UH Hilo, Yokohama University of Pharmacy sign exchange agreement

The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy (DKICP) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo has signed a partnership with Japan’s Yokohama University of Pharmacy that will expand the horizons of students in both countries.

The agreement states that it covers the fourth-year of experiential training for pharmacy students, called Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs), as well as pharmaceutical care, pharmaceutical sciences research and the organization of joint research projects.

“This is a great example of how Hawaiʻi Island acts as a logical bridge between the United States and Asia as a whole,” said DKICP Interim Dean Carolyn Ma. “UH Hilo already has several agreements with universities in Japan, from Meio University in Okinawa to Matsuyama University in Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan. We are optimistic that this is a continuation of an already strong educational relationship.”

The “International Exchange Program on Pharmaceutical Education, Research and Practical Training” will allow students at UH Hilo to set up six weeks of training during their fourth year in a four-year program with an approved licensed pharmacist in Japan. Likewise, students in Japan can come to UH Hilo to earn their academic requirements.

Yokohama University of Pharmacy is part of the Tsuzuki Education Group, a consortium of more than 20 universities and colleges in Japan, including three colleges of pharmacy. Representatives from the consortium visited DKICP in May to tour the campus and discuss possibilities for partnerships.