Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy Wins Self Care Bowl with Knowledge and Team Spirit

A team of students from the Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy took home top honors in this year’s Self Care Bowl, a statewide competition that challenges pharmacy students on their knowledge of over-the-counter (OTC) medications and self-care treatment strategies.

Representing PC were Rachel Caldwell ’26, Makenzie Chapman ’26, Jordan Cook ’26, and Devin Donovan ’28, who beat out teams from pharmacy schools across South Carolina in the high-energy, game show-style event.

Pharmacy school dean, Dr. Giuseppe Gumina, congratulated both the team and the faculty for bring home the trophy.

“This is another example of the quality of our students and faculty and staff who support them,” Gumina said. “It is also testament of the quality of our curriculum, which is designed and continuously assessed and improved by the whole faculty. Whether in over-the-counter medications knowledge, counseling patients, and clinical medication therapy management, our students—and graduates—continue to distinguish themselves among the top pharmacy professionals in the state and nationally.”

A Jeopardy-Style Competition with a Purpose

Hosted by the South Carolina Pharmacy Association in partnership with the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations and the Nonprescription Medicines Academy, the Self Care Bowl is part quiz show, part professional development opportunity.

Students field questions about everything from common cold remedies to complex drug interactions, all in front of an audience of practicing pharmacists—many of whom walk away with refreshed knowledge of their own. Teams are also allowed to use two “phone a pharmacist” lifelines during the contest, modeled after the popular game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”

Dr. Katie Peacock, assistant professor of pharmacy practice and faculty advisor for the PCSP team, said the event strikes a balance between fun and professional value.

“It’s a friendly competition, complete with noise makers and pompoms,” she said. “But it also helps pharmacists across the state brush up on their knowledge of OTC medications.”

“This is another example of the quality of our students and faculty and staff who support them. It is also testament of the quality of our curriculum, which is designed and continuously assessed and improved by the whole faculty. Whether in over-the-counter medications knowledge, counseling patients, and clinical medication therapy management, our students—and graduates—continue to distinguish themselves among the top pharmacy professionals in the state and nationally.”

Dr. Giuseppe Gumina, Dean of the Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy

Preparation and Poise

Participation on the Self Care Bowl team is elective, but the preparation is serious. Students begin by competing in a local qualifier to determine the final roster. Once selected, team members are given a recommended topic list to review, though Peacock notes the scope of potential questions is vast.

“Anyone who’s walked down a pharmacy aisle recently knows how many products are available,” she said. “The sky’s the limit when it comes to what they can be asked.”

Despite the challenge, PCSP’s team came out on top—sealing their win as the only team to answer the final round question correctly.

Beyond the Trophy

While the win comes with bragging rights and a trophy, Peacock said the bigger reward is the opportunity to serve the profession in a meaningful way.

“In this competition, student pharmacists give back to their profession in a unique way,” she said. “The tables are turned as the students become the teachers, helping keep their pharmacist colleagues abreast of new products and refresh their memories on drug information.”

Peacock emphasized the essential role pharmacists play in educating patients about nonprescription medications — especially in rural or underserved areas where access to physicians may be limited.

“Over-the-counter medications provide access to care for patients, which is particularly helpful for minor ailments, after-hours needs, or in rural areas where prescribers may be in high demand,” Peacock said. “While these products seem innocuous, they can have significant drug interactions and aren’t appropriate for everyone. Our students are on the front lines ensuring patients know how to use medications safely and effectively.”

A Shared Achievement

Dean Gumina credited not just the students, but also the faculty and staff whose work shapes the curriculum and supports student development.

“We are very proud of our team,” he said. “This win speaks to the excellence of our academic programs and to the dedication our faculty bring to preparing students for success. It’s a testament to what makes the PC School of Pharmacy stand out.”

Looking Ahead

With the Self Care Bowl trophy now on display, PC’s pharmacy students have once again shown that knowledge, preparation, and a commitment to service can go a long way — both in competition and in their future careers.

“While PCSP took home the Self Care Bowl trophy and bragging rights for the year, we couldn’t be more proud of how our students show up to serve each and every day,” Peacock said.

Photo credit: Presbyterian College

In the photo: Members of the winning Self Care Bowl team from the Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy are (left to right) Devin Donovan, Jordan Cook, Makenzie Chapman, and Rachel Cook.