The UBC Traveling Health Fair (UBC THF) has become a vital initiative that enhances the health of faculty and staff while offering pharmacy students at UBC’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences invaluable practical experience. For many students, it stands out as a defining aspect of their education with the Faculty.
A Collaborative Effort
Originally a small health screening event held on campus, the fair has since grown into an annual collaboration between the Pharmacists Clinic (the Clinic) in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and UBC Health, Wellbeing and Benefits (UBC HWB). Each year, the fair focuses on a different health topic—ranging from cardiovascular wellness to kidney health—giving student pharmacists the chance to apply their academic knowledge in real-world patient interactions within a structured learning environment.
The Evolution of the Traveling Health Fair
The formal partnership between the Clinic and UBC HWB was established in 2014. Previously, UBC HWB had organized wellness fairs independently, but the addition of the Clinic brought a new clinical dimension to the initiative. Since then, pharmacy students have been working alongside licensed pharmacists to provide personalized health consultations and screenings, a model that continues today.
Since 2013, 746 pharmacy students have taken part in outreach programs such as the UBC THF, flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics, and wellness days for UBC building operations staff. Their contributions highlight the program’s lasting impact and continued growth.
The educational value of the UBC THF was even recognized in a 2021 academic article published in Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, which cited UBC’s model as an effective way to build student confidence and prepare them for professional practice through direct patient interactions.
"The UBC Traveling Health Fair is a fantastic opportunity for students to bridge the gap between theory and practice,” says Adrian Ziemczonek, clinical pharmacist and lecturer at the Faculty. “Engaging directly with patients in a structured setting not only enhances their clinical skills but also builds their confidence as future healthcare professionals."
2025: A Focus on Lung Health
The most recent UBC THF, held from February 18 to 21, 2025, centered on lung health. There were 121 participants and 32 pharmacy student volunteers. Hosted at four UBC locations, the event provided faculty and staff with 20- to 30-minute appointments designed to assess respiratory health and offer tailored advice.
Participants received a lung health passport and moved through various stations that covered:
- Information on lung health and common conditions like asthma and COPD
- Symptom and risk factor assessments
- Measurements including blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate
- Personalized health plans with customized follow-up recommendations
Pharmacy students played a key role in conducting assessments, leading discussions, and educating attendees. To ensure they were well-prepared, students received specialized training and had onsite support from pharmacists and experienced peers.
Student Reflections
Feedback from students highlighted the program’s educational benefits:
"This clinic was a great opportunity for me to practice talking to patients. I love how I was able to apply my knowledge from class into actual patient questions."
"I felt well supported by the clinic team throughout, and practicing vital signs and counseling was a valuable learning opportunity."
"Meeting new people and applying course content was really beneficial."
"Learned how to approach counselling a patient in a more organic manner."
"I became more comfortable talking with patients."
All 13 students who provided feedback indicated they would volunteer again, reinforcing the program’s impact on their professional development.
What’s Next
Preparations are already underway for the next UBC THF, which will feature a webinar component. As the event continues to provide accessible health services to faculty and staff, it also remains a critical training ground for future pharmacists, equipping them with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.