In January of this year, WNE Pharmacy students, led by Assistant Dean for Experiential Affairs Dr. Melissa Mattison, traveled to Ghana, West Africa, to engage in a transformative international Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) rotation.

In partnership with healthcare professionals and students from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, WNE students provided essential health education and services to local communities. Their activities included conducting health screenings, offering nutrition counseling, and facilitating education sessions on tropical diseases. These efforts fostered intercultural learning and an exchange of medical practices with local healthcare providers.

“This experience allowed our students to immerse themselves in the rich cultural and medical landscape of sub-Saharan Africa while making a tangible difference in the lives of Ghanaian communities,” remarked Dr. Mattison.

The success of this inaugural APPE rotation has paved the way for future initiatives. In January 2025, Dr. Mattison will lead another group of Pharmacy students to Ghana to build upon the foundation laid during this transformative experience.

Western New England University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences provides students with opportunities for global engagement and experiential learning, preparing them to become compassionate and competent healthcare professionals on a global scale.