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Seminar speaker discusses changes in the pharmacy profession

Michael L. Brandt with studentsSPOKANE, Wash. – On March 29 Pharmacist Michael L. Brandt spoke with Washington State University (WSU) student pharmacists about the changing landscape of the profession and how they can fit into this new role.

“As we grow, things change,” said Brandt. He described how careers in pharmacy have significantly changed since he entered the workforce.

“When I first started, pharmacy was not very clinical,” said Brandt. “Today, pharmacists have a lot of contact with patients and their value is in their consult abilities.”

Brandt discussed that there are many ways that students can fit … » More …

Seminar speakers discuss the benefits of a community pharmacy practice residency

Arsalan Shah and Matthew Elamparo with studentsSPOKANE, Wash. – On February 22 residents Arsalan Shah and Matthew Elamparo spoke with students at the Washington State University (WSU) College of Pharmacy about their experience in the Fred Meyer Community Pharmacy Practice Residency.

“This residency gives you an amazing opportunity to see all the aspects of pharmacy,” said Elamparo.

Both residents shared that this residency gave them a mix of experience in patient care, management and administration, transition of care, dispensing operations, and networking.

Over the course of the residency they both enjoyed working closely with their patients. “Since … » More …

Seminar speaker discusses patient education

Speaker with pharmacy faculty SPOKANE, Wash. – On November 29 Lars-Ake Soderlund spoke with Washington State University student pharmacists about the Sweden national project, Check My Medicines, and the future of pharmacy practice.

The Check My Medicines project is an educational application for patients to learn about their prescriptions.

“The goal is for patients to become ambassadors of their own health and be responsible for their medications,” said Soderlund. “This application is especially useful for geriatric patients because it gives them information on medication use and questions they should ask their doctor when being prescribed certain medications.”

… » More …

Seminar speaker discusses the benefits of a residency

Lisa Chamberlain speaking to studentsSPOKANE, Wash. – On October 19 Lisa Chamberlain spoke with Washington State University (WSU) student pharmacists about the benefits of a pharmacy residency.

“When you decide to do a residency a lot of doors are opened in your career,” said Chamberlain.

She discussed the many benefits of completing a residency such as developing a network of professionals, building your knowledge base, having an opportunity to explore different specialties, and becoming more competitive in the job market.

“If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you,” said Chamberlain.

Chamberlain explained that residencies are a … » More …

Seminar speaker discusses his career path

Singer with studentsSPOKANE, Wash. – Steve Singer spoke to student pharmacists on October 6 about his career path and the many job opportunities in the field of pharmacy. His presentation was part of the Preparing for Your Career in Pharmacy seminar series coordinated by the Washington State University College of Pharmacy.

“You are in control of your career,” said Singer.

He advised students to participate in pharmacy organizations to broaden their network and gain exposure to different career options.

There are many things you can do with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree outside the traditional dispensing role; … » More …

Seminar speaker discusses veterinary pharmacy

SPOKANE, Wash. – On September 6 Katrina Mealey spoke with student pharmacists about dispensing medications for veterinary patients. Her presentation was part of the Washington State University College of Pharmacy’s Preparing for Your Career in Pharmacy seminar series.

“Dogs and cats are not small people; and cats are not small dogs,” said Mealey.

Katrina Mealey with studentsShe discussed medications that are prescribed to animals and how they should not be treated like human patient prescriptions, as this can have serious, even fatal consequences for veterinary patients.

“Numerous differences exist in absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of medications,” … » More …

Seminar speaker discusses how failure can lead to success

SPOKANE, Wash. – On April 6, Pharmacist Patrick Tabon spoke to Washington State University student pharmacists about his career path and how to handle challenges that come up along the way. His presentation was part of the Preparing for Your Career in Pharmacy Seminar Series, which is hosted by the College of Pharmacy.

Patrick Tabon presenting“All my success has come from my failures,” said Tabon. “Failure gave me a better idea of who I wanted to be.”

During Tabon’s first professional year of pharmacy school he lost the election to become the Kappa Psi Regent. Kappa Psi … » More …

Seminar Speaker discusses the changing landscape of compounding

Brian Courtney presentingSPOKANE, Wash. – On March 8 Washington State University (WSU) College of Pharmacy alumnus Brian Courtney spoke to student pharmacists about his career in the compounding industry and his work with Fagron.

“Compounding is utilized when a standardized medication doesn’t fit a patient need,” said Courtney. “It fits between home remedies and pharmaceutical manufacturing.”

Although compounding has been around for centuries, new regulatory actions have changed the product flow.

These regulations ensure drugs are compliant and safe, said Courtney.

These changes have allowed companies, like Fagron, to be utilized to ensure regulations are being … » More …

Seminar speaker discusses life-saving drug

SPOKANE, Wash. – Philip Krieter spoke with student pharmacists from Washington State University College of Pharmacy on November 2 about his work on the development of Narcan® Intranasal Naloxone formulation for opioid overdose.

Krieter works in the Division of Therapeutics and Medical Consequences at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

Krieter with studentsDeaths and hospitalization for opioid overdose have tripled from 1999 to 2015, said Krieter. Naloxone has been available to health care providers since the 1970s as an injectable treatment to reverse the respiratory depression caused by opioids. The biggest threat to life during an … » More …

Executive director talks about the expanding roles in pharmacy

SPOKANE, Wash. – Alex Adams, executive director of the Idaho State Board of Pharmacy, spoke to student pharmacists on September 22 about the expanding roles in the profession. This presentation was part of the Washington State University College of Pharmacy Preparing for Your Career in Pharmacy Seminar Series.

“The role of the pharmacist is evolving,” said Adams. “Pharmacists are becoming more involved in clinical care.”

Adams speaking to studentsA few of the current progressive pharmacy practices include: renewing and extending medication regimens, administering medications, and prescribing for minor ailments and conditions. These practices are only offered in … » More …