January 11, 2016
The 2015 Etiquette Dinner was made possible by generous contributions from the ISPOR Student Network and Dr. Ryan Foster (left) of Spectrum Health.

The International Society of Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research/Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (ISPOR/AMCP) student chapter at the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy held its annual etiquette dinner for 72 students and faculty at the Michigan League on December 1st, 2015. The dinner was planned by ISPOR/AMCP board members Mark Yang, Jerry Li, Alexa Fedrigon, Jenish Patel, Lana Tran, and Kurtis Lee and hosted by Michael Kraft, PharmD'99, Clinical Associate Professor of Pharmacy. 

The ISPOR/AMCP Etiquette Dinner began with the purpose of educating students on proper dining practice at professional business dinners. Since its inception, the event has evolved to include faculty networking, paired with education on specific aspects of dining professionalism. This year, the event included a 30-minute mocktail and networking session and a 3-course formal catered meal accompanied by an etiquette lecture and team-based learning style table etiquette scenario discussions. Designated faculty at each assigned table led discussions and answered questions immediately following the lecture.

The event kicked off with the mocktail and networking session where first through fourth year pharmacy students practiced their networking skills with faculty and peers. After 30 minutes of conversations and “elevator speeches,” the attendees were seated at assigned tables. Each table consisted of six students and two faculty members. The 3:1 student-faculty ratio created a setting where students were able to directly address concerns with their assigned faculty. Dr. Kraft’s lecture focused on teaching etiquette and provided tips on all of the intricacies of presenting oneself appropriately at a business dinner. Throughout the evening, guest faculty shared their personal experiences and advice to complement the lecture. Following the lecture, faculty led table discussions. Pre-scripted scenarios were discussed between students and faculty during this time.

With a focus on professionalism and business dining protocols, the etiquette dinner was tailored perfectly to Michigan pharmacy students, whose future roles as healthcare professionals will require proficiency of this practice. This event was made possible by generous contributions from the ISPOR Student Network and Ryan Foster, PharmD'05, of Spectrum Health.