Published on November 6, 2025 by Alison Ingle  
immunizations

Third-year Doctor of Pharmacy students at Samford University’s McWhorter School of Pharmacy made a measurable impact across the Birmingham community during their recent Focused Patient Care Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE).

As part of the weeklong experiential course held in October, 86 students provided direct patient care through immunizations, health screenings and medication counseling at pharmacies and community sites throughout the area.

Students administered more than 4,100 vaccines including influenza, pneumococcal, COVID-19 and zoster vaccines. They also performed hundreds of health screenings for blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol, strengthening their clinical skills while serving community needs.

“The PHAR 530 Focused Patient Care IPPE is where students live out Samford’s vision of preparing pharmacists who transform lives,” said professor Jeff Kyle, director of experiential education. “Through immunizations, screenings and patient counseling, they contribute meaningful care to our community while developing confidence and identity as future pharmacists.”

Their work extended beyond vaccines and screenings. Students guided patients through decisions about nonprescription products, answered questions about everyday health concerns and offered practical advice on how to stay consistent with their medications. Through these conversations, they helped patients feel more confident in managing their health.

For many students, the experience was eye-opening. Kara Roper said it reminded her of the importance of meeting patients where they are.

“Whether it be physically going out in the community or explaining something in a way they can understand, it can make all the difference,” she said. The week, she added, showed how compassion and connection are essential to improving health outcomes.

The experience reaffirmed Abby Bates’ calling to pharmacy.

“The IPPE reminded me of why I chose this career in the first place,” she said. “It was such a fulfilling experience to protect and educate parts of my community I had not been involved with before.”

The Focused Patient Care IPPE remains a hallmark of Samford’s curriculum, emphasizing both service and experiential learning as students prepare for advanced practice experiences and their future roles as pharmacists.

 
Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford enrolls 6,324 students from 44 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford is widely recognized as having one of the most beautiful campuses in America, featuring rolling hills, meticulously maintained grounds and Georgian-Colonial architecture. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks with the second-highest score in the nation for its 98% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.