August 13, 2024
This summer, the McKesson Foundation Leading Excellence, Advancing Diversity (LEAD) team hosted 27 college students for the first Emerging Students of Pharmacy overnight program at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. LEAD aims to build a pharmacy workforce that provides empathetic, high-quality, accessible care for all patients.
This program was made possible by a grant from the McKesson Foundation. The goal was to have students fully immersed in the PharmD program and leave with a greater sense of what they can accomplish within the various pathways of pharmacy.
“We wanted students to gain knowledge of the preparation needed to pursue a career in pharmacy, as well as use the program to network with current students, faculty, and alumni,” said Leah Pompey, McKesson Foundation LEAD recruitment and mentoring program manager.
The event started with a welcome dinner, in which students began networking with alumni and faculty of the School. The following day the students went to one of two off-site locations, Viiv Healthcare or Central Compounding Center, where they were able to observe how pharmacy professions can vary from what many students were accustomed to experiencing or envisioning.
“I’m grateful for the chance to be part of such an impactful program… the networking opportunities significantly deepened my understanding of the field, and the connections I made with fellow participants and professionals have strengthened my confidence in pursuing a career in pharmacy,” said Jala Whittaker, Fayetteville State University ‘25.
Students also toured the lab of Associate Professor Rahima Benhabbour, PhD, to observe the research aspect of pharmaceutical sciences. Concluding the three-day program, students participated in hands-on activities with current students highlighting the importance of medication safety, medication adherence, and sterile compounding.
“We were able to visit field sites, pharmacy labs and get hands on experience with sterilized compounding,” said Brooklynn Barnett, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ‘25. “I really enjoyed those parts of the program because I am a hands-on learner.”
Participants also had the opportunity to hear from current PharmD students. They shared advice on navigating the transition from undergraduate programs to professional school, building a community, and configuring their pathways in pharmacy.
“This program was a transformative experience that reinforced my passion for pursuing a career in pharmacy,” said Georgio Haskins, Spelman College ‘25. “Being part of a dynamic and supportive community at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy has been one of the highlights of my summer program experience.”
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