High school and college students from across the nation had a unique opportunity to explore and better understand what it means to be a pharmacist at the seventh annual UB Pharmacy Summer Institute (PSI),

The multi-day program, held July 11-13 in the Pharmacy Building on the South Campus and sponsored by Independent Health, provided more than 50 students with a broad range of learning experiences. These included interactive sessions, activities and lectures by UB pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences faculty and Buffalo-area alumni on topics ranging from vaccinations to medical marijuana to the many diverse and dynamic career opportunities a pharmacy degree can provide.

“We are elated to return to an in-person format to bring talented high school and college students with an interest in health care to our school to explore the many exciting opportunities available to future pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists” says Jennifer Rosenberg, associate dean of admissions and advisement.

Participants experienced in-depth educational programs highlighting the ins and outs of pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical sciences through innovative sessions, such as patient counseling, pharmaceutics research, NARCAN training and other clinically focused health care activities. To further prepare students for health care and research careers, the institute highlighted the many educational opportunities offered by the school and provided recommendations on preparatory high school courses focusing on undergraduate pharmacy coursework.

The 2022 program was organized and led by the newly formed Pharmacy Summer Institute PharmD Student Leadership Team, a group of former PSI alumni now UB PharmD students, who helped guide and shape programming, ensuring an engaging and immersive experience for all attendees.

“Being a member of the inaugural PSI class of 2016, it is extremely rewarding to now be involved in the 2022 program as a fourth-year PharmD student,” says Chloe Matecki, PharmD ’23, senior PSI student leader. “Our planning work over the past eight months has been very fulfilling because there was a heavy focus on mentorship — where I could assist those like me who are looking for a sign that pharmacy is the path for them.

“It was amazing to see students creating and engaging with new ideas of what the profession of pharmacy could mean to them,” Matecki says. “The outreach session I led filled me with hope for a new generation with the great compassionate mindset these students will bring to health care. I was honored to participate and set up a legacy for institutes to come.”

For more information, visit UB Pharmacy Summer Institute.