A Call to Action: Impact of Pharmacy Education on Rural Practice

Abstract

Rural populations are steadily growing, yet residents in these areas face significant disparities in health care access compared with their urban counterparts. This commentary examines the role of pharmacy education in addressing the challenges of rural pharmacy practice. With a focus on strategies outlined by the World Health Organization, the authors explore interventions such as admitting students from rural backgrounds, establishing health professional schools outside major cities, and providing clinical rotations in rural areas. Drawing on examples from Australia, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand, the authors highlight various approaches taken to bridge the rural pharmacy education gap. These include adapting admission criteria for pharmacy schools, integrating rural content into curricula, and offering rural-focused rotations and certificate programs. In addition, the authors discuss the importance of addressing student perceptions of rural practice, which often include concerns about social isolation, limited collaboration opportunities, and lifestyle factors. Looking ahead, the authors suggest future directions for pharmacy education, emphasizing the need to prioritize rural health issues in curricula, increase opportunities for rural placements, and engage pharmacists from rural backgrounds in teaching roles. By implementing these recommendations, pharmacy educators can better prepare students for rural practice, ultimately improving access to health care and reducing disparities in underserved communities.