A Community Service Organization Focused on the Arts to Develop Empathy in Pharmacy Students

Objective. To implement and assess pharmacy students' opinions of a new student organization that uses visual, linguistic, and performing arts to bring emotional support, joy, and healing to patients. Methods. Pro Mé, an on-campus, community-service organization was formed at the Appalachian College of Pharmacy for students with talent or background in the arts. Members organized performances and art events at local assisted living facilities, long-term care facilities, hospitals, mobile medical clinics, schools, etc. The group also promoted various public health care initiatives. A survey was conducted to assess the impact of participation in the organization on members. Results. Pro Mé began in March 2018 with 27 initial members. Approximately one year later, the organization had grown to 66 members and become the largest student organization on campus. During its first year, members participated in a wide array of community service events. On the survey, students reported having increased empathy and that participation in Pro Mé had enhanced their overall pharmacy school experience. Conclusion. Establishing a performing arts organization like Pro Mé at other pharmacy schools could provide students with a creative outlet, leadership opportunities, and patient contact experiences that can increase their compassion and empathy and thereby better prepare them to be practicing clinicians.