Published on July 12, 2024 by Alison Ingle  
PharmCampREcap

Samford University's McWhorter School of Pharmacy hosted its annual Bulldog Pharmacy Camp for high school juniors, seniors and rising college freshmen to introduce them to the world of pharmacy.

In its 12th year, the overnight camp offers campers the opportunity to participate in compounding labs, simulation experiences, hands-on demonstrations, and tours of local pharmacies and healthcare facilities.

"Samford's Bulldog Pharmacy Camp is one of the year's most fun, exciting weeks,” said Jon Parker, director of pharmacy admission. “Our campers move into campus housing on Sunday afternoon and stay with us until Friday. During the week, they participate in pharmacy labs, lectures, off-campus pharmacy site visits during the day and fun activities each night. They get an introduction to pharmacy and experience a little of what Samford has to offer.”

Throughout the week, campers complete labs that introduce them to essential elements of pharmacy, like learning to check blood pressure and glucose levels, working in the school's non-sterile compound lab and engaging with College of Health Sciences simulation manikins.

Along with interacting with McWhorter School of Pharmacy faculty and students, campers visit pharmacies that are owned or operated by Samford alumni. They also have the opportunity to interact with alumni at a pharmacist roundtable and dinner.

"Bulldog Pharmacy camp is a great way for students to learn about the various career opportunities within the pharmacy profession as well as get a glimpse into the Samford community," said Kim Benner, a professor at McWhorter School of Pharmacy. "Students can see what it is like to be a student pharmacist at McWhorter and what all you can achieve as a Samford pharmacy graduate."

Parker has served as camp director since its inception.

"Over the years, we have seen a large percentage of former campers who came to Samford for Pre-Pharmacy, PharmD, or both," he said. The graduating class of 2024 included an impressive 17 former campers, which is a testament to the camp’s success.”

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 5,791 students from 49 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.