UF student pharmacists become patient advocates in Florida communities

For some Floridians, being diagnosed with a condition that requires medication isn’t just a health issue; it’s a financial one. Patients in underserved communities often have to make tough decisions about whether to focus on their own healing or provide more income for their families.

University of Florida pharmacy student Melissa Thivierge recalls the exact moment she learned about this reality. She also discovered that pharmacists may be key to helping combat the problem statewide.

While completing her Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences, or APPEs — a series of clinical training rotations completed by fourth-year students and scheduled by the UF College of Pharmacy — Thivierge gained invaluable insights that she believes will forever shape her approach to caring for patients.