Ole Miss Student Pharmacists Gain Experience with AI Technologies

“Understanding the role of AI is going to be essential in bridging the gap between traditional pharmacy practice and the future of health care,” said Laurie Fleming, director of professional experience programs and experiential affairs.

“By leveraging AI, students and professionals can enhance their clinical decision-making and ensure more personalized, efficient patient care – preparing them to navigate the evolving landscape of modern day pharmacy practice. Our profession is well-suited to be at the forefront of innovation.”

Three students worked with Beckton Dickinson (BD), a global technology company, to learn how technology can be leveraged to improve drug delivery systems, patient safety and treatment outcomes.

Those students have been able to see up close the company’s role in developing and using data analytics and AI-driven tools to help monitor patient health and optimize treatment.

“Working with the BD team helped me see how pharmacists contribute to the medical technology industry, where data and technology are central to product development and patient safety,” said Courtney Brown, a student pharmacist who worked with the Medical Affairs team in Medication Management Solutions at BD.

Student Jaycie Keylon also completed a rotation with BD.

“I was able to see a lot of behind the scenes work, specifically relating to automating and streamlining workflows in a variety of pharmacy settings,” Keylon said.

BD integrates technology with medication management systems, such as automated medication dispensing systems, syringe pumps and safety devices for administering injections. 

At Walmart Corporate, student pharmacist Elizabeth Jenkins contributed to initiatives that incorporate AI and digital tools to enhance pharmacy services.

“I worked on enhancing digital engagement, which used data and AI to increase patient adoption of pharmacy apps and services,” Jenkins said.

She further explained that these technological tools are being adopted to improve prescription management processes and allow pharmacists more time to provide clinical services.

Student pharmacists are also learning the importance of using data to inform decision-making and predict outcomes. As an example, student Becca Treat gained hands-on experience with the FDA's Department of Pharmacovigilance, where data analysis and AI were used to assess post-market drug safety.

“I had the opportunity to analyze FAERS reports, periodic safety reports and medical literature using advanced data tools,” she said. “This rotation gave me a deeper understanding of how pharmacists can use technology and data analytics to enhance public health and ensure drug safety.”

Many APPE rotations are providing student pharmacists with a strong foundation in how technology, AI, and data are transforming pharmacy practice.

“As they prepare to enter the workforce, these students are equipped with the skills to use cutting-edge tools to improve patient care and influence the future of pharmacy,” said Donna Strum, dean of the School of Pharmacy.