It's Meredith's fault

Maybe I'm just watching too much Grey's Anatomy, but I've felt a strong pull towards the clinical side of Pharmacy practice these days.

I currently work in a retail pharmacy environment, which I love, but somedays it feels like I am doing the same thing day in and day out. And like I said it could be too much Grey's, but hospital life seems so much more exciting and adventurous, especially in a large hospital. Since I haven't had too much experience besides my local hospital pharmacy, I'm not really sure what the clinical side is like. In a town of 2,000 its usually not too exciting, trust me. Im really hoping that I get the opportunity to work in a hospital pharmacy before I graduate, I know that I will during my rotations in the P4 year, however I'm up for an experience sooner rather than later. We will just have to see where the wind blows.

Ebola Vaccine

While the Ebola pandemic seems to be on its way out the door, the CDC is still in the thick of it.

Currently they are testing a vaccine for Ebola in Sierra Leone. The program is called STRIVE- Sierra Leone Trial to Introduce a Vaccine against Ebola. They are currently in phases 2 and 3 of testing the vaccine that they have developed. They have chosen to test the vaccine in the 5 areas that were hit the hardest by the Ebola virus. The article on the CDC page stated they may extend their area of testing if necessary, as the Ebola virus has been unpredictable in areas of outbreak.

One of the important aspects of this mission is that they are choosing not to use a placebo. Each participant in the trial will receive the vaccine at one point during the study. For some it may be immediate, while others will be in the deferred group. I think its important that every member receives the vaccine, due to the nature of the virus. It is best to protect as many people as possible while testing this vaccine, leaving no one in harms way if the outbreak comes back in full force.

The FDA is a dog lover too.

I'm a dog lover through and through. Puppy love is the best kind of love, so when the FDA released a statement that they are looking to punish companies who release unapproved pet medications I did a little cheer. The FDA is a dog lover too.

I think its important to look out for the health and safety of all animals, and I'm glad the FDA is bringing this into the limelight. Most of the time we think of dogs, cats, etc, as just pets, but for my family and many others pets are FAMILY and treated as such. Pets are occasionally someone's only family, I can't imagine giving my pet a medication that ends up killing them when it is supposed to help them, its a quick way to lose your whole world.

 They're also looking to increase the amount of drugs available for pets!

Double thumbs up!

Yes! Yes! and more Yes!

I read an article from the LA Times today that I absolutely love! It talked about Pharmacists getting out from behind the counter and meeting with their patients face to face. They help them by going through their medication lists, and working on their diet and exercise plans. This is the pharmacist I want to be. I want to be in front of my patients not telling them, but helping them create their own plan for success. It not only creates lasting relationships with patients, but also gives them a more manageable plan of action.

I think is a super important reason that we need to pass the law that gives provider status. Many pharmacists are willing and able to provide these services for their patients. the article stated that 1/3 to a 1/2 of americans do not take their medications correctly. If we can give pharmacists a greater role in the care of their patients we can create better adherence and make their condition more manageable.

Keep on keeping on California! Hope we will be joining you soon in your mission for healthier communities!

Here is the article from the LA Times

Family

My family is amazing. Each and every member of my immediate and extended family has reached out to congratulate me on my acceptance into pharmacy school. Some have been really sweet, and others have been just plain funny. One of my brothers always wants to embarrass me, and thats just what he did. I wanted to remember these posts for years to come. So i wanted to post them here so I can keep track of them. Everything seems to get lost in the Facebook universe these days.

That guy right there is my pharmacy role model!

Biggest brother is always nicer than bigger brother

See what I mean... I love him anyway!

Easter Weekend!

Here's to a couple days off from school! Im ready for another break!

Im currently in Arizona spending a few days with family, and one very particular person. My number one Pharmacy role model: my Grandpa!

Back in his day pharmacy school at NDSU was a little different. You went to school for four years and chose pharmacy as your major. At the end of those four years they told you whether or not you could get your pharmacy, or else you had to start all over and choose something else to major in. Can you imagine?! That would be absolutely terrifying! And a lot of school if you didn't get in! Im hoping to spend the long weekend talking shop with him and picking his brain with my many questions. :)

Happy Easter!

April Fools

Its April Fools Day, and if you don't have any pranks I am here to help!

I save pranks all year long, you never know when you're going to need to prank someone. I love having a good trick up my sleeve. But I've also had my fair share of misses, ill let you in on them too.

My personal favorite is putting saran wrap on any bottle that squeezes in the shower. It makes it SUPER frustrating when you can get anything out of your shampoo bottle, especially when you're running late! hehe

Another fave- Put some bubble wrap under your roommate's rugs. The moment they step on the rug the popping will commence. Bonus points if they have a rug at the foot of their bed, now that would be a wakeup call!

If your roommate loves a glass of OJ in the morning, switch it up a little bit. Switch that OJ packet and mix water with the cheese packet from a box of mac-n-cheese instead. It sounds totally gross so make sure to avoid it yourself!

One prank i am not recommending, food coloring on the tooth brush. It doesn't work very well, especially if they have a white toothbrush. It also ruins the toothbrush, I learned this the hard way. My roommate said it was okay, and she needed a new one anyway, but I still felt really bad. 

So hop to it folks! Pranks are fun, just watch out for the rebuttal! ;)