Participating in COVID-19 vaccine efforts has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had throughout pharmacy school. I began my Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) rotations in May 2020 not knowing exactly what opportunities would arise, or be taken away, due to the COVID-19 restrictions. I was worried that I would not be given the chance to build relationships with patients and grow in my one-on-one patient care experiences.
Now that I have completed almost all of my rotations, I have come to realize how much pharmacy services have positively impacted patients throughout this pandemic. In my community-based rotations, I spent many hours not only counseling patients and performing medication therapy management services, but I’ve also been a listening ear and friend to those who have been so negatively impacted by this pandemic.
Additionally, I am proud to say that I’ve had the opportunity to help vaccinate our community. I have watched my professors and preceptors step up to provide this vaccine to the community in the most efficient way possible. Although COVID-19 has impacted all of us in some way, I do believe that I have seen the mission of Flip the Pharmacy and the patient-centered mindset of care throughout my APPE experiences.
Written by Abbie Barnett, PharmD Candidate, West Virginia University School of Pharmacy on behalf of Team CPESN West Virginia. Pictured are Abbie Barnett, Dr. Betsy Elswick, Emily Vince, and Dr. Gretchen Garofoli assisting with the COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts in West Virginia.
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