Global rotations

Global Pharmacy Scholars at Keio University in Tokyo, Japan, focus on clinical pharmacy and pharmaceutical science research while learning about a universal health care system and gaining knowledge on herbal medication treatment.

The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy is developing the next generation of global leaders in pharmacy through the Global Pharmacy Scholars (GPS) program, launched with a gift from Dhiren Thakker and his wife, Kailas. Thakker was former interim dean from 2017 to 2019.

During their fourth year of study, students in the GPS program spend one month on rotation in Australia, Honduras, Ethiopia, England, India, Japan, Malawi, Moldova or Zambia. The program positions students as global leaders who can thrive and adapt across diverse settings and patient populations while introducing them to health care systems in countries around the world.

“I gained more from my international rotation than I have from any of my other rotations,” noted Liza Schimmelfing ’20, who spent a month in Chisinau, Moldova, learning about herbal medications and pharmacognosy. “I developed personal and professional relationships as well as a wealth of knowledge about pharmacy practice around the world.”

The GPS program is a springboard to creating innovative solutions for existing global health care issues and informing pharmacy practice in the U.S.

“Giving our students a global experience remains a passion of mine,” said Dhiren Thakker, former interim dean of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. “It is my hope that their experience will open their hearts to worldwide health care challenges and their minds to learning from the rich diversity of people and cultures around the globe.”