During a week in October, third-year students at Samford University's McWhorter School of Pharmacy completed their PHAR 530 Focused Patient Care Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE). The students gained hands-on experience in community pharmacies where they administered vaccines, counseled patients, conducted medication therapy management and collaborated with preceptors. Eighty-one students administered a total of 4,813 vaccines to members of the Birmingham community, averaging 59 vaccinations per student. The vaccines included COVID-19, influenza, pneumococcal, zoster and other preventable diseases.
The course offers pharmacy students the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. With a public health focus, students engage in activities such as administering vaccines and conducting physical assessments, preparing them for future professional roles by building confidence and skill.
Reflecting on the week, third-year student Kylie Garrett gained invaluable hands-on experience that shaped her future career aspirations. She expressed her gratitude for her time at Rocky Ridge Drugs in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, where she had the opportunity to administer vaccinations, counsel patients and assist with medication preparation. Garrett said, "IPPE week reminded me why I have always wanted to own my own pharmacy."
This immersive experience allowed students to enhance their clinical abilities and deepen their understanding of the critical role pharmacists play in patient care. They saw firsthand the impact pharmacists have on communities while leaving their own mark.
"I had the opportunity to treat and care for patients of backgrounds that I hardly ever come across in my day-to-day experience. I grew in my confidence as a servant of health and gained a much deeper understanding of how truly impactful pharmacy can be on patient’s lives," said third-year student Logan Guzik,. "Many people I treated, I had close to nothing in common with, but what I was able to share with everyone was a smile."
Pharmacists are essential health care providers, and the relationships they foster with patients can profoundly impact their lives.
McWhorter School of Pharmacy prepares students in a Christian environment to become exemplary pharmacists. This week highlighted the students' dedication to their communities and their commitment to serve with Christ-like compassion.
