Starting my fourth year in pharmacy school was a different experience. I had to apply
the clinical skills that I learned throughout my previous three years in the classroom
setting. I will briefly discuss some of the knowledge that I gained from the classroom
which helped me succeed in my role as an intern pharmacist. During my first three
years in the classroom, the program focused on teaching by a systems-based method,
where we were taught material from physiology to therapeutics for a particular body
system before we would be tested on that and before moving onto another body system.
The experience I gained from the pharmaceutical sciences gave me a great platform
to work independently during my first rotation which was ambulatory care. I was then
given the privilege to work with Dr. Holaway, where I got my first opportunity to
practice in multiple environments under his supervision, that work helped me develop
more confidence in what I have learned throughout my didactic years. I also dealt
with the beginning of a drastic lifestyle changes from the current COVID-19 pandemic.
I am grateful that my preceptor was very understanding and patient with me throughout
all my personal challenges.
Choosing ambulatory care was a great idea, the experience focused on providing healthcare by following guidelines and evidence-based care, these standards allowed me to interpret what was required in order for me to stay within the scope of practice. The ambulatory setting operated within an interprofessional team and provided patient care through medication use and patient outcomes which was patient-centered, this collaborative care included physician medical residents. Dr. Holaway promoted health and wellness as well as disease prevention and educational resources to improving patient outcomes of medication use. This also allowed me to focus on medication management of chronic illness such as diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, dyslipidemia, asthma/COPD, and heart failure.
Depending on which rotation you select, the patient care provider domain may slightly vary depending on what your role will be. To be successful, you should be able to collect information to identify a patient’s medication related problems and health related needs, prioritize health related needs and most importantly establish patient centered goals and create a care plan for a patient in collaboration with the patient and other health care professionals.
Established in 2010, PCOM School of Pharmacy, located in Suwanee, Georgia, offers the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, several dual degree programs and multiple concentration options. For more information, visit pcom.edu/pharmacy or complete our request information form.
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