UC pharmacy students explore universal healthcare in Australia

For many pharmacy students, there can be great barriers to studying abroad. However, an intrepid group of students in the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy pushed past those boundaries and spent three weeks near the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns and Sydney, Australia.

Michael Doherty, associate professor of pharmacy and associate dean for experiential education, designed the program to emphasize the different health care systems between the United States and Australia. Given the rapidly changing climate surrounding health reform in the U.S., a greater understanding of universal healthcare provides students with professional knowledge of innovative healthcare models.

Among the student cohort who traveled “down under,” fourth year Hannah Fry and third year Courtney Campbell highlight their takeaways on study abroad, why they decided to go, advice for other students and more. 

Fry: I found the balance between study and tourist experiences the most surprising. Before we left, I looked at the schedule and it seemed like there was a lot of educational focus because it was a study abroad. However, most of the time it was half pharmacy focused and the rest was on our own. It was incredible to be able to leave school and go explore to feel just like an Australian student. Some experiences we had were once in a lifetime and I could not be more grateful for those moments.

Campbell: I think the highlight of my experience was being able to do fun “tourist-y” things all while learning more about the health systems of another country. I think the most vivid memory was being able to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef. It was a day away from learning and school and just being able to be out in nature with classmates that had grown to become my friends. It was a magical experience and was a check off my bucket list.

Fry: I would strongly recommend studying abroad, whether it is for two weeks or a year. The opportunities gained by studying abroad are ones that cannot be found anywhere else. I thought hard about whether I should go to Australia to sacrifice my break later this year. I kept reminding myself that the experience was one that I could not have ever again, but I can push through a year of a heavier workload. It is a recommendation I will continue to give because it is a decision that I will never regret.

Campbell: I would tell other students to jump at the opportunity if they are able to do so, if they can fit it into their schedule and handle it financially. It was an eye-opening experience and everything that was planned for us made it a once-in-a-lifetime trip. There are people who dream about travelling to foreign countries who never get the chance. If there are no barriers to taking such a trip, they should go simply for the experience.

Featured image at top: UC Pharmacy students in Australia | Photo/provided