8 2024-2025 | Tennessee Career Guide in areas like patient counseling and chronic disease state management. This expanded scope prepares pharmacists to work closely with physicians, nurses and other health- care professionals in different settings—like hospitals, clinics and retail pharmacies—to improve treatment and enhance patient outcomes. Plus, many programs now offer classes designed to help future practitioners learn the business and leadership skills for running their own pharmacy if that’s the career path they choose. Through clinical rotations and interpro- fessional education initiatives, pharmacy students gain hands-on experience work- ing as part of integrated healthcare teams, developing essential communication and collaboration skills. I Medical Education: Preparing Future Physicians As Tennessee's population continues to grow and age, the state's medical schools are tasked with training the next genera- tion of physicians to meet the healthcare needs of diverse communities. In addition to a solid foundation in science, medical education in Tennessee is placing a greater emphasis on seeing patients holistically— in a way that treats the whole person, tak- ing into account mental, emotional, social and other factors, rather than just physical ailments or patient symptoms. This ap- proach helps doctors understand the influ- ence of every aspect of a patient’s life on their health, and in turn helps in improv- ing treatment and outcomes. Through early clinical experiences, med- ical students gain exposure to a variety of healthcare settings, from academic med- ical centers to rural clinics. This hands-on experience helps them learn important skills like how to think critically about medical issues, use scientific evidence to make decisions, and work well with other healthcare professionals. These skills are crucial for navigating the complex world of modern healthcare, where doctors often work as part of a team to provide the best possible care for patients. Thanks to training in areas like health equity, social determinants of health and cultural com- petence, future physicians will be equipped to address health disparities and provide culturally sensitive care to the state's di- verse patient populations. Moreover, with the increasing integration of technology in healthcare, medical curricula are incorporating training in areas like health informatics, telemedicine and the use of emerging technologies like artificial intel- ligence and virtual reality in clinical practice. I Allied Health: Meeting the Demand for Specialized Healthcare Professionals The demand for allied health profession- als, including occupational therapists, physical therapists and physician assis- tants, continues to grow as the population ages and the rate of chronic conditions in- creases. Universities and colleges are re- sponding to this demand by offering a range of allied health programs that pre- pare students for these vital careers. Physical therapy programs, for instance, train professionals to help ease patients’ pain and assist them in moving and func- tioning better. These programs place a strong emphasis on clinical reasoning, evi- dence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration. Graduates of these programs are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the physical therapy profession and con- tribute to the advancement of patient care. Similarly, occupational therapy programs are focused on developing students' skills in promoting independence, functional per- formance and overall well-being for indi- viduals across the lifespan. With experience in healthcare ethics, cultural competence and evidence-based practice, occupational therapy graduates are prepared to make a lasting impact on the lives of their patients and the communities they serve. With both a growing and aging population, Tennessee is forecasted as needing tens of thousands of nurses, pharmacists, imaging techs and other highly skilled workers in the healthcare industry. The Future of Healthcare Careers in Tennessee
