August 31, 2016
From left to right: Yiwei Yin, Sichen Wang, and Lu Zhang. Shiwei Fang not pictured.

The U-M College of Pharmacy created formal ties with China Pharmaceutical University, Fudan University, Peking University, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, and Sichuan University in a collaborative agreement in 2014. The Chinese schools identify their best candidates for application to the U-M Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program; the College reviews the applications and makes final admissions decisions.

“Our relationship with the Chinese Schools is an important component of the College’s efforts for global engagement,” states Dean James Dalton. “The long term goal is to enhance clinical pharmacy practice in China. By identifying, admitting, and graduating highly qualified applications from these partner institutions, the College will educate the next generation of pharmacy leaders in China.”

The first four students in the program, Shiwei Fang, Sichen Wang, Yiwei Yin, and Lu Zhang, recently finished their P1 year at Michigan.

“I was surprised by how much I learned in one year of pharmacy school at Michigan,” notes Shiwei Fang. “I found that faculty mentored students, not only in academic matters, but also helped students develop professional goals,” continues Fang. “I’m looking forward to learning more about the variety of roles pharmacists occupy in the United States. I’m also excited for interprofessional collaboration with students from other health science schools.”

“The highlight of my first year was the White Coat ceremony”, remembers Yiwei Yin.  “It’s excellent to have such a warm welcome at the beginning of our career. Even though my parents could not attend it in person, they are still glad to see that I have a very good start.”

“The Pharmacy curriculum does an excellent job in guiding us toward a comprehensive knowledge of the world of pharmacy step by step”, explains Yin. “I believe this will help ease my transition into the profession. I’ve also found so many interesting things going on in Ann Arbor!” says Yin. “I love the restaurant week, the art fair, football games, and the beautiful views on my way to the coffee shop light up my day.”

The collaborative agreement aims to identify two to four students in each of the next three years who will complete their PharmD education at the University of Michigan. A similar agreement with the colleges of pharmacy at The Ohio State University and University of Minnesota is expected to complement the efforts at U-M.