Student Spotlight
This student is featured for exemplary work during experiential education.
The preceptor had this to say about Rachel :
APPE – Community
“You exhibit a positive outlook and attitude in the pharmacy setting.“
What was your favorite part of this rotation?
My favorite part of my Community APPE rotation was experiencing firsthand the impact a rural independent pharmacy can have on its community. I enjoyed being actively involved in preventative care, including administering vaccines, and seeing how accessible and trusted the pharmacy was for patients. One of the most meaningful aspects was observing the relationships my preceptor had built over time with his patients. This reinforced how important continuity, trust, and compassion are in pharmacy practice. From a learning perspective, I appreciated how Dr. Glover intentionally shaped my experience around my interests and areas for growth. He encouraged me to take ownership of my learning by providing opportunities to make recommendations to providers, assist patients with OTC selections, and participate in operational responsibilities such as C-II inventory counts. Overall, the rotation helped me grow both professionally and personally while solidifying my appreciation for community pharmacy practice.
What advice do you have for pharmacy students preparing for rotations?
My biggest piece of advice for pharmacy students preparing for rotation is to not be afraid to advocate for your own learning. Every rotation is an opportunity to grow, but you will get the most out of it when you actively communicate your goals, interests, and learning style to your preceptor. Asking for additional opportunities or sharing what helps you learn best shows initiative and professionalism. As Dr. Curtis often emphasizes, communication is key, and I found that being open and honest with my preceptor allowed me to gain a much more meaningful and personalized learning experience. Clear communication helps set expectations, builds trust, and ultimately allows you to maximize what you take away from each rotation.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, my goal is to match into a PGY1 pharmacy residency and pursue a career in emergency medicine. I enjoy the fast-paced, collaborative nature of the emergency department and the ability to make meaningful clinical interventions in high-acuity situations. My rotations have strengthened this interest, and I am excited to continue developing my clinical skills through residency training.
What is a fun fact about you?
A fun fact about me is that my first time traveling outside of the United States was through UF’s short study abroad program, where I went to Thailand for 2 weeks.