LLUSP welcomes back P2 student Richard Gonzalez after he traveled to Nepal with a special mission: to make man whole! The mission trip gave Richard the opportunity to dive into the field of pharmacy through hands-on experience and cultural immersion.
Under the guidance of pharmacy practice professor emeritus Dr. Nancy Kawahara, Richard and several other LLUSP pharmacy students worked alongside Nepali pharmacists at Sheer Memorial Adventist Hospital. Here, they learned about traditional and modern practices in their healthcare system. Richard says, "My interactions with the local community not only enhanced my understanding of pharmacy but also provided a deep insight into Nepalese culture. I observed firsthand how cultural beliefs and practices play a crucial role in healthcare delivery and patient interactions."
Pharmacy students also had the privilege of serving through local health clinics scattered across rural areas. While helping to take vitals and collaborating with other health professionals, students were allowed opportunities to contribute directly to patient care. Richard says that by providing basic medicine to those in need, he gained a greater appreciation for the role of pharmacists.
"This experience was transformative, broadening my perspective on global healthcare and the importance of cultural sensitivity in medical practice," says Richard.