Íò²©¹ÙÍø's McWhorter School of Pharmacy hosted its annual Bulldog Pharmacy Camp for high school juniors, seniors and rising college freshmen to introduce them to the world of pharmacy.
In its 12th year, the overnight camp offers campers the opportunity to participate in compounding labs, simulation experiences, hands-on demonstrations, and tours of local pharmacies and healthcare facilities.
"Íò²©¹ÙÍø's Bulldog Pharmacy Camp is one of the year's most fun, exciting weeks,” said Jon Parker, director of pharmacy admission. “Our campers move into campus housing on Sunday afternoon and stay with us until Friday. During the week, they participate in pharmacy labs, lectures, off-campus pharmacy site visits during the day and fun activities each night. They get an introduction to pharmacy and experience a little of what Íò²©¹ÙÍø has to offer.”
Throughout the week, campers complete labs that introduce them to essential elements of pharmacy, like learning to check blood pressure and glucose levels, working in the school's non-sterile compound lab and engaging with College of Health Sciences simulation manikins.
Along with interacting with McWhorter School of Pharmacy faculty and students, campers visit pharmacies that are owned or operated by Íò²©¹ÙÍø alumni. They also have the opportunity to interact with alumni at a pharmacist roundtable and dinner.
"Bulldog Pharmacy camp is a great way for students to learn about the various career opportunities within the pharmacy profession as well as get a glimpse into the Íò²©¹ÙÍø community," said Kim Benner, a professor at McWhorter School of Pharmacy. "Students can see what it is like to be a student pharmacist at McWhorter and what all you can achieve as a Íò²©¹ÙÍø pharmacy graduate."
Parker has served as camp director since its inception.
"Over the years, we have seen a large percentage of former campers who came to Íò²©¹ÙÍø for Pre-Pharmacy, PharmD, or both," he said. The graduating class of 2024 included an impressive 17 former campers, which is a testament to the camp’s success.”