Regional cooperative summer internship program for pharmacy students.

A regional summer internship program for pharmacy students that was coordinated by seven hospitals is described. Recruiting for the Mid-Missouri Summer Intern Program began during the winter of 1987-88. Students were recruited from pharmacy schools throughout the Midwest and were provided with housing and financial compensation while in the program. Each participating hospital agreed to hire at least one intern and appointed a preceptor or coordinating pharmacist, who met with the intern regularly. Students got most of their training and work experience at their home hospital; however, they also rotated to the other participating hospital pharmacy departments. Students had to keep a daily diary of their activities and to complete individual special projects. At the end of the summer, students and preceptors completed a written evaluation of the program. Students indicated that the program provided a valuable and unique educational experience. Preceptors thought that fourth-year and fifth-year students were best suited for the program. The hospital pharmacy directors agreed that the opportunity to evaluate a student's work ethic and professional capabilities before offering a position was a benefit. A regional summer internship program was successful in introducing pharmacy students to institutional pharmacy practice.