The Time for Rural Pharmacy is Now
Of the 46 million Americans who live in rural areas many face health disparities. Healthcare resources are limited and the closest hospitals can be hours away.
That’s where pharmacists come in. Nearly 9 out of 10 Americans live within five miles of a pharmacist. In rural areas, these pharmacists become the first line of healthcare, providing critical services and enhancing public health.
Already live in a rural area and need to stay put? Consider our remote Doctor of Pharmacy option.
Real-life Rural Pharmacy
Pharmacy grad Dr. Lucas Smith has opened not one, but two rural pharmacies. He’s at the forefront of the movement to change community pharmacy and making the most of all that his rural setting offers.
Rural Hospital Experience
P2 student Hannah Bracken shares her experience working at Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center in Salida, CO during her Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience.
Rural Colorado Native
Dr. David Gurule, PharmD, '16, was born and raised in rural Colorado. He is currently a clinical pharmacist for Valley-Wide Health Systems working in 5 different outpatient clinics.
Rural Colorado Rotation
P4 Chase Allen shares his experience, from developing antimicrobial guidelines to all the free hotdogs he could eat, while in Trinidad, Colorado as part of his Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience.
Rural Colorado Scholarships
The School of Pharmacy offers generous scholarships to individuals committed to practicing in a rural area, such as the $10,000 National Western Stock Show Scholarship.
Colorado Commitment
Every CU pharmacy student completes at least one rural Colorado rotation that exposes them to the unique challenges and rewards of rural healthcare.
Experiential Opportunities
It’s not just the scenery that attracts pharmacy students to rural locations. A smaller environment allows for unique training and mentoring opportunities.
Rural Immersion Week
Each year interprofessional teams of students from across the Anschutz Medical Campus experience a “boots-on-the- ground” immersion experience in one of the many rural communities that the campus supports.
Rural Alumni Leadership
As a Pharmacy Alumni Board Member and Director of Pharmacy for Colorado Plains Medical Center in Fort Morgan, Colorado, Dr. Deborah Gallegos is committed to advancing pharmacy services and patient safety in rural settings.