Public health screenings as a component of introductory practice experiences

The American: Council of Pharmaceutical Education has mandated major change s in experiential coursework, incorporation of introductory practical exper iences early in the entry-level curriculum has been recommended. This paper describes our experiences with the design, implementation and results of a public health screening component that was incorporated into the first yea r of an entry-level curriculum. Students measured blood pressure and admini stered risk assessments for osteoporosis, cardiac disease and diabetes to p articipants visiting shopping malls. They also provided poison prevention i nformation and conducted brown bag sessions for senior citizens.