International Component to Pharmacy?

[dolce183]

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Does anyone know of any international volunteer/work opportunities for US trained PharmD's (or pharm students for that matter)? I was recently accepted to a great school, but applied right before I left to study abroad. After having traveled quite a bit in developing nations while abroad, I realized that I want an international element in my work. I know that it might be unrealistic to work abroad in developing nations as a pharmacist due to the langugage and cultural barrier (which is quite a shame actually), but I would feel unsatisfied still if I couldn't offer help by volunteering at least. I think there are a few volunteer opportunities in AIDS/HIV related settings, but the opportunities seem a bit hard to come by (especially since I think I would probably be dipping into my funds to go help abroad, and I'm not sure if my future employer would grant me enough time to do these sorts of trips).

I really like the pharmacy profession, but feel inclined to go help out the rest of the world. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

 

[sdn1977]

Opportunities are there, but you'll have to be creative in your education and experience. Its good you have identified this desire early. I don't think you'll be able to actually be involved in dispensing except in third world and developing nations, but then no one in these settings needs particular knowledge to dispense - they just need the drugs.

Being a graduate of the US or Canada, you'll have the advantage of a great background. However, you'll need to become involved in international medical politics - some places where pharmacists are used are the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, Peace Corps, CDC, etc....

There is lots of international involvement when you choose to go into the pharmaceutical industry because these are global companies. My advice..when you get to pharmacy school in the fall & get assigned an advisor - make an appt & ask him/her what opportunities exist within the school that you might be able to participate in as a student. If you are at an institution that does research at all, they will have a connection. This is a good place to develop a relationship with a mentor. Good luck!