For UMKC pharmacy student Kassandra Estrada, learning happens where care is delivered. A Kansas City native, Estrada serves her hometown in clinics, hospitals and neighborhoods across the metro. UMKC’s close connection to the community has provided the opportunity to gain hands-on experience without leaving home, and that connection now shapes her education as she completes clinical rotations throughout the metro.

Estrada recently completed an ambulatory care rotation at Saint Luke’s Hospital, where she applied what she learned in the classroom to work directly with patients as part of an interdisciplinary care team. She reviewed medication lists and spoke with patients about access to their medications and adherence to their treatment plan. Additionally, she collaborated with medical students and physicians to help care for patients as a comprehensive care team.

“This is super valuable as a pharmacy student,” Estrada said. “You get to learn how to work collaboratively and provide the best care for patients.”

At UMKC, pharmacy students learn alongside other healthcare profession students early in their training. According to Maureen Knell, clinical professor of pharmacy practice at UMKC, this model prepares students for real-world practice.