By Jessica Carter, Pharm.D., BCPS, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
For the past three summers, HUCOP has welcomed pre-pharmacy students to participate in a Pre-Pharmacy Summer Internship Program. Dr. Rodney Richmond created the summer program in collaboration with Walgreens, launching it in 2024 to strengthen the pharmacy pipeline and provide undergraduate students with meaningful exposure to the profession. The summer program was initially developed to recruit and engage students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and has since expanded to include students from universities and community colleges throughout the southern United States. Cohorts have included students from Grambling State University, Stillman College, Spelman College, Oakwood University and Columbus State University.
Throughout the summer-long program, interns are immersed in the academic, clinical and professional aspects of pharmacy through clinical shadowing, faculty-led workshops, case discussions, research, professional development sessions and mock interviews. Students have opportunities to explore different areas of pharmacy, develop communication and professional skills, and build relationships with faculty and practicing pharmacists. Interns are also encouraged to seek additional experiences that align with their individual interests and career goals. The program has already made an impact beyond the summer experience, with four interns from the inaugural cohort continuing on to pharmacy school at HUCOP.
For many interns, the relationships they build are just as meaningful as the experiences themselves. One intern described the program as providing “meaningful exposure to real scientific work” while helping them build a strong network of research and clinical professionals. Another shared that the internship “exceeded my expectations,” particularly because of the many shadowing opportunities. Perhaps most meaningfully, one intern reflected on the welcoming environment at HUCOP, saying, “I really felt at home.” Through mentorship, hands-on learning and meaningful professional exposure, the program continues to introduce students to the possibilities within pharmacy while helping prepare the next generation of pharmacists.
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