Document Type

Poster Presentation

Publication Date

4-17-2026

Keywords

fsc2026

Abstract

Objectives: To facilitate student exploration of interest in pharmacy by offering a summer Pharmacy Camp.

Methods: Rising high school juniors and seniors participated in a 4-day summer program offered through the Wegmans School of Pharmacy at St. John Fisher University (SJFC; Rochester, NY). The program included discussions with pharmacy students, residents, and faculty about pharmacy practice; hands-on activities in compounding pharmacy and simulation laboratories; practical experience with clinical skills such as antibiotic plating, vaccine education, and NARCANÒ administration; a Q&A session with a career panelist forum of pharmacists; and an admissions overview. The program included a trip to the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) for hospital tours of the pharmacy departments and dispensing units, and basic life support and CPR training.

Results: Twenty-four students attended camp the first year, and 28 students attended the second year. A significant shift was observed in student perspectives throughout the camp. Initially, only 16% expressed strong interest in pursuing a pharmacy career. By the end of camp, 61% had strong interest, and 89% gained a clearer understanding of the pharmacy profession through SJFC Pharmacy Camp activities. The off-site experience was a primary driver of this shift: 72% of participants cited the URMC hospital pharmacy tours and clinical discussions as the most helpful in developing pharmacy career understanding.

Conclusions: Our summer immersion program succeeded in raising awareness and supporting development of foundational pharmacy skills, based on positive student feedback and increased enrollment. By combining hands-on laboratory experiences with clinical site visits, the program provided a view of the pharmacist’s role in various professional areas. As a sustainable recruitment model, our approach strengthens early professional interest and supports informed career decision-making toward pharmacy.

Comments

Poster presented at the 2026 Fisher Showcase, St. John Fisher University, April 17, 2026.

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