Structured practical experience for Canadian student pharmacists in Ghana

摘要

Volunteering in developing countries is becoming popular for pharmacists and student pharmacists. Additionally, students may receive academic credit for these experiences. It is rare, however, for these internships to be structured and precepted by a practising pharmacist with significant experience working in the local environment. This letter reports a structured practical experience in Ghana for six student pharmacists from the University of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon, Canada), who received academic credit for their time spent in Ghana. The rotation occurred over 5 weeks in March to April 2012 and the primary instructor was a practising pharmacist in Canada who had previously spent 1 year in Ghana developing and coordinating health and medical internships. Local staff at each placement site (described below) were designated as supervisors for the students' daily work.