PODS Communities

About

Professional Outreach and Development Societies (PODS) at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy foster leadership, professionalism, learning and service opportunities for past, present and future student pharmacists. PODS facilitate peer-to-peer support and promote peer-to-peer education. Each society is made up of students, faculty, practitioners, and alumni to provide interactions and networking opportunities.

These interactions are intended to aid in quality, collaborative education and the networking opportunities are designed to cultivate a growing profession. They are also are intended to increase the exchange of information between, and rapport with upper and lower classmen, increase the amount of faculty-student interpersonal relationships and provide student pharmacists with exposure to a diverse and cultured array of practitioners.

Mission

The Professional Outreach Development Societies (PODS) mission is to create an environment within the college promoting our four pillars of education: Fellowship, Service, Professionalism, & Learning.

Fellowship – From orientation to commencement, the community learning structure is designed to foster relationships between all students, regardless of their year in school. PharmD students should feel comfortable from the minute they step foot in the classroom and feel connected to the college when they graduate.
Service – Communities will take part in philanthropy and service projects, modeling collaboration, and service to others.
Professionalism – This is a key characteristic of all students in a professional program, as well as all pharmacists. Students are encouraged to model and promote professionalism -- including inter-professional activities.
Learning – The community-learning environment will allow for greater fellowship within the college, bringing about a spirit of respect, support, and appreciation of one another.

Communities

All PharmD students are automatically enrolled in Professional Outreach and Development Societies (PODS). PODS are divided into four smaller groups, called communities. The communities are named for a few of the college's formative leaders.