Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy
Edwardsville, IL
Pharmacy Schools | Public Non-Profit
Overall, how satisfied are you with this program?
What was the zip code of your residence in high school?
| Response Avg | # Responders |
|---|---|
| 62,816.00 | 1 |
What do you like most?
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The faculty is as good as it gets, with few exceptions. I felt prepared for boards and the real world of pharmacy. There was a lot of pressure and classes were not easy, but I professors were always there when I needed help (don't be scared of T.Mac, he's a great teacher and loves students who come ask questions). It's the best program in Illinois or Missouri if you want to feel comfortable and learn without a culture of teaching that seeks to fail students intentionally and/or foster an overly competitive and toxic environment. I was in the 2nd quartile in terms of grades, but pharmacists I work with regularly compliment my clinical knowledge. I wasn't the best student, but I learned a lot and I've retained a good deal because the instructors were excellent. 119 on the Naplex.
What do you like least?
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I think this may have changed since I was there (2015), but I don't think medicinal chemistry should be part of the integrated therapeutics course. Pharmacology blends well with the practical side of pharmacy, but medicinal chemistry was often neglected by students due to it being heavy material and counting as a small portion of exams. It would be better taught as a parallel course with separate testing or as a single course during P1 year. I liked Med Chem, mostly, but in a pinch it was the last thing I worried about studying. This is a small issue, however, unless you plan to go into research. I think they've changed how this is structured to address this issue anyway.
Does the student body seem cooperative or competitive?
Does the environment seem supportive for underrepresented minorities?
Does the environment seem supportive for lesbian/gay/bisexual/transsexual students?
Does the environment seem supportive for married students?
Does the environment seem supportive for students with disabilities?
Does the environment seem supportive for older/non-traditional students?
Do you/did you feel well prepared for your board exams?
How approachable are faculty members?
What are the facilities and clinics like (old/new, well maintained, etc.)?
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They never got their own building like they were supposed to, due to Illinois budget issues (as far as I'm aware), but the facilities were great nonetheless. The pharmaceutical sciences department even had their own NMR.
How do students from this program do after graduation - are they adequately prepared for practice?
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Every class has one or two that shouldn't be there, but I'm proud of the other great students that represent my school.
What are rotations like?
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I only had one rotation I would describe as worthless. The infectious disease rotation was the most difficult, but I learned a ton. Drug Information was a nice change, and it allowed me to focus on my abilities to evaluate medical literature with greater scrutiny. I thought Drug Info would be the boring one, but it ended up being my favorite overall.
How do students from this program do in the Match?
Any other information you want to share?
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This school gives preference to their own undergrad students first, then to Southern Illinois, Central Illinois, and Illinois residents, in that order. They like non-traditional students and it is definitely a good place for those with a family. The pharmaceutical practice professors are not only great teachers, but they are mostly down to earth and will gladly share a drink with you. The pharmaceutical sciences professors are more strait laced, but they are very knowledgable and mostly good teachers. Dr. Crider might be the most effective Med Chem professor in the US (not to insult the other Med Chem professors, who were great). For a subject as difficult and tedious as medicinal chemistry, he made it very logical and interesting.
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