The University of Iowa: Risa Nakanishi (Then a 6th-year student in the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy)

I participated in a five-week practical training program at the University of Iowa in Iowa, USA. I applied for the Overseas Advanced Practical Training program because I wanted to learn firsthand about the differences in medical care between Japan and other countries, the needs in overseas clinical settings, and the perspectives of pharmacy students abroad.

At the University of Iowa, the first week consisted of attending lectures and observing community pharmacies. From the second to the fifth week, I underwent one-week practical training sessions by shadowing local students during their training in hospital wards and clinics.

I was surprised by the deep clinical knowledge and diverse perspectives of the pharmacy students at the University of Iowa, who were able to conduct their practical training independently from pharmacists. Because they often had opportunities to be involved in prescription design, the ability to appropriately collect, examine, and provide necessary information was highly demanded, which made me reaffirm the responsibilities that pharmacists bear. Although it was sometimes difficult to discuss diseases and treatments in English, I was impressed by how the pharmacists and students were always kind and taught me patiently, and how they listened to what I had to say. There was an environment where we could actively exchange information and opinions, and through that, I had many realizations.

Although I had long wanted to participate in this program, I was also very anxious about living and studying for about a month in a place where Japanese is not spoken, and I think participating was a big challenge for me. However, thanks to the generous support from the coordinators at both my university and the University of Iowa starting from before my study abroad, as well as the cooperation and support from the University of Iowa students, the senior students who participated last year, and my peers who participated with me this year, I was able to have a very fulfilling and enjoyable time. I strongly encourage anyone who is hesitant about participating to take on the challenge. You are sure to have an irreplaceable experience.