Capstone Project Proposal Draft

Name of student: Maria Mikaela Cabrera

Date: February 27, 2023
Teacher: Ms. Lara Lacroix
Capstone strand I have chosen is Occupation Strand
Proposed title for my project: Ethical Challenges Faced by Pharmacists: Insights from a
Volunteer Internship

What is your inquiry question that interests you for further research? It should be a question that
connects with a purpose, passion or personalized area of interest for you. This is a question that
you cannot just google an answer for. Please see examples from your Capstone booklet.
My inquiry question is:

What are some ethical considerations that come into play when working with vulnerable
population, and how can pharmacists ensure that they are providing compassionate and
equitable care?

Rationale/context: Detail your reasons for choosing this inquiry question. Explain WHY you are
choosing to investigate this topic as a major area of focus. How does this area of inquiry connect
to your passion(s), purpose? Why is it of personal interest to you?
I think investigating the ethical considerations that come into play when working with
vulnerable populations in a pharmacy setting is an important area of focus for several
reasons.
First, vulnerable populations such as low-income individuals, minorities, and those with
chronic illnesses often face significant health disparities and may not have access to the same
level of care as other patients. It is important for pharmacists to be aware of these disparities
and work to provide equitable care to all patients, regardless of their background or
socioeconomic status.
Secondly, I believe that empathy and compassion are critical values in healthcare, and
particularly in the pharmacy profession. As someone who values empathy and compassion, I
am interested in exploring how pharmacists can provide compassionate and equitable care to
vulnerable populations, who may face additional barriers to accessing healthcare. This inquiry
question will allow me to explore the ways in which pharmacists can incorporate empathy and
compassion into their practice, and how they can ensure that all patients are treated with
dignity and respect.
Lastly, I believe that pharmacists play an important role in the healthcare system, and have
the potential to make a significant impact on patient outcomes. By investigating the ethical
considerations that come into play when working with vulnerable populations, I hope to gain a
deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that pharmacists face in their work,
and how they can best serve their patients. Overall, I am passionate about using my skills and
knowledge to help others, and I believe that investigating this area of inquiry will allow me to
do so in a meaningful way.

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Background: What background knowledge/connections/prior learning do you have in this
area of inquiry?

I don't have a lot of background knowledge or prior learning in this area of inquiry. However, I
am passionate about healthcare and have always been interested in finding ways to help
others. While I have not yet had the opportunity to volunteer in a healthcare setting, I have
done some research and reading on the topic of healthcare disparities and the importance of
providing compassionate and equitable care to all patients.
In addition, I have taken courses in biology and chemistry, which have given me a basic
understanding of the human body and how medications work. While this knowledge is not
specific to the pharmacy profession, it has provided me with a foundation that I can build upon
during my internship.
In summary, I am eager to explore the ethical considerations involved in serving vulnerable
populations in a pharmacy setting and to obtain practical experience through my internship. I
view this opportunity as a means of expanding my skills and knowledge in healthcare, which
will be useful in my future career.

Career connections: What is your intended career area at this point in time? What
connections does this inquiry question have to your life, academic and/ or career goals?

At this point in my life, I am not entirely sure what my intended career area is. However, I do
know that I want to pursue a career in the healthcare or mental health care field. As someone
who values empathy and compassion, I believe that working in a field where I can help others
and make a difference in their lives would be deeply fulfilling.
My academic goal is to maintain good grades and graduate from a reputable university or
college. I understand that pursuing a career in the healthcare field requires a lot of hard work
and dedication, and I am willing to put in the effort to achieve my goals.
In terms of my life goals, I am motivated by the desire to give myself more recognition and to
create a comfortable life for my family. However, my true passion lies in helping others, and I
believe that pursuing a career in healthcare or mental health care would allow me to do just
that.
Ultimately, my career goal is to find a career that I am truly passionate about and that allows
me to make a positive impact in the world. While my current choices include Hospital
Pharmacist, Clinical Psychologist, Psychiatric Nurse, and Practical Nurse, I am open to
exploring other options and discovering where my skills and interests are best suited.
In this context, the inquiry question about ethical considerations when working with vulnerable
populations in a pharmacy setting is particularly meaningful to me. It reflects my desire to work
in a field where empathy and compassion are valued, and where I can provide equitable care
to all patients. I believe that investigating this topic will not only help me to prepare for a career
in the healthcare field but will also provide me with a deeper understanding of the challenges
and opportunities that lie ahead.

Interdisciplinary and core competencies connections: What subject areas and core
competencies will be connected with your project? Outline and explain the connections.

Personal Awareness & Responsibility

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Strengths:
1. I can express my needs and seek help when needed.
As a Grade 12 student who is naturally shy, I have found that being able to express my needs
and seek help when needed is a great strength. Expressing my needs has been particularly
helpful in school, where I have found that seeking help from teachers and peers has led to
better understanding of complex concepts and ultimately better grades. For example, in my
science class last semester, I struggled to understand some of the topics, but by expressing
my confusion to my teacher, I was able to get extra support and improve my understanding.
This experience taught me the value of asking for help, and how doing so can make all the
difference in achieving my goals.
2. I understand my decisions and actions can affect me.
As a Grade 12 student, I believe that understanding how my decisions and actions can affect
me is a great strength. This has helped me to be more intentional in my choices, and to avoid
behaviors or activities that could have negative consequences. For example, when I am faced
with the decision of whether to skip class, I always think about the potential consequences of
my actions, such as missing important materials and falling behind my studies. This
understanding has helped me to make better decisions and has led to positive outcomes,
such as having good grades and good academic record. I believe that my ability to understand
the impact of my decisions and actions has helped me to become a more responsible and
disciplined person.
Area of Improvement:
1. I understand learning takes patience and time.
As a Grade 12 student, I recognize that understanding that learning takes patience and time is
a key area for improvement for me, particularly in math classes. While I have made progress, I
overcoming my shyness and seeking help when needed, I sometimes become frustrated when
I don’t immediately understand a concept or problem. I tend to expect quick results, which
can lead to feelings of discouragement and make it harder for me to stay motivated. Moving
forward, I want to continue to remind myself that learning takes patience and time, and it’s
okay to make mistakes and struggle at first.

Social Responsibility
Strengths:
1. I value diversity, defend human rights, advocate for others, and act ethically in all my
interactions, including online.
As a Grade 12 Filipino immigrant here in Canada, I firmly believe that valuing diversity,
defending human rights, advocating for others, and acting ethically in all my interactions,
including online, is a great strength. Being a part of two very different cultures has made me
appreciate the unique perspectives and experiences that people from all walks of life bring to
the table. This has allowed me to become a more empathetic person and advocate for the
rights and needs of others. For example, last year, when my online friend was experiencing
cyberbullying, I gathered the courage to speak up and defend her. By doing so, I think I can
help create a more inclusive and equitable community where everyone feels valued and
respected.
2. I have positive peer and intergenerational relationships.
While I haven’t yet had the opportunity to volunteer extensively, I recognize the importance

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of contributing to my community and am eager to do so. In small ways, like picking up litter
on the street, I have been able to contribute to my community and build connections with my
peers. Additionally, in group projects at school, I have worked collaboratively with my
classmates to complete tasks and achieve shared goals. I believe that this ability to work both
independently and collaboratively will serve me well in the future, as I hope to continue to
contribute and make a positive impact on my community.
Area of Improvement:
1. I can identify and appreciate different perspectives on issues and use and evaluate
strategies to resolve problems.
I recognize that I have a strong ability to identify and appreciate different perspectives on
issues, but I also realize that evaluating strategies to resolve problems is an area where I can
improve. While I can understand and appreciate different viewpoints, I sometimes struggle to
evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies used to address problems. For example, during a
group project, I may struggle to determine the most effective way to solve a problem that
arises, as I tend to rely on the suggestions of others instead of critically evaluating and
analyzing the situation. In order to improve in this area, I aim to practice analyzing and
evaluating different strategies so that I can become more confident in my ability to resolve
problems effectively.

Critical Thinking
Strengths:
1. I can analyze and critique my work and my learning.
In my specialized science class last semester, I found that seeking feedback and analyzing my
work has helped me identify areas of weakness and improve my understanding of complex
concepts. By taking the time to reflect on my learning, I have been able to identify patterns in
my thinking, which has enabled me to refine my approach to problem-solving. For example,
when I struggled with a particularly challenging assignment on DNA, I sought feedback from
my teacher and was able to identify the areas where I need to improve. In essence, being able
to analyze and critique my work and learning has been a great strength, allowing me to
identify areas for improvement and ultimately, achieve greater success in my academic
pursuits.
2. I understand the purpose for my work and consider my audience.
In my final passion project for 20th Century World History last semester, I chose Margaret
Sanger, the founder of birth control, as one of the most important people in our history. I
made sure to research and present her life and contributions in a way that was not only
informative, but also engaging and relevant to my audience. By understanding the purpose of
my project and considering my audience, I was able to create a project that met the
requirements of the assignment and sparked a genuine interest in my classmates about the
importance of Sanger’s work. This strength helped me create a meaningful work that I think
resonated with my audience.
Area of Improvement:
1. I can ask good quality questions, gather relevant information, and come up with well-
developed conclusions.
While I am generally comfortable asking questions, I sometimes struggle with knowing how to
phrase them in a way that will yield the most useful information. Additionally, I find that I

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sometimes get entangled in detail and have difficulty synthesizing information into clear and
concise conclusions. For example, in a recent assignment in my English class, I found myself
struggling to determine which pieces of information were most relevant and how to connect
them in a meaningful way. As such, I recognize the need to continue honing my skills in this
area to improve my critical thinking and to further enhance my problem-solving abilities.

Creative Thinking
Strengths:
1. I can use the environment around me, including others, and my unconscious mind to
generate new ideas.
In my Specialized Science class, we had a water research project last semester, and by
working collaboratively with my peers and observing the environment around us, we were
able to generate new ideas and find innovative solutions to the water crisis. Additionally, by
analyzing the unconscious thoughts and ideas that arose during our research, we were able to
think creatively and develop new insights that we otherwise may not have considered. This
strength has allowed me to better understand and appreciate the value of collaboration and
utilizing all available resources.
2. I can persevere, and understand that failure can be productive.
Throughout my academic journey, I have faced many challenges and obstacles, but I have
always managed to push through them with determination and persistence. For example,
when I was struggling to understand Math, I did not give up, but instead sought help and kept
trying my best to understand the subject. Moreover, I have come to realize that failure is not
always a bad thing, but rather, an opportunity to learn and grow. By embracing failure, I have
been able to identify my weaknesses and work on them, which I think has allowed me to
become a stronger and more resilient individual.
Area of Improvement:
1. I can create new and unique ideas that may provide new perspectives that influence
how people think about topics.
I often struggle to come up with fresh and unique perspectives, which can limit my ability to
effectively communicate and share my ideas. For example, in my English class, when asked to
write a creative piece, I often struggle to develop an original and unique concept. This can
lead to a lack of engagement from the reader and ultimately, a lower grade. Therefore, I need
to focus on building my creativity and exploring new ways of thinking to enhance my ability to
generate unique ideas and influence how others think.

Communication
Strengths:
1. I can engage in deep and meaningful inquiry for a variety of purposes and audiences.
Despite not being particularly good at problem-solving, this skill has allowed me to explore a
variety of topics that interest me and has enabled me to provide well-researched and
informed opinions in both academic and personal contexts. In my specialized science class
last semester, we explored the topic of forensics, and I found that I was really drawn to the
research aspect of the subject. While I struggled with the problem-solving components, I
think I did pretty great at researching and analyzing information. By taking advantage of my
strengths in researching and analyzing information, I think I can present information in a way
that is informative to a variety of audiences.

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 2. I can work with other students to plan, inquire, and solve problems.
Despite not being the strongest problem solver, I recognize the importance of collaboration
and contribution. For example, in a group project, I may not be the one who comes up with
the best solution, but I can still offer my thoughts and ideas, which may contribute to the final
outcome. In addition, by working with others, I can learn from their strengths and improve
my own problem-solving skills. Furthermore, working collaboratively allows me to see things
from different perspectives, which can lead to more creative and effective solutions.
Area of Improvement:
1. I can listen, learn to contribute meaningfully to discussion and debate, consider
different perspectives, and build consensus.
While I understand the importance of these skills, I sometimes struggle to come up with
arguments on the spot during debates, making it difficult for me to contribute effectively. To
address this weakness, I plan to practice formulating arguments in advance, researching
different viewpoints, and learning how to present my ideas more persuasively. By improving
these skills, I believe I will be better equipped to participate in meaningful discussions and
debates and build consensus with my peers.

Personal & Cultural Identity

Strengths:
1. I understand that culture is a broad concept that includes things like my geographic
region, nationality, sex/gender, age, ethnicity, sexuality, language, and religion.
I have come to understand that culture is a complex and multifaceted concept that
encompasses various aspects of my identity, including my geographic region, nationality,
sex/gender, age, ethnicity, sexuality, language, and religion. Recognizing the breadth and
depth of culture has allowed me to appreciate and embrace my own unique identity, as well
as the diverse perspectives and experiences of others. For example, my understanding of
culture has enabled me to engage in thoughtful discussions with classmates from different
ethnic and religious backgrounds, which has broadened my understanding of the world and
challenged my own assumptions and biases. Overall, my awareness of the complexity of
culture has become a great strength, enabling me to be more inclusive and empathetic
toward others.
2. I understand what is important to me.
Understanding what is truly important to me has helped me make informed decisions, set
realistic goals, and prioritize my time and efforts accordingly. For example, when deciding
which university to apply to/attend. I knew that being in a supportive and inclusive
community was important to me. This helped me narrow down my options and focus on
schools that aligned with this value. Overall, this self-awareness has been a great strength,
enabling me to pursue meaningful experiences and achieve personal fulfillment.
Area of Improvement:
1. I know my strengths and what makes me unique.
While I am aware of everyone has something that makes them unique, I struggle to identify
these qualities within myself due to my lack of self-esteem. I often doubt my abilities and
downplay my achievements, which can lead to me undervaluing my own strengths. For
example, I may have a talent for making others feel comfortable and included, but I fail to
recognize this as a strength because it doesn’t seem as impressive as excelling in a traditional

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 academic subject. By working to improve my self-esteem and develop a better understanding
of my unique abilities, I believe I can gain a greater appreciation for my strengths and learn to
leverage them in various areas of my life.

Capstone Presentation medium: select one or more project mediums you wish to use to
present your project. Outline and give details about how you will present your project once
completed. You may use a combination of mediums.
o Electronic portfolio: Prezi or PPT
o Physical portfolio
o Website
o imovie presentation
o YouTube channel

Presentation Format: Electronic portfolio: PPT

I. Introduction
 Briefly introduce myself and provide context for my capstone project
 Explain the purpose of the project and why it is important

II. Background
 Provide background information on the pharmacy I volunteered at
 Discuss the pharmacy’s role in the community and its impact on public health
 Describe my specific volunteer responsibilities and experiences at the pharmacy

III. Methods
 Explain the method/s I used to collect information for my project
 Discuss any challenges I faced and how I overcame them

IV. Results
 Present findings from my project
 Highlight the ways in which the pharmacy contributes to the community and supports
public health

V. Discussion
 Discuss the implications of my findings for pharmacy practice and public health
 Highlight any ethical challenges that the pharmacists faced and how they were
addressed
 Reflect on my personal experiences and how they relate to my broader understanding
of pharmacy and community health

VI. Conclusion
 Summarize the key findings and takeaways from the project
 Discuss the significance of the project and its contribution to the community

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Description of my Capstone project. Specific Project Details of the Capstone Project: what
will you research, create, study, produce, solve, investigate? What product will be produced
at the end of this project for evaluation. Write a one-page description outlining your
proposal.

Title: Ethical Challenges Faced by Pharmacists: Insights from a Volunteer Internship

Objective:
The primary objective of this project is to gain insights into the ethical challenges faced by
pharmacists and how they contribute to the community. This will be achieved by volunteering
at a pharmacy for five days during the first week of spring break and observing the day-to-day
operations of the pharmacy. The project aims to highlight the importance of ethical
considerations in pharmacy practice and how it contributes to public health.

Methodology:
The methodology will involve observing the day-to-day operations of the pharmacy and
interviewing the pharmacists to understand their experiences and perspectives on ethical
challenges they face in their work. The interviews will be conducted using a semi-structured
questionnaire, which will focus on the ethical challenges faced by pharmacists, how they deal
with these challenges, and the impact it has on the community.

Expected Outcomes:
The expected outcomes of this project are insights into the ethical challenges faced by
pharmacists and how it impacts the community. The project will highlight the importance of
ethical considerations in pharmacy practice and how it contributes to public health.
Additionally, the project will aim to produce a report outlining the findings of the research.

Limitations:
The limitations of this project include the short timeframe of the volunteer internship, which
may limit the scope of the research. Additionally, the findings may not be generalizable to all
pharmacies as the research is based on the observations of a single pharmacy.

Overall, this project will provide valuable insights into the ethical challenges faced by
pharmacists and how it contributes to public health. It will help raise awareness of the
importance of ethical considerations in pharmacy practice and provide valuable information for
future research in this area.

Resources/ Technology/Skills: Make an assessment of the resources, technology and

skills you will need to be able to complete this project. What is your plan to be able to
access/learn all of the resources necessary to achieve completion of this project? Detail
your plans.

To complete this project, I will need access to a computer, internet connection, Microsoft
Office (or equivalent) for creating presentations and reports, and a camera or smartphone for
taking photos of the pharmacy and its operations. I will also need to develop skills in data
collection, analysis, and presentation, as well as communication and collaboration with the

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 pharmacy staff.

To access the resources needed, I will use my personal computer and internet connection. If
necessary, I can also use the resources available at my school's computer lab or public
library. I will utilize online resources such as Google Drive and Google Scholar to organize my
data and research findings.

To develop the necessary skills, I will read relevant articles and publications about pharmacy
practice and public health. Additionally, I will practice effective communication and
collaboration with the pharmacy staff to gather the necessary information for my project.

Overall, my plan is to be resourceful, proactive, and adaptable to ensure successful

completion of my capstone project within the limited timeframe of my five-day volunteer
internship.

Mentors/Community Connections: What types of mentor(s)/community connections will

you need to help you complete your capstone project? How will your mentor(s) help you?
What is your plan to access the mentorship/community connections necessary for this
project?

For this project, I will need a mentor who is a licensed pharmacist with experience in
community pharmacy practice. I plan to approach the pharmacist who supervises my
volunteer internship and request their mentorship. They can provide guidance on ethical
challenges and emotional impact in community pharmacy practice. Additionally, I will need
connections to individuals or organizations that work with vulnerable populations in the
community. I plan to reach out to local non-profit organizations and advocacy groups that
focus on the needs of these populations to establish connections and gather information for
my project.

Project limitations: What are some project limitations and potential obstacles that you foresee
that might affect progress with your Capstone Project?

As I plan and prepare for my Capstone Project, I have identified some potential limitations and
obstacles that may affect my progress. One of the main limitations is the limited time frame of
my five-day volunteer internship, which may restrict the amount of data and information I can
collect. Another potential obstacle is the challenge of gaining access to participants and
stakeholders due to ethical and privacy concerns. Additionally, I may encounter difficulties in
analyzing and interpreting the data I collect, especially without the support of more
experienced researchers. To address these limitations and obstacles, I plan to work closely
with my mentor and seek guidance from other professionals in the field to ensure that I can
complete my project within the given time frame and with quality results.

Other considerations: List and detail any other related information/ considerations about
your project that you feel should be included in your project proposal.

As part of my capstone project, it's important to consider the privacy and confidentiality of the
pharmacy and its patients. Any information or data that I gather during my volunteer internship

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 must be kept confidential and used solely for the purpose of this project. I also need to ensure
that I obtain proper consent from the pharmacy and any individuals that I may interview or
gather information from.

Additionally, as my volunteer internship is only five days, I may face limitations in terms of the
scope of my research and the amount of data that I can gather. It's important to acknowledge
these limitations and to focus on a specific aspect of pharmacy practice that I can realistically
investigate and analyze within this timeframe.

Furthermore, it's important to note that the findings and conclusions of this project may not be
generalizable to all pharmacies or communities, as the focus of the project is on a single
pharmacy and its unique context.’

Finally, as a student with limited experience in pharmacy practice, I may face challenges in
fully understanding the complexities and nuances of the profession. It's important for me to
seek guidance and feedback from my mentor and other professionals in the field to ensure
that my project is accurate and reflects the realities of pharmacy practice.

References:

Attach a REFERENCE LIST. Your list should be written using correct APA formatting.
An example is provided on page 21 of your Capstone booklet.

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