My Personal Experience: My Experience In Education And Medicine

Twenty-five pairs of student eyes rested on me, waiting for me to lead them in a test review. That was the semester, my first time as a biology teaching assistant, I gained an appreciation for education. After switching majors 3 times and considering a wide spectrum of careers, I finally realized I wanted to be an educator. Friends, co-workers and professors suggested that I pursue a PhD and become a college professor. However, I chose pharmacy.

Although I was told that education and medicine are separate disciplines, I know the two are intertwined. As a pharmacist, I can serve my community by using healthcare as a vehicle of education.

Through my volunteer work in the pharmacy, I have often noticed a lack of communication between patient, healthcare provider and insurance company. Experiencing this as both a volunteer and patient, I know how frustrating this can be. Patients do not know enough about their conditions, medications, and insurance plans. They feel helpless and lost. Pharmacists, with their knowledge of insurance companies and medication, are equipped to help these patients. I have seen Chuck, the pharmacist I volunteer under, assist stressed patients, helping them communicate with their insurance companies and doctors. By doing so, he teaches them how to deal with similar situations in the future.

This desire to

I assist patients at the cash register, deliver medication to post-surgery patients, and work with the head pharmacist. While delivering medication, I have learned to communicate with patients in a way that fosters trust and reduces stress. Watching Chuck at the pharmacy has taught me that clear and personable communication is the hallmark of a successful pharmacist. Chuck strives to create relationships with patients in order to improve patient understanding. My volunteer experience has taught me communication skills that I will utilize as a