In recognition of World Pharmacists Day on September 25, we wanted to highlight students who have challenged themselves to hone their pharmacy skills in other countries, learning more about how pharmacy is practiced across the globe.
Jadyn Myers, Class of 2024, is headed to Kingston University in London, England for a rotation with an oncological pharmacist who is conducting research related to telehealth. She recently completed a rotation at the Cleveland Clinic and plans to pursue a Ph.D. after earning her Pharm.D.
Why did you want to pursue an international rotation?
“I do research in Dr. Eugenia Broude’s lab, and we collaborate with many people on an international level, so I wanted to experience more of that on a firsthand basis. Every health system operates differently, so the more I can see how other systems operate, the better prepared I will be. It will also give me flexibility for later in my career.”
What advice do you have for students who are considering international rotations?
“Say ‘yes’ to everything to help you rule out things that you do not like. Keep the options open and give yourself the opportunity to experience all that you possibly can,” she says. “I feel like that's the best way for you to eventually find your niche.”
Every health system operates differently, so the more I can see how other systems operate, the better prepared I will be. It will also give me flexibility for later in my career.
Sierra Hill, ‘22, completed two international rotations in Uganda and Ireland.
What did you learn during your international rotations?
“In Ireland I learned the differences between American pharmacy and Irish pharmacy, and I worked with populations specific to that country such as multiple cystic fibrosis patients in the Irish traveler community,” she recalls. "In Uganda, we rounded with the physicians daily and were able to observe multiple surgeries and births throughout the rotation. I also worked with an outreach team coming to Uganda."
What was your biggest takeaway from your rotations?
“I learned to not take anything for granted especially when considering available resources in comparison to what we have available in the U.S. I benefited from being able to see differences between the way things are done and learning that there are always methods to improve your own practice as well as appreciating other staff such as nurses, midwives and technicians. If you have the opportunity, take it and make the most out of the rotation, learning everything you can while you are there.”
Jennifer Baker, director of Experiential Programs, says the college offers students the opportunity to experience health care in other cultures through the many connections her team has established.
“Through these international experiences, our students have the chance to not only learn about other cultures, but to grow their global health knowledge by working side-by-side with health care providers in other nations,” she says. “These rotations provide a unique insight for our students to appreciate the range of pharmacy practice around the world.”
Topics: Pharm.D. Program, Experiential Education, Become a Preceptor