UW School of Pharmacy and Cardiff University Forge International Collaboration

The University of Wyoming’s School of Pharmacy and Cardiff University’s School of
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, located in Wales, have established an innovative
transatlantic partnership aimed at enriching pharmacy education, enhancing cultural
understanding and advancing research on pharmacy practice.

Launched in 2023 through a UW-Cardiff University seed grant, the collaboration has
already yielded significant outcomes, including faculty exchanges, a unique collaborative
online international learning activity between students, and new research initiatives.

The initial phase involved UW and Cardiff faculty members visiting each other’s campuses
to share perspectives on the U.S. and U.K. health care systems, clinical education
practices and differences in pharmacy practice. This faculty engagement led to the
design and implementation of a six-week online learning activity, which connected
pharmacy students in Wyoming and Wales through both synchronous and asynchronous interactions.

Students explored health care systems and cultural contexts in both countries and
compared the evolving roles of pharmacists. The highlight of the activity was a UW/Cardiff-designed
digital interactive case created in the Wales Virtual Hospital system. Mixed teams
of UW and Cardiff pharmacy students worked together to evaluate and manage a simulated
patient scenario.

Initial student data showed notable gains in cultural competence, awareness of global
health differences and understanding of pharmacy practice in the two countries.

“Connecting our UW and Cardiff students through this activity has been incredibly
rewarding,” says Janelle Krueger, clinical associate professor. “Not every student
will have the opportunity to travel or study abroad, so this initiative allows more
students to connect with and learn from international peers. Students can begin to
think critically about different health care models and expand their professional
network.” 

Building on the success of the online course, the partnership — now formally known
as the Cowboy and Crown Collaborative — has secured additional funding to further
expand its impact:

— Policy research: The team is embarking on a new joint project to analyze the scope
of practice for pharmacists in the U.S. and U.K., providing comparative insights to
inform policy and education. For example, pharmacists in Wales are independent prescribers.
This has been instrumental in addressing primary health care shortages by allowing
patients to receive selected services in their community pharmacies or from pharmacists
embedded in primary care practice. This may be a model for rural U.S. states, such
as Wyoming, to help alleviate the health care deserts. 

— Student exchanges: Plans are underway to bring Cardiff students to Wyoming to learn
firsthand about U.S. clinical training, health care and pharmacy practice. Conversely,
UW students will have the opportunity to complete rotations or advanced pharmacy practice
experiences at Cardiff during their final year of training.

“These opportunities not only enhance academic and professional development for our
students, but also strengthen our international reputation,” says Tracy Mahvan, a
UW associate professor of pharmacy practice.

“Collaborations like this ensure we remain at the forefront of pharmacy education
and practice,” adds Kem Krueger, School of Pharmacy dean.

“The Cowboy and Crown Collaborative reflects the kind of strategic, globally minded
engagement we value in the College of Health Sciences,” says Patrick Hardigan, dean
of the College of Health Sciences. “I commend the initiative shown by our School of
Pharmacy faculty and staff — particularly Drs. Janelle Krueger, Tracy Mahvan and
Dean Kem Krueger — in developing this partnership with Cardiff University. Their
work has created meaningful opportunities for students to engage in cross-cultural
learning and comparative health policy research. This collaboration not only broadens
students’ educational experience, but also offers practical insights into how international
models of pharmacy practice might inform efforts to strengthen health care delivery
in Wyoming.”

The Cowboy and Crown Collaborative demonstrates how seed funding and a shared vision
can build enduring international partnerships that benefit students, faculty and the
profession at large.

Plans are underway to bring Cardiff students to Wyoming to learn firsthand about U.S.
clinical training, health care and pharmacy practice.