Smoothing transition to pharmacy school

Starting pharmacy school can be like standing in front of an open fire hose.

The flood of information in the first few weeks is overwhelming, leaving first-year pharmacy students in a sea of new technology, new culture, and new geography at the same time they are trying to learn critical foundational science.

The MUSC College of Pharmacy has changed the tidal wave into a refreshing, hour-long dip. On June 22, the college launched a new summer-long webinar and virtual networking series that will give incoming students a smooth and easy grip on their new environs before they arrive.

“Last year, we had to do a lot of this preparation remotely because of the pandemic,” said Cathy Worrall, associate dean for admissions and student affairs. “We discovered some great benefits. Packing all the information into one Orientation Week made it too hard for them to retain it all. Spreading it out over the summer gives them time to process.”

The Summer Webinar Series and Virtual Networking Sessions, which are typically hour-long virtual meetings two days each week between June 22-August 4, will give them opportunities to meet and have lunch with:

·         the college leadership team and staff

·         course coordinators and staff

·         peer mentors

·         student ambassadors

·         classmates

They will also have sessions with the S. C. Board of Pharmacy, MUSC Financial Aid and Student Health, MUSC Center for Academic Excellence, MUSC Counseling and Psychological Services, and the MUSC Wellness Center.

There will still be a live Orientation Week (August 9-13), during which incoming students can focus on fun activities, connecting with each other, and learning about things specific to their pharmacy education and pharmacy career. 

“Feeling comfortable with who’s who, where things are, and what resources are available before your first class can make a world of difference in your educational experience,” Worrall said.