University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy students get a truly global education, most recently learning the differences in drug scheduling and laws in different countries.

Students in Clinical Professor Kelly Orr’s Self-Care class Webexed Tuesday with Nardine Nakhla, Clinical Lecturer from the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy. Nakhla lectured in the PHP/BPS 519 Self-Care 2 elective, and students have been able to successfully speak to each others’ classes using the technology within the college, such as Webex. Students can interact with Nakhla as she lectures, and directly ask questions throughout the presentation. 

The URI College of Pharmacy has been collaborating with the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy for about five years. The professors have worked together to create lectures and class activities to be completed over two class periods of an advanced Self-Care elective at the respective schools.

The purpose the collaboration is to enhance pharmacy students’ knowledge on differences between over-the-counter drugs and drug scheduling between the United States and Canada. Additionally, the students are able to analyze and synthesize the creation of a new paradigm for nonprescription medications that could be carried out in the United States.