MEDIA RELEASE
Undergraduates at the University of Guam who want to earn a degree in pharmacy can transfer up to 70 credits to the pre-pharmacy program at the University of Hawaii at Hilo due to a memorandum of understanding recently signed by both universities.
The agreement between the two universities seeks to clear the way for course transfer between academic programs and courses at both institutions, help UOG students fulfill the Pacific Pre-Pharmacy Program requirements and to provide advising on both campuses to help students prepare to apply to the College of Pharmacy at UH-Hilo.
The completion of the pre-pharmacy course curriculum is needed for entrance into the professional program, which ultimately leads to a doctorate in pharmacy, also called a Pharm.D.
UH-Hilo is the only school in the Pacific region to offer a doctorate in pharmacy degree.
“Throughout the years of planning the College of Pharmacy, one of our goals has always been to extend our reach to all the islands in the Pacific,” said Dr. John Pezzuto, dean of the College of Pharmacy. “We also are building a base from which to recruit top-notch future doctoral students that will ultimately change the face of healthcare in the region. This is a very good start, and we’re excited to be working with the top-notch educators in Guam.”
UH-Hilo’s Dr. Susan Jarvi, director of the Pre-Pharmacy Program in the College of Pharmacy, visited Guam in October during a tour of the Western Pacific that included Saipan, Guam, Palau and American Samoa.
Along with co-investigator Dr. Anthony Wright, chairman of pharmaceutical sciences, she helped create a list of UOG courses that can transfer to UH Hilo’s pre-pharmacy program.
Jarvi, who will act as primary advisor to students coming to UH-Hilo, said the pre-pharmacy program gives students in this region a level of training never before available.
For more information, call 933-2909 or email pharmacy@hawaii.edu.