KINGSTON, R.I. — Nov. 22, 2024 — Students from various high schools gathered for a comprehensive tour of Avedisian Hall, the prestigious home of the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy. These students, accompanied by their teachers, engaged directly with faculty members and current URI students, discussing the intricacies of college life and the professional paths within the field of pharmacy during the much-anticipated semiannual Exploration Day on November 22.
Among the attendees were numerous aspiring pharmacy professionals from South Kingstown High School’s specialized pharmacy technician program. This event provided them with invaluable insights into the pivotal role of pharmacists, the myriad of academic opportunities available at URI, and essential information on the application process for prospective students.
Students were divided into small groups, allowing for a more intimate learning experience as they toured the state-of-the-art building and witnessed live demonstrations. Youngken Medicinal Garden Coordinator Elizabeth Liebovitz captivated participants with a detailed presentation on the significant role of plants and herbs in modern medicine. Additionally, simulation lab co-director Amanda Chichester showcased the advanced technologies available, including lifelike mannequins used in the Patient Simulation Laboratory. URI students also provided hands-on instruction on capsule preparation in the college’s compounding lab, while professors and students exhibited practical demonstrations on the effective use of epipens.
Exploration Day aims to give students the opportunity to:
- Learn the role of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists.
- Explore various research opportunities.
- Participate in engaging health and wellness activities.
- Tour the innovative pharmacy building and medicinal garden.
- Experience firsthand the College’s cutting-edge simulation lab.
“This event offers a wonderful platform to present our programs and raise awareness about the pharmacy profession among high school students in our region,” noted Clinical Professor Erica Estus, the event’s organizer. “It fosters direct communication between our current students and future URI enrollees, allowing prospective students to witness the advanced equipment and the numerous career advantages they stand to gain by choosing to study here.”
Exploring Pharmacy: URI’s High School Exploration Day
KINGSTON, R.I. — Nov. 22, 2024 — So you thought being a pharmacist was all about standing behind a counter, handing over prescriptions to people who can’t pronounce the names? Think again! High school students from across Rhode Island recently stormed the University of Rhode Island’s College of Pharmacy like it was Black Friday at a department store—minus the trampling, hopefully—for their semi-annual Exploration Day. And yes, they actually learned something!
These budding pharmacists, fueled by curiosity and probably a little caffeine (because what else do high schoolers run on?), mingled with their teachers and URI faculty, getting an inside scoop into the thriving world of pharmaceuticals. They weren’t just handed brochures and told to ‘figure it out’; they actually got to interact with knowledgeable faculty members and URI students who are knee-deep in pharmacological goodness.
Why They Came
According to the press release—getting fancy now—the event attracted students from South Kingstown High School’s ambitious pharmacy technician program. They didn’t just come for the free snacks (though let’s not kid ourselves, that’s always a bonus); they wanted to learn about the multifaceted role of a pharmacist. What does a pharmacist do, you ask? Well, spoiler alert: It’s not just pointing at the right shelf when someone asks for “that blue pill.”
Hands-On Learning
The students split into groups, each more inquisitive than the last, and trekked through Avedisian Hall like kids in a candy store (though this candy might come with a side of health and wellness). They watched magnetic demonstrations by URI profs who might have been more entertaining than your average college lecture—no offense to your algebra professor, but do they demonstrate how to use an epipen? Didn’t think so!
- Elizabeth Liebovitz, the Youngken Medicinal Garden Coordinator, showcased how plants and herbs aren’t just for making your grandma’s tea.
- Amanda Chichester, simulation lab co-director, showed off lifelike mannequins that probably have better fashion sense than half the students. I mean, who knew mannequins could look that lifelike?
- Students learned to make capsules in URI’s compounding lab—don’t worry, mom, it’s all legal!
What They Gained
Exploration Day aims to give students an all-access pass to the pharmaceutical world, answering why they would even want to get involved:
- Learn the role of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists—hint: it’s more than just checking expiration dates.
- Explore research opportunities—because who doesn’t want to sit in a lab staring at a petri dish?
- Participate in health and wellness activities—yoga with a side of chemistry, anyone?
- Tour the pharmacy building and herbal garden—no, you can’t take the plants home.
- Experience the College’s simulation lab—no, they don’t allow you to take home a mannequin for practice.
A Word from the Boss
Erica Estus, Clinical Professor and the mastermind behind this event, said it succinctly: “It’s a great opportunity to showcase our programs.” Basically, it’s not just about putting the “pharmacy” in pharmacist. It’s about equipping future pharmacy stalwarts with the right tools—be it medical knowledge or the art of friendly conversation. She stressed the importance of allowing potential students to engage directly and see the high-tech wonders they can get their hands on should they choose to join URI.
So, what’s the takeaway from Exploration Day? If you’re into pills, potions, and saving humanity one prescription at a time, the URI College of Pharmacy may just be the place for you. Either that, or start working on your next career as a mannequin. The choice is yours!
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What are the various career paths available for pharmacists after graduation?
Opportunity to dive deep into the world of pharmacy. They learned about the various career paths pharmacists can pursue and the essential skills required to excel in the field. As Clinical Professor Erica Estus pointed out, this event not only educates but also inspires young minds to consider pharmacy as a viable and rewarding profession. It’s about showcasing the advanced resources available at URI and highlighting the extensive career prospects after graduation.
The exploration included engaging health and wellness activities, allowing students to see firsthand how pharmacists contribute to patient care. Tours through the innovative pharmacy building and the medicinal garden further illustrated the integration of nature and wellness in pharmaceutical practices.
Exploration Day served as a perfect blend of education, interaction, and fun, making a lasting impression on these high school students and igniting their interest in the expansive realm of pharmacy. As they left Avedisian Hall, many were likely pondering their future paths—not just as students but as healthcare professionals poised to make a difference in their communities. Who knows? One of them might even be back in a few years, walking the halls not as a visitor, but as a URI pharmacy student ready to make their mark!}