Objective. To explore student pharmacists' perspectives on the value of pharmacy-related service-learning experiences focused on caring for underserved populations. Methods. Student pharmacists were required to complete a three-hour volunteer experience at a free clinic in western Pennsylvania. Reflective essays from all second- and third-year student pharmacists who participated in the required service-learning experience were deidentified. Essays were thematically analyzed to formulate a list of codes that represent dominant conceptual categories. Two independent coders read and coded all essays submitted from September 2015 to May 2017 using qualitative data analysis. Codes were evaluated for intercoder variability and discrepancies were mediated through discussion. Results. Four hundred twenty-two students submitted reflective essays: 222 essays were submitted by second-year students and 200 by third-year students. The prevailing themes reflected the professional obligation students felt to provide care to the underserved, empathy for underserved patients, perspectives on equitable health resource distribution, the value of service-learning experiences, growth in interprofessional awareness, and self-reported empowerment from the experience. Themes were consistent in the reflective essays of both second-year and third-year students. Third-year students' essays reflected a greater sense of self-assurance and confidence in their role at the free clinics. Students made connections between their didactic learning and experiential education. Conclusion. Student pharmacists valued their experiences working in underserved settings. Free clinics provide opportunities for student pharmacists to develop hands-on training as well as gain a broader perspective on underserved populations, health resource distribution, and the role of pharmacists.
Keywords: free clinics; health disparities; pharmacy students; service-learning; underserved care.
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