Expanding Our Horizons: The Impact of International APPEs

By Josh Brown, PhD, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, and Madeleine Dao, P4 Student

As part of our commitment to developing well-rounded, compassionate, and culturally competent pharmacists, the Harding University College of Pharmacy is proud to offer international Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs). These global rotations provide our P4 students with unparalleled opportunities to navigate diverse healthcare systems, serve underserved populations, and broaden their clinical and personal perspectives.

This year, our students have stepped outside their comfort zones to provide care and learn in dynamic environments around the world.

A Student’s Perspective: Medical Missions in Ecuador

To truly understand the value of these experiences, there is no better voice than that of a student who has just returned. Madeleine Dao, a current P4 student, recently completed a medical mission rotation in Ecuador alongside Dr. Kellett. Here is what she had to share about her transformative journey:

"I loved my international rotation with Dr. Kellett in Ecuador! We joined a different pharmacy school while spending the trip together, so I was able to make connections with pharmacy students who had different foundational knowledge. Participating in a medical mission trip outside of the country makes you realize how much we really take for granted here in the states. The trip puts in perspective how grateful I am for the resources and accessibility I have while pursuing higher education.During the trip, you get to learn how to ask the right questions to make your assessment and use the resources you have available. You also learn how to accommodate for the situations you’re put in, and when you’re looking back at your adventure, you learn to realize how much you persevered. I would recommend any pharmacy student to try an international APPE because this is the best time to learn while still being under guidance and training!"

Expanding Our Global Footprint: Italy and Nicaragua

In addition to our impactful work in Ecuador, HUCOP students have the opportunity to participate in two other distinct international APPEs, each offering a unique lens on global health:

• Italy: This rotation offers students a fascinating look into a European healthcare model. Students immerse themselves in a different system of pharmacy practice, learning how community and clinical pharmacy operate under a universal healthcare framework. It is an incredible opportunity to compare and contrast clinical guidelines, patient care approaches, and cultural attitudes toward medicine.
• Nicaragua: Similar to the Ecuador experience, our Nicaragua APPE focuses heavily on medical mission work and public health in resource-limited settings. Students are challenged to provide vital pharmaceutical care, manage chronic and acute conditions, and educate patients in rural or underserved communities. It is a profound exercise in empathy, adaptability, and clinical problem-solving.

By taking pharmacy education beyond our borders, we are ensuring that our graduates are not only clinical experts but also global citizens ready to lead with compassion.