Amber Toler, PharmD
Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, Thailand
I chose an International APPE to broaden my perspective on pharmacy practice and healthcare delivery across different cultural and regulatory environments. Experiencing pharmacy in another country allows me to compare healthcare systems and appreciate alternative approaches to patient care. I was also motivated by a desire to strengthen my cultural competence, as I believe it is essential in today’s world. Additionally, I wanted to challenge myself in a new setting, enhance my communication skills, and build professional relationships across borders.
I chose an International APPE to broaden my perspective on pharmacy practice and healthcare delivery across different cultural and regulatory environments. Experiencing pharmacy in another country allows me to compare healthcare systems and appreciate alternative approaches to patient care. I was also motivated by a desire to strengthen my cultural competence, as I believe it is essential in today’s world. Additionally, I wanted to challenge myself in a new setting, enhance my communication skills, and build professional relationships across borders.
A typical day combined both hands-on experiences with cultural exchange. Each morning, I had the opportunity to meet with fellow pharmacy students from Mahasarakham University, as well as other international students visiting from Japan and Indonesia. These interactions fostered friendships where we could share perspectives on pharmacy education and healthcare systems in our respective countries.
Our daytime activities often included shadowing pharmacy professionals in various settings, such as hospitals, home healthcare, and community pharmacies. These experiences allowed us to observe patient care practices and the role of pharmacists within different areas of the Thai healthcare system. On other days, we participated in educational sessions that covered a range of topics, including smoking cessation programs and an overview of Thailand’s healthcare structure. Evenings were typically reserved for social activities. We would gather with other pharmacy students for dinner, explore local markets, or enjoy time outdoors at a nearby park. These outings not only helped us to connect with one another but also gave us a greater appreciation for Thai culture.
One of the most memorable and exhilarating moments during my time abroad was participating in a Thai cooking class organized by Mahasarakham University. During this experience, we had the unique opportunity to learn how to prepare authentic Thai dishes under the guidance of chefs from the University. During the class, we made some delicious dishes, including Pad Thai aand Chicken Massaman Curry. The experience was both fun and immersive—it allowed us to explore Thai culture in a hands-on way. It was incredibly fun to cook these meals from scratch, using traditional ingredients and techniques, and then sit down to enjoy the delicious results as a group. This experience not only gave me a deeper appreciation for Thai cuisine but also highlighted the strong connection between food, culture, and community—an aspect of global health that is often overlooked but vitally important.
One lesson this experience taught me was the value of cultural humility in patient care. Being immersed in a different healthcare system and collaborating with students from Thailand, Japan, and Indonesia gave me a firsthand understanding of how cultural beliefs, traditions, and societal structures deeply influence health behaviors and treatment acceptance. This international experience challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone and consider how pharmacy practice must be adapted to respect and accommodate different cultural norms. It reinforced the importance of being open-minded, asking thoughtful questions, and never assuming that one approach fits all.
This experience has equipped me to become a more effective pharmacist by broadening my perspective on healthcare delivery and deepening my appreciation for cultural competency in patient care. Working alongside pharmacy students and professionals from Thailand, Japan, and Indonesia allowed me to see how pharmacy is practiced in diverse settings, from hospitals to home healthcare visits. It highlighted the importance of adaptability, communication, and collaboration, especially when navigating language barriers. Additionally, participating in educational sessions on topics like smoking cessation and Thailand’s healthcare system helped me understand the pharmacist’s role in public health and preventive care on a global scale. These insights will enhance my ability to provide patient-centered care, especially in diverse or underserved communities. Overall, this experience strengthened both my clinical and interpersonal skills, making me more confident and prepared to work within interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes.
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.