by Jordan Foley, Student Public Relations Writer
A record 70% of pharmacies in the United States are facing staffing shortages, underscoring the urgent need to educate and inspire the next generation about the vital role pharmacists play in healthcare, according to Shift Posts.
To address this growing challenge, Cedarville University’s Student College of Clinical Pharmacy (SCCP) chapter will lead an interactive pharmacy learning experience for more than 40 third-grade students from Cedar Cliff Elementary on Friday, April 11, in the Pharmacy Practice Lab at the university’s Health Sciences Center (HSC).
Organized by the SCCP, this hands-on event educates young students on the vital role of pharmacists in healthcare, including interactive learning stations.
Cedarville’s Doctor of Pharmacy students and faculty will deliver an engaging presentation on the daily roles and responsibilities of pharmacists followed by a brief question and answer portion. Throughout the event, the elementary students will participate in immersive learning exercises, including pharmacy bingo, pill counting, garb racing and measuring and weighing exercises.
"We are currently experiencing shortages of various healthcare providers in the United States, including pharmacists,” said Dr. Justin Cole, chair and associate professor of pharmacy practice at Cedarville University. “These shortages will only worsen unless we educate our young people on the amazing career options in healthcare at early ages. I see this event as a means to inspire the next generation of pharmacists and other healthcare providers who will one day care for me, my family and my friends.”
The SCCP’s partnership with Cedar Cliff Elementary is designed to foster interprofessional collaboration, support both faculty and students and inspire the next generation of pharmacists.
"Pharmacy is often misunderstood, yet it plays a pivotal role in healthcare,” said Lauren Gabor, a third-year pharmacy graduate student at Cedarville University from West Jefferson, Ohio. “Pharmacists are not only experts in medication management, but they also contribute to patient safety. The earlier we can educate students about these important aspects, the more likely they are to recognize pharmacy as a rewarding and impactful career path.”
Since pediatrics is a specialized field within pharmacy, PharmD students typically have limited opportunities to interact with younger patients. This event offers Cedarville PharmD students a unique chance to engage directly with children, providing valuable hands-on experience. It allows students to practice their communication and teaching skills with younger patients, an essential aspect of real-world pharmacy practice, and helps them develop a better understanding of pediatric care.
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
