was applied to determine the number of underlying factors responsible for data covariation. Principal components analysis was used as the extraction method. Varimax rotation method was used, and the Cronbach alpha was estimated. Validity testing was conducted by calculating Pearson's r correlations between the adapted academic resilience scale and Grit-S. Results. The survey response rate was 84%. The final version of the scale, the Academic Pharmacy Resilience Scale (APRS-16), had four subscales and 16 items (14 items failed to load on any of the factors and were deleted). The Cronbach alpha was .84, indicating strong internal consistency. The APRS-16 and its subscales were significantly correlated to the Grit-S and its subscales, providing evidence of effective convergent validity. Conclusion. Evidence supports the reliability and validity of the APRS-16 as a measure of academic resilience in pharmacy students. Future studies should use the APRS-16 to investigate the relationship between academic resilience and performance outcomes among pharmacy students.

Examination of Factors Relating to Student Performance on the Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment.

Objective. To examine relationships between students' demographic and academic performance factors and their scores on the Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA). Methods. Students' PCOA scores and demographics (eg, age, race/ethnicity, sex), preadmission data [eg, cumulative and science grade point average (GPA), Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)], and academic performance variables (eg, pharmacy GPA, academic standing) were analyzed for one class of third-year pharmacy students (N=159). Independent t-tests and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to compare scores by demographic variables. Pearson's r correlations were used to assess relationships between PCOA scores and age, PCAT scores, and GPA. Stepwise linear regression was conducted to determine the predictive ability of variables with significant correlations to PCOA performance. Results. Significant correlations were found between sex and PCOA scores with males scoring higher than females. Significant correlations with PCOA scores were also found for PCAT scores, pre-pharmacy science GPA, and pharmacy didactic GPA. Significant differences were found by academic standing, where students in academic difficulty who were allowed to proceed without repeating curricular content scored significantly lower on the PCOA than those who did not experience academic difficulty. Conversely, there were no statistical differences between those who repeated courses and those who never experienced academic difficulty. PCOA performance predictors in the final regression model included PCAT composite score, pharmacy GPA and sex. Conclusion. New findings included differences in PCOA scores by sex and by academic standing, a variable not previously explored in published studies. Findings have implications for remediation decisions in pharmacy curricula.

A Clinician's Guide to Oral Extended-Release Drug Delivery Systems in Epilepsy.

Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurologic disorders that affects individuals of all ages. It is primarily managed with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), with the goal of maintaining complete seizure control combined with minimal or no adverse effects. Oral administration is the mainstay of AED delivery for patients with chronic epilepsy and consists essentially of immediate-release (IR) and modified-release (delayed-release and extended-release [ER]) dosage formulations. Extended-release formulations (hydrophilic or hydrophobic matrix systems, reservoir systems, and osmotic-release systems) release a drug in a controlled manner during an extended period of time following administration. Extended-release formulations have many advantages compared with IR formulations, including simplification of dosing regimens, reduction in pill burden, and reduction in the peak-to-trough fluctuations in serum drug concentration that may be associated with a decreased risk of adverse effects and of seizures. These advantages have the potential to increase adherence to antiepileptic therapy, improve the quality of life of patients, and reduce health care costs. This article, which is intended as a practical guide for clinicians, reviews the properties of the different ER AED formulations currently available and discusses the advantages of ER over IR formulations. Subsequently, an explanation of the technologic basis of the different oral ER formulations, the critical attributes that differentiate ER products, and their individual strengths and weaknesses is provided. Specific recommendations to practitioners on treating patients with ER formulations are included.

Epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor Par-4 promotes chemoresistance in recurrent breast cancer.

Tumor relapse is the leading cause of death in breast cancer, largely due to the fact that recurrent tumors are frequently resistant to chemotherapy. We previously reported that downregulation of the proapoptotic protein Par-4 promotes tumor recurrence in genetically engineered mouse models of breast cancer recurrence. In the present study, we examined the mechanism and functional significance of Par-4 downregulation in recurrent tumors. We found that epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) promotes epigenetic silencing of Par-4 in recurrent tumors. Par-4 silencing proceeded through binding of the EMT transcription factor Twist to the Par-4 promoter, where Twist induced a unique bivalent chromatin domain. This bivalent configuration conferred plasticity at the Par-4 promoter, and Par-4 silencing could be reversed with pharmacologic inhibitors of Ezh2 and HDAC1/2. Using an epigenome editing approach to reexpress Par-4 by specifically reversing the histone modifications found in recurrent tumors, we found that Par-4 reexpression sensitized recurrent tumors to chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. Upon reexpression, Par-4 bound to the protein phosphatase PP1, caused widespread changes in phosphorylation of cytoskeletal proteins, and cooperated with microtubule-targeting drugs to induce mitotic defects. These results identify Twist-induced epigenetic silencing of Par-4 as a targetable axis that promotes chemoresistance in recurrent breast cancer.

Impact of Drug Interactions on Clobazam and N-Desmethylclobazam Concentrations in Pediatric Patients With Epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: Clobazam (CLB) is approved as adjunctive treatment for seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in patients aged 2 years and older. It is converted to an active metabolite N-desmethylclobazam (NCLB) by CYP3A4, which is then broken down to an inactive metabolite by CYP2C19. This study characterizes the impact of CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 drug interactions on CLB and NCLB serum concentrations (Cp) and concentration/dose (Cp/D) ratios in pediatric patients with epilepsy. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review including patients older than 1 month, who received CLB between April 2012 and March 2017. Extracted data included patient demographics, CLB daily dose, CLB and NCLB Cp, calculated CLB and NCLB Cp/Cp and Cp/D ratios, and all concomitant drugs. RESULTS: The study included 995 CLB concentration sets from 302 patients (median age 7.6 years and range 0.2-40.1 years). Pharmacokinetic variability was extensive, as seen by widespread ranges of CLB and NCLB Cp, NCLB/CLB Cp ratio, and 3 Cp/D ratios (CLB, NCLB, and CLB + NCLB). Comedications, described as CYP3A4 inducers and/or CYP2C19 inhibitors (carbamazepine, eslicarbazepine, felbamate, (fos)phenytoin, oxcarbazepine, pentobarbital, phenobarbital, rufinamide, and topiramate), generally increased NCLB/CLB Cp ratio (267%-400%), NCLB Cp/D ratio (167%-202%), and CLB + NCLB Cp/D ratio (142%-185%) and decreased CLB Cp/D ratio (47%-76%) compared with a group of concentration sets in patients receiving only neutral comedications (P < 0.025 for all comparisons). Older age was associated with higher Cp/D ratios (mg/kg), indicative of decreased clearance. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacokinetic variability of CLB in pediatric patients is extensive, and it is influenced by drug-drug interactions and age. Therapeutic drug monitoring of CLB and active metabolite NCLB with calculation of various Cp/Cp and Cp/D ratios can provide useful insight into CLB pharmacokinetics and help differentiate between causes of variability.

Foxo-dependent Par-4 Upregulation Prevents Long-term Survival of Residual Cells Following PI3K-Akt Inhibition.

Tumor recurrence is a leading cause of death and is thought to arise from a population of residual cells that survive treatment. These residual cancer cells can persist, locally or at distant sites, for years or decades. Therefore, understanding the pathways that regulate residual cancer cell survival may suggest opportunities for targeting these cells to prevent recurrence. Previously, it was observed that the proapoptotic protein (PAWR/Par-4) negatively regulates residual cell survival and recurrence in mice and humans. However, the mechanistic underpinnings on how Par-4 expression is regulated are unclear. Here, it is demonstrated that Par-4 is transcriptionally upregulated following treatment with multiple drugs targeting the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway, and identify the Forkhead family of transcription factors as mediators of this upregulation. Mechanistically, Foxo3a directly binds to the Par-4 promoter and activates its transcription following inhibition of the PI3K-Akt pathway. This Foxo-dependent Par-4 upregulation limits the long-term survival of residual cells following treatment with therapeutics that target the PI3K-Akt pathway. Taken together, these results indicate that residual breast cancer tumor cell survival and recurrence requires circumventing Foxo-driven Par-4 upregulation and suggest that approaches to enforce Par-4 expression may prevent residual cell survival and recurrence. Mol Cancer Res; 16(4); 599-609. ©2018 AACR.

Characteristics and Predictors of Occupational Injury Among Career Firefighters.

The purpose of this study was to assess occupational injury characteristics and predictors among career firefighters. A total of 249 firefighters from central Texas and northern California participated in this Internet-based survey. Approximately 27% of firefighters had reported an occupational injury within the previous 12 months. The majority of injuries occurred on the scene of a non-fire call while performing an activity that required lifting, pushing, or pulling. Firefighters' backs were most frequently injured. Of the reported injuries, approximately 18% returned to work on modified duty, but 46% were not allowed to work due to their occupational injuries. Firefighters who reported occupational injuries were more likely to be older and experiencing occupational stress compared with their coworkers who did not report occupational injuries. Injured firefighters were also more likely to report fewer job rewards (money/salary), overcommitment, less esteem (respect and support), and fewer promotional prospects. These injury factors should be incorporated into interventions to reduce or prevent workplace injuries.

Examining the Association Between the NAPLEX, Pre-NAPLEX, and Pre- and Post-admission Factors.

Objective. To examine the relationship between the NAPLEX and Pre-NAPLEX among pharmacy graduates, as well as determine effects of pre-pharmacy, pharmacy school, and demographic variables on NAPLEX performance. Methods. A retrospective review of pharmacy graduates' NAPLEX scores, Pre-NAPLEX scores, demographics, pre-pharmacy academic performance factors, and pharmacy school academic performance factors was performed. Bivariate (eg, ANOVA, independent samples t-test) and correlational analyses were conducted, as was stepwise linear regression to examine the significance of Pre-NAPLEX score and other factors as related to NAPLEX score. Results. One hundred fifty graduates were included, with the majority being female (60.7%) and white (72%). Mean NAPLEX score was 104.7. Mean Pre-NAPLEX score was 68.6. White students had significantly higher NAPLEX scores compared to Black/African American students. NAPLEX score was correlated to Pre-NAPLEX score, race/ethnicity, PCAT composite and section scores, undergraduate overall and science GPAs, pharmacy GPA, and on-time graduation. The regression model included pharmacy GPA and Pre-NAPLEX score. Conclusion. The findings provide evidence that, although pharmacy GPA is the most critical determinant, the Pre-NAPLEX score is also a significant predictor of NAPLEX score.

Double Jeopardy: Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Among Noise-Exposed Workers.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of tinnitus and assess the relationship between tinnitus and hearing loss among firefighters and operating engineers, who are exposed to noise on-the-job. The study analyzed existing data from two different populations (154 firefighters and 769 operating engineers) who completed a survey and audiometric tests as part of a hearing loss prevention intervention study. Approximately 40% of both groups reported tinnitus; 34% of firefighters and 59% of operating engineers showed hearing loss at noise-sensitive frequencies (4 kHz and 6 kHz). Firefighters with high frequency hearing loss (odds ratio [OR] = 2.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.05, 5.11]) and those with perceived impaired hearing status (OR = 3.53; 95% CI = [1.27, 9.80]) were significantly more likely to report tinnitus. Similarly, operating engineers who had hearing loss at both low (OR = 2.10; 95% CI = [1.40, 3.15]) and high frequencies (OR = 2.00; 95% CI = [1.37, 2.90]), and perceived impaired hearing status (OR = 2.17; 95% CI = [1.55, 3.05]) were twice as likely to report tinnitus. This study demonstrated that tinnitus is a considerable problem for noise-exposed workers. Workers with hearing loss demonstrated significantly higher rates of tinnitus. Comprehensive workplace hearing conservation programs should include tinnitus management for noise-exposed workers, along with other key elements such as noise control and hearing protection.

Student Pharmacists' Perceptions of a Composite Examination in Their First Professional Year.

OBJECTIVE: To assess first-year (P1) pharmacy students' studying behaviors and perceptions after implementation of a new computerized "composite examination" (CE) testing procedure. METHODS: Student surveys were conducted to assess studying behavior and perceptions about the CE before and after its implementation. RESULTS: Surveys were completed by 149 P1 students (92% response rate). Significant changes between survey results before and after the CE included an increase in students' concerns about the limited number of questions per course on each examination and decreased concerns about the time allotted and the inability to write on the CEs. Significant changes in study habits included a decrease in cramming (studying shortly before the test) and an increase in priority studying (spending more time on one course than another). CONCLUSION: The CE positively changed assessment practice at the college. It helped overcome logistic challenges in computerized testing and drove positive changes in study habits.

Treatment of Generalized Convulsive Status Epilepticus in Pediatric Patients.

Generalized convulsive status epilepticus (GCSE) is one of the most common neurologic emergencies and can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality if not treated promptly and aggressively. Management of GCSE is staged and generally involves the use of life support measures, identification and management of underlying causes, and rapid initiation of anticonvulsants. The purpose of this article is to review and evaluate published reports regarding the treatment of impending, established, refractory, and super-refractory GCSE in pediatric patients.

A checklist for the development of faculty mentorship programs.

Mentoring of junior faculty members continues to be a widespread need in academic pharmacy in both new programs and established schools. The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Joint Council Task Force on Mentoring was charged with gathering information from member colleges and schools and from the literature to determine best practices that could be shared with the academy. The task force summarized their findings regarding the needs and responsibilities for mentors and protégés at all faculty levels; what mentoring pieces are in existence, which need improvement, and which need to be created; and how effective mentoring is defined and could be measured. Based on these findings, the task force developed several recommendations as well as the PAIRS Faculty Mentorship Checklist. Academic institutions can benefit from the checklist whether they are planning to implement a faculty mentorship program or are interested in modifying existing programs.