Phar & Wide: Global Pharmacy Scholars, Summer & Fall ’23
Sharing photos and short anecdotes from students’ international rotations
Story by Ryan McDaniel | Published January 23, 2024
Our series, Phar & Wide, follows the travels of UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy faculty, students, staff, and alumni. For this entry, we look back at the Global Pharmacy Scholar (GPS) Program students and their travels in Japan and Malawi throughout the summer and fall of 2023.
A Warm Welcome to Japan
During their rotation at Gunma University Hospital, fourth-year students Katy Ryan and Megan Wolff were treated to a meal at a traditional Japanese restaurant by pharmacy faculty.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Techniques
While at Gunma University Hospital, Megan (second from left) and Katy (second from right) visited the university's state-of-the-art Heavy Ion Medical Center, where they are a leader in innovative radiation therapy for cancer patients.
Compounding
At Gunma University Hospital, Megan and Katy compounded ointment. Left: Megan mixes the product. Right: Megan and Katy show off their work.
Exploring the City
Outside of their busy rotations, Megan and Katy set out to learn more about Japanese culture and history. They visited several temples, including this one in Asakusa, a district of Tokyo.
Tanabata
During their first week in Japan, Katy and Megan celebrated Tanabata. This annual festival is marked by writing wishes on small strips of paper called Tanzaku, and hanging them on bamboo.
Daiichi Sankyo Kusuri Museum
Daiichi Sankyo is the second largest pharmaceutical company in Japan. Along with Keio University students, Katy visited an interactive museum created by Daiichi Sankyo, where they learned how certain drugs work in the body and how those medications are created.
The Tokyo Skyline
Megan captured this photo with the lab she was with at Keio University. Taken on the rooftop patio of their lab building with the Tokyo Skyline in the background.
Tokyo Women's Hospital
At Tokyo Women's Women's Hospital, Megan and Katy were able to observe techniques as staff mixed chemo medications under a hood.
Making New Friends
Megan and Katy took this fabulous photo with Keio University students at a photo booth that makes everyone in the shot look like cartoon characters. UNC <3 Keio!
(R)onald McDonald House
Fun fact: There are Ronald McDonald Houses in Japan. However, there they are called the "Donald McDonald House." Thanks to Megan for sharing!
The Tsumura Kampo Museum
Along with students from Iowa and Thailand, Katy visited the Tsumura Kampo Museum. Kampo is the study and adoption of traditional Chinese medicine in Japan. Katy got hands-on at the museum: "I was able to simulate their drug making process from the stages of crude drug, to crushing the material and eventually to the final product of a 'bead-like' substance."
Kampo Medicine
Megan also got hands-on with Kampo Medicine. Left: Megan (third from right) and other students display the mixing bowl with the medication's components weighed out. Right: Megan mixes the Kampo medication together.
Four Universities, One Meal
Since Keio University hosts many international students, there are ample opportunities to make friends from many countries. Katy joined students from Iowa University, Kohn Kaen University (Thailand), and Keio University (Japan) for a lunch out.
A Taste of America
On her last day with her lab on Drug Development and Regulatory Sciences, Megan brought the lab members American candy to enjoy!
Life in Lilongwe
A few shots capturing aspects of living in Lilongwe, Malawi. Clockwise from top-left: Jennifer Zhao, Skylar Harrigfeld, and Jessica Wiley ride a tuk-tuk back from the grocery story; the friendly dogs of the UNC Project Guesthouse, Joe Biden and Jellybean; Malawi meal with rice, nsima, beans, and vegetables; selling cabbages roadside.
Photos With Hanna
It seems to now be a rooted tradition, when on rotation at the Tidziwe Centre, to get a photo in front of the colorful sign with preceptor Hanna Kumwenda.
(Left photo, left-to-right): Skylar Harrigfield, Jessica Wiley, Hanna, Jennifer Zhao. (Middle photo, left-to-right): Lauren Fasth, Hanna, Nathan Andert. (Right photo, left-to-right): Sahaana Veeravalli, Hanna, Gabrielle Flynn
The Lighthouse HIV Clinic
At the Lighthouse HIV Clinic students pre-package and dispense medications. Left-to-right; Jennifer Zhao, Skylar Harrigfeld, and Gabby Flynn.
Exploring Outdoors
One great part of international rotations is experiencing the natural wonders of a different country. In Malawi, students visited Liwonde National Park (left), viewed Chongoni Rock Art (middle), and summited Dedza Mountain (right).
On hiking up Dedza Mountain, fourth-year student Lauren Fasth recalls, "It took us several hours to reach the top, but the view was worth it!"
Wildlife Encounters
Pictures of elephants captured by Lauren Fasth (left) and Jennifer Zhao (right) while touring Liwonde National Park.
Share Your Travel Photos and Stories!
Do you love to travel? Have you been on some interesting travel adventures? Share them with the Carolina Pharmacy community! We are always looking for stories and photos from faculty, staff, students, and alumni of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. Reach out to us through our Contact Us page to get started.