My First Pharmacy Rotation Experience

by Kaleena Johnson, P4 student pharmacist, University of Michigan College of Pharmacy

My first P4 rotation was in drug information at the University of Michigan Health System. Contrary to the formidable reports I heard about drug information, I thoroughly enjoyed this rotation. The Drug Information Center received calls during the day from doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals inquiring about a wide array of topics. Some were simple drug interactions and others required much more time to answer, often several days. This experience was comparable to being a detective and I was continually challenged to find the right answer for our callers.

Each morning, we would meet with the pharmacists at the drug information center and talk about our calls from the previous day. This gave us a great opportunity to learn from our colleagues and gain insight into how we can better answer a question or find additional resources. These morning meetings also gave us the opportunity to get to know our preceptors on a more individual and personal level.

My projects consisted of writing a drug monograph and preparing a presentation on that drug to determine if we should add it to our inpatient formulary. For an additional project, I had the opportunity to write an article for the Pharmacy For UM newsletter. Both of these projects provided great experiences in areas that I was not familiar or comfortable working in. In addition, they were challenging in that I had to alter my style of writing to fit the situation. Each will be a great resource when the time comes for me to start interviewing for positions. Overall, drug information was a great rotation and I know that the lessons I learned here will be beneficial throughout my career.

Investigational Drug Service (IDS) Internship

By Meenakshi Shelat, 2013 Pharm.D. candidate, University of Michigan College of Pharmacy

As a student pharmacist, I am thankful for my two-year experience as an intern in Investigational Drug Service (IDS) at the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS). As a designated section of the Department of Pharmacy Services within the UMHS, IDS handles the experimental drugs used for patients enrolled in clinical trials. IDS is responsible for the pharmacy-related tasks of both hematology/oncology and nonhematology/ oncology studies. This includes drug accountability, meticulous record-keeping, proper storage and disposal of medications, and compounding. The pharmacists, in addition to verifying every drug order or prescription, have many responsibilities. These include drafting and verifying dispensing guidelines, amendments and opening study procedures. Also, they are active members of several Committees and Task Forces, including the Institutional Review Board (IRB).

During my first year, the internship was focused on a basic understanding of regulatory procedures and the drug development process. I gained pharmacy technician skills, including dispensing inpatient and outpatient study drugs, preparation of sterile admixture and chemotherapy, and drug compounding. The second year transitioned to more professional-level activities, including project coordination, drug information writing and study support documentation for opening studies, and other IDS-pharmacist activities, such as drafting dispensing guidelines and prescription templates. As interns, we were also in charge of ensuring accuracy in our records and inventory in advance of audits and monitoring visits. A highlight of my second year was helping to design and pilot a new institutional Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE), or P4, clerkship experience.

There was never a routine day during my two years in IDS. As of this past summer, we crossed the mark of handling 400 active investigational drug trials. This was an accomplishment for our dedicated team of pharmacists, technicians and interns. With the experience of both technical and professional aspects of IDS operations, I have been able to help train students while working on my daily to-do lists. What I loved about IDS and this internship was the autonomy in my responsibilities and the ability to work on a variety of projects. The work accomplished in IDS is critical for patients and for data that the Food and Drug Administration will analyze when evaluating investigational agents for approved indications.

Medication Safety, the Pharmacist’s Role and Potential New Prospects

By Emily Cross, Pharm.D., Jennifer Idzior, Pharm.D., and Jacqueline Kisscorni, Pharm.D., Ferris State University College of Pharmacy, 2012 graduates

On March 26, 2012, as a part of our advanced community rotation, we visited Mrs. Bush’s anatomy and physiology class at Forest Hills Northern in Grand Rapids. We presented on the important role pharmacists play in medication management and safety. The class, which consisted of juniors and seniors, was learning about the renal system, which allowed us the opportunity to discuss the crucial role of kidney function in safe administration of medications. We reviewed creatinine, creatinine clearance and presented patient cases to engage the students in active learning. They practiced typical calculations a pharmacist would conduct to ensure a patient is receiving a medication safely and at the proper dose.

Considering our audience of upperclassmen, nearing the next step of their education, we seized the opportunity to educate the students on pharmacy and promote the profession as an excellent career choice. We discussed the multitude of career opportunities available to a pharmacy graduate as well as the variety of benefits of the profession. In addition, the students engaged in topics, such as what it takes to get into pharmacy school and the overall student pharmacist experience.

Our presentation “From Notes to White Coats” utilized the zooming presentation software Prezi to stay current with the advancing technology high school students are already engaged in themselves. Our goal was to emphasize the value of the pharmacist via our medication safety discussion and promote the pharmacy profession as an ever-evolving field in hopes of piquing the interest of at least one potential future pharmacist.

CAPA Accepting Applications for 2012 Student Scholarship

Every year, Capital Area Pharmacists Association (CAPA) awards up to two $500 scholarships to an individual(s) who meets the established criteria. The applicant must:

• Have a residence in or be a resident of Ingham, Eaton, Clinton or Shiawassee counties 
• Be in at least the first professional year of the pharmacy curriculum when applying 
• Have a GPA of 2.0 or above 
• Provide a letter of recommendation from an individual associated with the profession of pharmacy (family member excluded) 
• Complete and submit application material by established deadline 

The use of the scholarship is nonrestrictive. A Committee assigned by the CAPA Executive Board will select the recipient(s) and may require applicants to attend an interview with the Committee. The scholarship will be awarded at CAPA’s annual Michigan Pharmacy Week celebration, continuing education program and general meeting held Oct. 18, 2012.

To access an application, please visit www.CAPApharm.org. The application, letter of recommendation and proof of the above requirements must be submitted by Sept. 28, 2012 to:

Heather Schalk, Pharm.D.
Sparrow Hospital Inpatient Pharmacy
1215 East Michigan Ave.
Lansing, MI 48909

If you have any questions, please e-mail Heather Schalk at Heather.Schalk@Sparrow.org, Sarah Eagleston at Sarah.Eagleston@Sparrow.org or Victoria McCausland at Victoria.McCausland@Sparrow.org.

Student Pharmacists: View Presentation on Mastering a Pharmacy Interview

MPA recently posted a new educational video designed for student pharmacists. The presentation covers preparing for and mastering a pharmacy interview, including tasks to complete before, during and after an interview; appropriate attire, etiquette and attitude to be a competitive applicant; and different types of interview styles and formats. Visit the MPA Web site to view this presentation online and to access the handout that provides a complete outline of the program. This serves as a great resource for student pharmacists to print off and refer to as they start off or prepare for their pharmacy careers.

Just Breathe

by Matthew S. Duprey, P3 student pharmacist, Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; president, WSU-SSHP

This past year, the Wayne State University-Student Society of Health-System Pharmacy implemented a new asthma education project in the metro Detroit area. The idea of a previously informational organization moving into patient care seemed to be a challenge for our group, but we knew that it was time to show community members how pharmacists in health-systems can be valuable in their health management. We developed a training program with Dr. Sheila Wilhelm, associate professor of pharmacy practice. Then, we were able to teach patients in the community the importance of using their inhalers, as well as inform them of the difference between controllers and rescue inhalers. Through a series of health fairs, we were also able to teach hundreds of patients with the assistance of demo inhalers and a vitalograph. Not only did this allow students to expand on their consultation skills and therapeutic knowledge, it engaged the community to consider health-system pharmacists as valuable resources in health care. That can help us all breathe a little easier.

This piece will also be published in the July 2012 edition of the Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists newsletter, the MSHP Monitor.

Looking for a Pharmacy Job?

MPA partners with an organization called JobTarget to bring members job postings online. In addition, those looking for a job can post their resume for potential employers to review. Visit our JobTarget board at www.JobTarget.com/home/index.cfm?site_id=530 for additional information or to start browsing jobs today!

Immunization Update 2012 Now Available Online

The recent Immunization Update 2012 webinar provided by MPA is now available as a continuing education (CE) home study on the Association Web site. Student pharmacists who were unable to participate in the webinar are encouraged to watch it online. The program covered concerns and contemporary controversies associated with vaccine-preventable diseases, case studies for attendees to assess a patient’s need for vaccinations and recent updates to vaccines. In addition, the program instructor provided an overview of the Michigan Care Improvement Registry and the latest on vaccine reimbursement. Visit MichiganPharmacists.org/education/online to access this program, as well as a copy of the program slides.

MPA is hosting a live immunization training program at Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences on Sept. 8. Students can register on the event page on the MPA Web site to participate in this program!

Last Chance to Register for the Golf Classic

Support Michigan Pharmacy Foundation (MPF) and Pharmacy PAC by playing in the annual Golf Classic on June 27! You can register as an individual player or as a foursome. Gather up a group of student pharmacists from you college and join us at Hawk Hollow Golf Course in Bath, Mich. Visit the event page to register online and for more details. Registration is available through June 10, so hurry and reserve your spot. We look forward to seeing you on the course later this month!

Follow MPA on Your Favorite Social Media Sites!

If you haven’t joined the conversation yet, visit our Twitter page at www.Twitter.com/MIPharmacists and follow the Association today. MPA has a number of Facebook pages as well that have recently received a new look, as the social media tool moves to a timeline format. ‘Like’ MPA, Student MPA, the Michigan Society of Pharmacy Technicians, or the Association’s Cooperative Buying Group, Pharmacy Services Inc. Staying connected to the Association via social media ensures that you’re up-to-date on the latest in pharmacy, exposing you to information that may not be included in MPA publications and allows you to make connections with other pharmacy professionals, legislators, or members of the media and public. Join the conversation by liking our pages or following us on Twitter!

Save the Date: Young Pharmacists Leadership Conference

On Sept. 7-8, 2012, Michigan Pharmacy Foundation (MPF) will host a Young Pharmacists Leadership Conference in the Lansing area. The conference will be designed for those who have been practicing for 10 years or less, and aim to educate future pharmacy leaders on the importance of establishing themselves as valuable practitioners. Visit the event page of the MPA Web site for the most up-to-date information. If you have any questions, please contact MPF Executive Director La Vone Swanson at (517) 377-0231.

Take Advantage of Upcoming Immunization Training Programs!

Register for upcoming immunization programs! MPA is hosting several American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery Programs in the coming months. The Association is also holding an Immunization Update 2012 webinar on May 31 that provides a great update for those who have already participated in the training program. Visit MichiganPharmacists.org/calendar.php for additional information or to register online. Or, contact MPA Operations Assistant Cynthia Rowe at (517) 377-0222 or Cynthia@MichiganPharmacists.org.

Pharmacy Services Inc. (PSI) will also be offering CPR skills evaluations at the live training programs. Contact Cynthia at the phone number or e-mail listed above for details on how to schedule your evaluation as part of PSI's online, certified CPR program.

Ferris State University Unveils New Pharmacy Center in Grand Rapids

On Friday, Feb. 3, Ferris State University unveiled a new pharmacy center on the Medical Mile in Grand Rapids. The College of Pharmacy Center for Innovational Learning, located on the seventh floor of 25 Michigan St., aims to tap into the area’s bustling medical industry and create partnerships that would place students alongside professionals from throughout the medical industry. The 26,000-square foot facility provides new classroom and laboratory space for the college. Read more at www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2012/02/ferris_state_university_pharma_1.html.

Student Pharmacists Receive NACDS Scholarships

Student MPA members Elizabeth Kelly and Nicole Stone were recently presented with scholarships from the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. Congratulations to these two student pharmacists! The NACDS Foundation said a total of 58 scholarships were awarded, representing 42 colleges and schools of pharmacy. Click here to view a full list of scholarship winners.

Information for MPF Adopt-a-Student Participants

The Michigan Pharmacy Foundation (MPF) Adopt-a-Student program will be held at the MPA Annual Convention & Exposition Feb. 24-26, 2012, at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. The Adopt-a-Student program provides Student MPA (SMPA) members the opportunity to network with Michigan’s pharmacy leaders during the Annual Convention and at the Annual Banquet held Saturday evening. The Adopt-a-Student program has been successful in years past, and we anticipate the program growing larger each year. Take advantage of this unique opportunity! Students in all years of pharmacy school are welcome to participate.

Student Instructions for Adopt-a-Student Program
Please follow these steps to sign up for adoption through the MPF Adopt-a-Student program. You must register for the Convention. Register online; complete a printable registration form; or call the MPA office at (517) 484-1466. Registration for SMPA members is complimentary. After Feb. 16, registration is $10. Be sure to mark that you’d like to participate in the Adopt-a-Student program under “Special Events.”

You must provide the following information on your registration form:

• First and last name
• E-mail address
• College and year
• Practice area preference

Student pharmacists that sign up to be adopted will be provided with the name and contact information of their “parent” so that they can make arrangements to meet with them at the Convention. Your parent will provide you with a reserved-seat banquet ticket either in person, or they may leave it at the Ambassador Relations Desk for you to pick up. Students are encouraged to sign up before Feb. 3 to ensure that you receive the name and contact information of the pharmacist who has adopted you. If you register after Feb. 3, you will receive the name and contact information for your parent on-site.

If you have any questions, please contact MPA Member Services Manager Allison Drake at (517) 377-0241 or Allison@MichiganPharmacists.org.

Check Out Student Programming at the Annual Convention!

In addition to networking, exploring the Exhibit Hall, being adopted for the Annual Banquet and attending for free, specific student programming is a great reason to make sure to be at the MPA Annual Convention & Exposition Feb. 24-26 at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. Register now!

Friday, Feb. 24

• 7:30 a.m.-4:20 p.m. - Students are welcome to attend any program scheduled during this time.
• 1-2 p.m. - Special Exhibit Hall Hours for Student Pharmacists — The Exhibit Hall will be open from noon until 3 p.m.; however, students are encouraged to visit the Exhibit Hall during these special hours to receive personalized attention from the exhibitors.
• 4:30-5:50 p.m. - Opening Session
• 6-8 p.m. - Exhibit Hall Grand Opening
• 7-10:30 p.m. - MPA Student Pharmacist Social
• Student pharmacists are invited to stop by this informal reception on Friday. Enjoy drinks, pizza and board games, while networking with fellow student pharmacists from Michigan’s colleges of pharmacy. All registered student pharmacists are invited to attend. Student MPA (SMPA) members can attend complimentary. A fee applies to nonmember student pharmacists.

Saturday, Feb. 25

• 7:30 a.m.-5:50 p.m. - Students are welcome to attend any program scheduled during this time.
• 9-10:20 a.m. - Keynote Session
• 10:30-11:50 a.m. - Curriculum Vitae Writing Workshop
• Noon-1:20 p.m. - MSHP Student Pharmacist Luncheon
• Join your classmates and future colleagues on Saturday. This luncheon is sponsored by the Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists.Ticket is required. Pre-registration is necessary. Onsite registrations for this luncheon will not be accepted.
• 1:30-2:50 p.m. - NASPA-NMA Student Pharmacist Self-care Championship
• 3-4:20 p.m. - Financial Planning Program

Sunday, Feb. 26

• 8 a.m.-1:50 p.m. - Students are welcome to attend any program scheduled during this time.
• 8:30-9:15 a.m. - New Delegate Briefing
• 9:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m. - House of Delegates Session

Visit MichiganPharmacists.org/education/convention/programming/student for additional information.

Complete the 2011 Student Pharmacist Economic Survey

This year, the Michigan Pharmacy Economic Survey is once again short and sweet. Please take a few moments to anonymously add your responses, which will help provide pharmacy professionals and employers with valuable salary and benefit information.

To complete the survey, visit www.SurveyMonkey.com/s/2011MPAStudentEconomicSurvey.

Please complete the electronic survey by Feb. 20, 2012. Results will be published in the July edition of Michigan Pharmacist journal.

If you have any questions, please contact MPA at (517) 484-1466 or MPA@MichiganPharmacists.org.

Annual Convention Registration Now Available Online

Registration is now available online for MPA’s premiere event of the year, the Annual Convention and Exposition. The 2012 Convention will be held Feb. 24-26 at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center.

To be eligible for complimentary registration, student pharmacists must be a Student MPA member and submit a valid copy of his/her MPA membership card. Registration will not be accepted without this documentation. Nonmembers will be charged a $20 registration fee.

After Feb. 16 and onsite, registration will be $10 for members and $30 for nonmembers). The nonmember rate includes complimentary membership in Michigan Pharmacists Association for 2012. In addition, several special luncheons and other events held during the weekend require pre-registration, so be sure to take your time when completing the online registration or registration form to be sure you don’t miss anything.

In addition, the most up-to-date Convention information is available on the Annual Convention section of the MPA Web site.

If you have any questions regarding the registration process, please contact the MPA office at (517) 484-1466.

Complete MPA’s 2011 Readership Survey for a Chance to Win a Gift Card

Members are encouraged to participate in MPA’s 2011 Readership Survey to help the Association determine the effectiveness of its primary publications and communications. Information obtained from this survey will help the Association plan future communication efforts.

Those who complete the survey in its entirety, answering each question carefully, will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a gift card! Five different types of gift cards will be awarded to the first five names drawn. The drawing will be completed after the survey deadline and results will be announced in e-news weekly.

The survey was published in the November/December edition of Michigan Pharmacist journal, and it can also be completed electronically at www.SurveyMonkey.com/s/2011ReadershipSurvey. Or, use your smart phone to read the QR code below to access the online survey on your phone.

If you have any questions, please contact MPA Director of Communications Leah Godzina at Leah@MichiganPharmacists.org. Thank you in advance for your honest and valuable feedback!

APhA Foundation Offering Student Scholarship

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Foundation Student Scholarship Program recognizes students who choose to invest their time in their school’s APhA-ASP chapter to help shape the future of the profession while managing the demands of a full-time pharmacy curriculum. Applicants will be evaluated on their potential to become leaders for the profession of pharmacy, as demonstrated by involvement in school and community activities and academic performance. This year, the Foundation will award twelve annual scholarships. The George F. Archambault scholarship is in the amount of $1,500. All other APhA Foundation Student Scholarships are in the amount of $1,000.

The 2012 Student Scholarship recipients will be recognized during the Foundation's Annual Contributors' Breakfast during the 2012 APhA Annual Meeting in New Orleans. If you are, or know of a deserving student(s), please encourage him or her to submit an application. The deadline for applications is Dec. 1, 2011. If you have any questions, please contact Farah Towfic at ftowfic@aphanet.org. Additional details and an application are available at http://www.pharmacist.com/Content/NavigationMenu/GrantsAwards/StudentScholarshipProgram/default.htm