University of Toronto Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy
Toronto, Canada
I chose to pursue an International APPE to gain a broader perspective on global healthcare systems and pharmacy practice beyond the United States. This opportunity allowed me to experience different practice types/environments and learn more about international pharmacy initiatives. Of course, exploring another country was a plus!
A typical day at my pharmacy practice site involved participating in academic initiatives (i.e., preparing educational materials, contributing to curriculum development). I collaborated with students and healthcare professionals during interprofessional activities, fostering teamwork and communication across disciplines. Additionally, I served as a co-facilitator for simulation-based learning sessions, guiding students through realistic patient care scenarios to enhance their clinical reasoning and decision-making skills.
One of my favorite memories during my time abroad was visiting Niagara Falls, skiing for the first time, and developing lifelong connections with my fellow APPE students and preceptors throughout the month. I also had the opportunity to serve as a judge during the 2025 HOSA Canada Conference. I was a student in HOSA throughout high school, so it felt rewarding to be on the opposite end of things. Additionally, my preceptors trusted me with developing a curriculum for a new course they plan to implement at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, focusing on environmental impacts/ecotoxicity as they relate to pharmaceuticals, and I had so much fun!
Immersing myself in an international healthcare system highlighted how policies, expectations, and interprofessional dynamics can vary significantly across borders. This valuable global perspective is something I would not have fully appreciated without an international APPE.
This experience equipped me to become a more effective pharmacist by strengthening my leadership skills through active involvement in academic initiatives and serving as an educator to international pharmacy students. I learned to guide and collaborate with teams, adapt to new environments, and lead with confidence in unfamiliar settings. Exposure to international pharmacy practice reinforced the value of flexible, globally informed approaches to pharmacy practice and care.
About the International APPE Program
UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy’s International APPE program allows students have the opportunity to complete their Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs) abroad, gaining valuable experience in caring for culturally diverse patient populations. Students may apply for rotations in a variety of international healthcare settings including Ireland, Spain, Thailand, Canada, and Sweden.