Developing an international industrial advanced pharmacy practice experience in Brazil

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Global Health
• Pharmacy Education

Background:

• Traditional pharmacy education often lacks global industry exposure.
• There is a need to broaden pharmacy student experiences beyond patient care electives.
• The pharmaceutical industry requires professionals with global market understanding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for and describe the implementation of international industry-focused Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs).
• To highlight the benefits of engaging pharmacy students and schools with the pharmaceutical industry for global product development.
• To broaden pharmacy student experiences in non-patient care electives.

Main Methods:

• Established a five-year international industry-focused APPE program.
• Identified international industry partners through non-traditional methods (e.g., US Chamber of Commerce).
• Developed a global regulatory affairs course, workshops, and technology platforms for student projects linked to new product development.

Main Results:

• Student projects contributed to the development of a dietary supplement product line introduced to the US market.
• Pharmacy students gained global manufacturing experience and cultural appreciation.
• Educational institutions developed joint courses and workshops, enhancing regulatory understanding.

Conclusions:

• International industry-focused APPEs provide valuable global product development experience for pharmacy students.
• This model benefits students, academic institutions, and industry partners through collaborative learning and commercialization.
• The program fosters essential skills for the global pharmaceutical market and enhances regulatory affairs knowledge.