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Pharmacists:
essential to health care team
Each year, National Pharmacy Week offers the opportunity for everyone to
celebrate the practice of pharmacy.
In recent times, pharmacists have become more prominent members of
the health care team. They provide essential services that lead to better,
safer and more cost-efficient health care. National Pharmacy Week 2002
is Oct. 21-25.
Throughout the week, students, staff and the public can participate
in a number of activities including a brown bag medication review and ice
cream social. Later, pharmacy and nursing staffs will benefit from an AcuScan
medication administration demonstration.
Finally, students and staff will conclude the week with a celebration
dinner and pharmacy forum. So take this time to recognize and talk to your
pharmacist.
National Pharmacy Week 2002 is sponsored by the Department of Pharmacy
Services, faculty of MUSC's College of Pharmacy and pharmacy students.
Tips for choosing a pharmacist
When choosing a pharmacist, many people simply look for a pharmacist
that is convenient, either close to home or work. But location is only
one of the things to consider in choosing a pharmacist who is the right
match for you and your family.
Your pharmacist should be someone you know and trust. You should give
as much consideration to choosing your pharmacist as you do to choosing
a physician. Pharmacists are health care professionals specializing in
medicines and their appropriate use. Because of this, your pharmacist plays
an important role in your personal health care.
To help you select the one that is right for you, consider the following:
Review your options.
Stop by several pharmacies and speak with the pharmacist. Ask about
the services offered, their expertise in disease management, and any special
needs you might have.
Consider your entire family's pharmacy needs.
Often, a pharmacist can help you with special circumstances, such as
when you are taking care of an elderly relative.
If you have aging parents that live nearby, you might ask, for example,
if it is possible to deliver prescriptions to their home and send the bill
to you.
Ask about payment options.
Will the pharmacy accept your insurance coverage? Does the pharmacy
accept your credit cards? Is it possible to set up an account?
Assess the level of personal service.
How accessible is the pharmacist? Is he or she easy to talk to and
willing to hear you concerns? During what hours is the pharmacist available
to answer your questions?
It is important to choose one pharmacist with whom you can establish
an ongoing relationship. Also, by choosing one pharmacy, a complete record
of the medicines you take is in one place, making them easier to coordinate
and manage. Your pharmacist can alert you to possible drug interactions—particularly
if you take a number of different medications—help you track refills on
important prescriptions, and provide any necessary detail on short notice.
MUSC provides quality outpatient pharmacy services in both Rutledge
Tower and McClennan-Banks.
Events for Pharmacy Week
Oct. 21 - 25
Monday, Oct. 21
“Brown Bag Medication Review”
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Rutledge Tower Pharmacy
“College of Pharmacy Scholarship Ceremony”
6:30 p.m.
Room 102, Gazes Building
Tuesday, Oct. 22
“Technician Day”
2 to 4 p.m.
Main Hospital, 10th Floor
Ice cream social honoring MUSC pharmacy technicians
Wednesday, Oct. 23
“Brown Bag Medication Review”
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
McClennan-Banks Pharmacy
“South Carolina Pharmacy Association Regional Rally”
6:30 to 9 p.m.
Baruch Auditorium
Thursday, Oct. 24
“Senior Citizen Center Brown Bag Counseling Session”
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
259 Meeting Street
“Assuring Safety with High Alert Medications and Dealing with the Pressure
Points in a Blame-free Culture”
2 to 3:30 p.m.
Institute of Safe Medication Practices Teleconference
1 hour of CE for pharmacists and nurses
Friday, Oct. 25
“Ice Cream Social”
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Dean's Conference Room, College of Pharmacy
Ice cream social honoring MUSC pharmacy students
Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as
needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations
for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South
Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107
or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst
Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu
or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community
Press at 849-1778.
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