The win marks PCSP’s third state-wide win in just five years—a testament to the school’s commitment to academic excellence and the development of passionate, well-rounded pharmacy students.
For the third time in five years, a team of students from the Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy (PCSP) was named the winner of the 2026 Self-Care Bowl, a competition hosted at the South Carolina Pharmacy Association Annual Convention in Hilton Head, S.C.
The Self-Care Bowl invites teams from each pharmacy school in South Carolina to participate in a Jeopardy-style competition. Students are quizzed on everything from common cold remedies to medication counseling, all in front of a crowd of licensed pharmacists from across the state. PCSP was named the Self-Care Bowl winner in 2022, 2025, and again in 2026, with this year’s team made up of students Abby Boudreau ’28, Devin Donovan ‘28, Tyler Hollingsworth ‘28, Josey Lomax ‘28, and Celine Thompson’ 28.
“This competition speaks to the heart of what pharmacy is: community and continued education for the benefit of patients,” said Thompson. “Intercollaborative practice is a key aspect to providing optimal patient care, and I think that our interpersonal relationships as fellow Blue Hose served us just as keenly as our academic strength in this competition.”
The Role of Pharmacists in Self-Care
Pharmacists are typically seen bustling behind the counter, reviewing doctor prescriptions and monitoring for potentially harmful drug interactions. But they are also heavily relied on to make recommendations about over-the-counter (OTC) medications, particularly in rural and low-income areas where access to medical providers is more limited.
Considered “self-care” medications, OTC options increase access to care for minor ailments and after-hours needs, but they can cause serious drug interactions and are not suitable for everyone. Pharmacists play a crucial role on the front lines in ensuring patients use these products safely and effectively.
This competition speaks to the heart of what pharmacy is: community and continued education for the benefit of patients. Intercollaborative practice is a key aspect to providing optimal patient care, and I think that our interpersonal relationships as fellow Blue Hose served us just as keenly as our academic strength in this competition.”
Celine Thompson ’28, PC School of Pharmacy
“This (competition) is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the level of academic fervor and service attitude that we focus heavily on at PC,” said Thompson.
Given the hundreds of medications available with new products released regularly, it’s important for pharmacists to stay abreast of the latest offerings. Pharmacists in attendance at the Self-Care Bowl earn continuing professional education hours for brushing up on pertinent information.
“The competition gives students a chance to show what they know, oftentimes correctly answering questions that stump pharmacists in the crowd,” said Dr. Katie Peacock, assistant professor of pharmacy practice and faculty advisor for the PCSP team.
Competing for the Trophy
After leading through the first round, PCSP found itself trailing the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) by roughly 500 points heading into the second round. The outcome hinged on a final Double Jeopardy question regarding a medication abused recreationally for euphoria, hallucinations and psychosis.
While competing teams risked their entire point totals on aggressive wagers, PCSP strategically placed a conservative bid to regain the lead. PCSP emerged as the only team to correctly answer “Dextromethorphan,” while rival teams lost their points on all-in bets.
“While I love to celebrate the formal wins, I’m just as proud of these students for sharing their expertise with patients in practice when they are on rotation and at work outside of the classroom,” said Peacock.
