Implementation of a Student-Developed, Service-Based Internship for Pharmacy Students

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Ambulatory Care Pharmacy
• Service-Learning

Background:

• Pharmacy internships are crucial for career exploration and skill development.
• Service-based internships offer unique benefits like cultural awareness and community engagement.
• The Student Health Action Coalition (SHAC) at UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy initiated a novel program.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development, implementation, and impact of a student-created pharmacy internship.
• To provide student pharmacists with service-learning and ambulatory care experiences.
• To foster professional development and address health disparities in underserved populations.

Main Methods:

• A two-month service-learning internship was designed and implemented by pharmacy student leaders.
• Two rising third-year student pharmacists participated in the program.
• Internship activities included direct patient care, workshops, and quality improvement projects.

Main Results:

• The internship provided direct patient care opportunities in an ambulatory care setting.
• Interns engaged in faculty-led discussions and quality improvement initiatives.
• The program supported the professional growth of interns and advanced SHAC's mission.

Conclusions:

• The SHAC Ambulatory Care in Underserved Populations Internship is an innovative student-led initiative.
• It offers experiences beyond traditional pharmacy curricula, focusing on underserved populations and health disparities.
• The program fosters personal and professional growth for student developers and interns.