P2 Student, UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy
I was inspired to pursue the Rural Health Certificate because of my personal connection to underserved communities. Growing up in a rural area, I witnessed firsthand the challenges people face when it comes to accessing healthcare. From limited healthcare providers to transportation barriers, these issues often result in delayed care and poorer health outcomes.
This experience motivated me to explore ways pharmacy can help bridge these gaps, particularly in rural and remote areas where pharmacists often serve as one of the few available healthcare providers.
The Rural Health Certificate program offers an opportunity to gain the specialized knowledge and skills needed to address these unique challenges. I’m particularly interested in how pharmacists can support chronic disease management, medication adherence, and preventive care in rural settings. This program will equip me with both the clinical expertise and cultural competency necessary to make a meaningful impact in underserved communities.
Ultimately, I aspire to practice in a rural area, and this certificate will help me better serve those who have limited access to healthcare resources. What I enjoy most about being part of the Rural Health Certificate program is the unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the specific healthcare needs of rural communities. Through the program, I’ve been able to learn about the diverse challenges faced by these populations, from healthcare access and transportation barriers to cultural and socioeconomic factors that influence health outcomes. This has broadened my perspective on how pharmacy can be a key part of the solution, and it’s inspiring to see how pharmacists can truly make a difference in improving health outcomes in underserved areas.
During my rural health rotation at Morristown Pharmacy, a typical day involved a mix of dispensing medications and providing direct patient care in a community with significant healthcare needs. Many patients were low-income and relied on reduced-cost or free medications, so a large part of my day was spent ensuring prescriptions were accurately filled and that patients received the medications they needed. I also provided medication counseling, helping patients understand proper usage, side effects, and how to manage chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. One of the most rewarding aspects of the rotation was connecting with community members, listening to their stories, and offering guidance on navigating their healthcare needs. I was able to observe the unique challenges faced by underserved populations and saw how vital the role of the pharmacist is in helping improve access to necessary care. It was a valuable learning experience that strengthened my commitment to serving rural communities and addressing healthcare disparities.
The Rural Health Certificate program has greatly expanded my understanding of the unique healthcare challenges faced by rural populations in Tennessee. While I was initially aware of issues like limited access to providers and high rates of chronic diseases, the program has deepened my perspective on the complex factors that contribute to these disparities, such as economic barriers, limited healthcare infrastructure, and cultural influences on health behaviors. Through coursework and experiences like my rotation at Morristown Pharmacy, I’ve learned how these challenges intersect and require community-specific solutions. Additionally, the program has changed the way I view the role of pharmacists in rural areas. I now recognize that pharmacists in these settings are not just dispensers of medications, but essential healthcare providers who manage chronic conditions, educate patients, and help them navigate a complex healthcare system.
Obtaining the Rural Health Certificate will enhance my ability to improve healthcare in rural Tennessee by equipping me with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to address the unique challenges of underserved communities. The program has deepened my understanding of the health disparities that rural populations face, such as limited access to healthcare providers, high rates of chronic diseases, and economic barriers to care. With this training, I will be better prepared to not only provide medication counseling and chronic disease management but also take a more proactive role in patient education and health outcomes.
About the Rural Health Certificate Program
The Rural Health Certificate Program promotes access to health care and pharmacy services in rural areas. It prepares future pharmacists at the UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy with the expertise needed to practice in diverse rural health care settings by incorporating pharmacy curricula, experiential learning, and rural pharmacy partnerships. This post is part of a series highlighting the benefits of the Rural Health Certificate program to our students.