University of Iowa: Rina Saito (6th year, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy *at the time)

I participated in a five-week overseas advanced clerkship at the University of Iowa.  

During the clerkship, the first week involved participating in pharmacy student classes and observing facilities such as community pharmacies and those involved in home healthcare. The remaining four weeks were spent in practical training at a hospital. Through this, I experienced firsthand what 'team-based healthcare' is and the role that pharmacists should play within the team. In the United States, the pharmacy technician system is well-established, and dispensing pharmacists are completely separate from clinical pharmacists. Therefore, it is standard practice for a pharmacist to always be present on the ward and within the medical team. Both during rounds and in the office, I frequently saw doctors consulting with pharmacists about matters such as drug dosage, and I felt the benefit of having a system where healthcare professionals can constantly consult with one another. I was also impressed by the pharmacy students' ability to converse with patients one-on-one, tailoring the conversation to the individual, and by their high level of knowledge.

After classes and on days off, students and faculty took me to various activities. The strong sense of unity and excitement while watching an American football game, and the warmth of the people in Iowa, were precious experiences that I believe I could not have had in Japan.  

As it was a hospital clerkship conducted in English, there were difficulties and times when I struggled to keep up, but everyone around me was always kind and supportive. Being able to experience overseas healthcare from the perspective of a healthcare professional is unique to this program, and I believe it is something that can only be understood by seeing it with your own eyes. It was an experience that made me genuinely glad I took on the challenge. I would be happy if many students become interested in it.