CHRO N ICLES x
What’s NewatEMSOPChronicles?
CongratulationstoEMSOPChroniclesfor winningtheRxOlympicsthisyear,and thankyoutothePharmacyGoverning Councilforhostingsuchawonderful event!
CompetingagainstotherEMSOPclubsand organizationswasanexhileratingexperience,withgamesthatexudedfiercecompetitionamongstallmembersofEMSOP. ContestantsstartedofftheRxOlympics withthepillbottlegame,withteamsof4 countingandfillingprescriptionsofSkittlesinaheatedraceagainsttheclock.Soon afterwasguessingmedicationsbasedona seriesofemojis,andtheeveningended witharoundofKahoottowinthefinal prize.FromtriviaquestionsaboutEMSOP tofunfactsaboutEMSOPfaculty,the pointsalltalliedupandgaveusourbig winforthisyear’sRxOlympics!
Thissemester,we’vereceivednumerous submissionsfromEMSOPstudents,rangingfromgaugingquestionstocreativeoutlooks.Takealookthroughthelatestadditionstoournewsletter,alongwitharticles writtenbyourfellowE-boardmembers!
Zucchini BreadRecipe
By:JoAnnLiu,P2
Ingredients: 3cupsallpurposeflour 1teaspoonsalt 1teaspoonbakingsoda 1teaspoonbakingpowder 1teaspoongroundcinnamon 3eggs 1cupvegetableoil
2 ¼ cupswhitesugaror3teaspoons vanillaextract
2cupsgratedzucchini
Optional:1cupchoppedwalnuts 1/8or ¼ cupofwater(addedafterall ingredintsaremixed)
Directions:
1.Greaseandflourtwo8x4inchpans. Preheatovento325degreesF(165degreesC)
2.Siftflour,salt,bakingpowder,soda, andcinnamontogetherinabowl.
3.Beateggs,oil,vanilla,andsugartogetherinalargebowl.Addsiftedingredientstothecreamedmixtureandbeatwell. Stirinzucchiniandnutsuntilwellcombined.Addthewaterandmixcompletely. Pourbatterintopreparedpans.
4.Bakefor40to60minutes,oruntil testerinsertedinthecentercomesout clean.Coolinpanorrackfor20minutes. Removebreadfrompan,andcoolcompletely.
EstimatedTime: Prep:20minCook:1hr Readyin:1hr40min
RevolutionaryRoboticTechnologyOffers N
forTreatingArrhythmogenicCardiomyopathy
byCarlaArca-Sedda,P3
ArrhythmogeniccardiomyopathyorACM isadevastatingdiseasewhichcontributes tothemajorityofsuddencardiacarrestsin youngadults.Theonlycurrentcurative treatmentavailableforthosewiththisinheriteddiseaseisahearttransplant.Inan excitingstudyledbyDr.JasonMaynesat SickKids,alongwithDrs.YuSunand XinyuLiufromtheUniversityofToronto RoboticsInstitute,aninnovativerobotic technologyhasenabledscientiststotest multiplepotentialtherapeuticsforACM forthefirsttime.1
ThetechnologyrequiredtomakethetreatmentofACMpossiblehasnotbeendeveloped,limitingtheuseoftherapeuticagents usedfortreatment.Microinjectionintodynamicbeatinghearttissuehasbeenachallengefacedbecausethe3-dimensional movementoftheheartmakesitdifficultto injectmolecules.Researchersinthepast havebeenunabletoinjectintothebeating cardiomyocytetissuerapidlyandaccuratelywithoutcausingsignificantdamage.
PhotoCredit:https://www.clinicaladvisor.com/reports/cardiogenicshock-myocarditis/
Tocombatthisissue,theresearchteam wasabletogenerateasmallrobotcapable ofinsertingafluorescentmoleculeinto drug-treatedheartswithenoughprecision andspeed,makingitpossiblefordoctorsto analyzetheefficacyofthedrug.2 Thistiny robotusesaunique3D-imagingsystem pairedwithaspecializedz-shapedmicropipette.Withtheuseofthisnewtechnology,researcherswereabletoidentify fivepotentialtherapiesforthetreatmentof ACM,bringinghopetomanypatientsexpectinghearttransplantations.3
Thisinnovationprovideshopeformany patientsandfamiliesaffectedbyACMbut
holdspromiseformanyotherheartdiseasesbeyond.Thefutureofthehealthcare spaceisdrivingtowardsfocusingoneach individual'sdiseasestateratherthanusing standardproceduresforgeneralconditions. Usingarobottoassessspecificdrug screeningsforeachindividualpatientis incrediblyvaluableastherapiesmayvary intheirefficacybetweenpatients.Thisrobotmakesitpossiblefordoctorstodeterminewaysinwhichtheycantreatevery uniquepatienteffectively,possiblyeliminatingtheneedformanypatientstoreceive hearttransplantsandotherinvasiveprocedures.4
References
1.Precisionroboticsoffershopeforheartdiseasetreatment.ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com.PublishedOctober30th,2024.AccessedNovember10th,2024.
2.RoboticinnovationtransformsheartdiseasetreatmentapproachatSickKids.TheHospitalforSickChildren.https://science.leap-forward.ca.PublishedOctober29th,2024.AccessedNovember10th,2024.
3.WenkunDou,GuanqiaoShan,QiliZhao,etal.Roboticmanipulationof cardiomyocytestoidentifygapjunctionmodifiersforarrhythmogeniccardiomyopathy.ScienceRobotics.PublishedOctober23rd,2024.Accessed November10th,2024.DOI:10.1126/scirobotics.adm8233
4.AnadvancedroboticsystematTheHospitalforSickChildren(SickKids) ischangingthewayphysiciansandscientistsapproachtreatmentsforheart disease.HealthTechWorld.https://www.htworld.co.uk.PublishedOctober 31,2024.AccessedNovember10th,2024.
ChoosingtheBestLineofDefenseAgainsttheSun: Mineralvs.ChemicalSunscreen
byRadiyaRahman,P1
PhotoCredit:https://www.freepik.com/premium-vector/sunprotection-products-30-50-vector-graphics_29880041.htm
Overthepastfewyears,sunscreenhas beenastapleinsocialmediacontent,with influencersreviewingandpromotingall typesofsunscreenstoviewers.Thereare manyfactorstoconsiderwhenchoosing fromendlessoptions,themostimportant
beingtheingredients.Mineralandchemicalsunscreensarethemostcommondistinctionsbetweenthem,solet’sdiscuss whattheyareandhowtheydiffer.
Mineralsunscreensactasashieldonthe skinafterapplication.Theysitontheskin toabsorborreflectUVrays,usuallyconsistingofzincoxideortitaniumdioxide.1 Theyworkimmediately,canbeapplied rightbeforesunexposure,andaresuitable forpeoplewithsensitiveskin.2 Theysometimesleavebehindavisiblewhiteresidue ontheskin,ora“whitecast,”andhavea heavierconsistencythanchemicalsunscreen.2
Withchemicalsunscreen’slighterconsistencyandcompoundssuchasoxybenzone, octisalate,octinoxate,andavobenzone, theycanabsorbUVraysfromsunexposureintotheskin.1 Theydon’tleaveanoticeableresidueontheskinanddon’tusuallyclogporesaswell.Chemicalsunscreensshouldbeapplied20-30minutes
beforesunexposure,astheyarenotimmediatelyeffectiveandarenotrecommended forpeoplewithsensitiveskin.2 Additionally,someenvironmentalriskfactorsare associatedwithchemicalsunscreens,particularlythosethatcontainoxybenzone andoctinoxate.2
Whilemineralandchemicalsunscreens haveprosandcons,havingonesunscreen youcanuseregularlyisidealforsunprotection,prematureaging,andskincancer. Skinsensitivity,appearance,compounds, andotherfactorscancontributetowhat kindofsunscreenisrightforyou.Consideringthesefactorswillhelppromotesun protectionandencouragetheuseofsunscreenregularly.
References
1.WalshA.Mineralvs.ChemicalSunscreen:WhichIsBetterforYourSkin? GoodRxHealth.2024
2.Mineralvs.chemicalsunscreens.BaylorCollegeofMedicine.2024
ByAmritaTejwani,P2
Therearemanyconflictingviewsonthe roleofthepharmaceuticalindustrywithin theUnitedStates’healthcaresystem.Itis ofunanimousopinionthatthepharmaceuticalindustryhasnoroleindefiningspecificillnessesorconditions,eventhough theindustryindirectlyfindsmethodstodo so.1Asaresult,thepublictendstoview thepharmaceuticalindustrynegativelyasa whole.Therearemanymethodsforthe pharmaceuticalindustrytoimproveits standingintheoverallpubliceye,andincreaseitspositiveimpact,especiallyregardingadvertisingandpublicmessaging intheindustry.
Amajorissueisdirect-to-consumer(DTC) advertising,wherepharmaceuticalcompaniespromotetheirproductstopatients withoutmedicalinterventionorcare,such asthroughTVads.2 Amajorbenefitof DTCadvertisingisthedisseminationof
informationaboutdiseasesandcures,allowingpatientstomakeinformeddeci-
sionsregardingtheircare.1 Asaresult,con-
Continuedonpage14
TheRiseofTelepharmacy:TransformingAccessto Medications
byMariaGhaly,P1
PhotoCredit:https://www.pbahealth.com/elements/how-to-start-atelepharmacy/
Bygivingpatientseasyaccesstoeffective pharmacyservices,telepharmacyischangingthefaceofhealthcare,especiallyin underprivilegedcommunities.According toastudyconductedintheUnitedArab Emirates,theCOVID-19pandemicsped upitsemergencebyemphasizingthequick deploymentoftelepharmacytopreserve healthcarecontinuityandlowerthedanger ofvirustransmission1.Thestudyhighlightedhowtelepharmacymightimprove drugmanagementbyreducingin-person interactionsandguaranteeingpatientsfollowedtheirtreatmentprograms.
Telepharmacyhasalsobecomepopularin theUnitedStates.Byprovidingservices likeremoteconsultations,e-prescriptions, andpharmaceuticaltreatmentmonitoring, itenablespharmaciststofunctionmore flexiblyinachanginghealthcareenvironment(Massaro,2024)2.Thisadaptability includesextendingbusinesshours,which enablespharmaciststobetterservepatients'requirements.
Furthermore,telepharmacyhasprovento bebeneficialinpromotingfairaccessto healthcare.Ithasthepotentialtoalleviate
pharmacydeserts,especiallyinruralareas, andassistpatientswhohavetransportation ormobilityissues,accordingtoresearch publishedinResearchinSocialandAdministrativePharmacy3
Telepharmacystillhasobstaclesinspiteof itspotential.Tomaximizeitsapplication, regionalregulatorydisparitiesanddataprivacyissuesdemandimmediateattention. Tostandardizeproceduresandcreate strongdigitalinfrastructures,legislators andhealthcarestakeholdersmustworktogether.
Aparadigmchangeinpharmacypracticeis indicatedbytheongoingdevelopmentof telepharmacy.Itprovidesapatient-centeredstrategythatsatisfiesthedemandsof contemporaryhealthcarebyfillingupaccessgaps,guaranteeingthatnooneisdeniednecessarypharmacyservices.
References
1.JirjeesF,OdehM,AloumL,KharabaZ,AlzoubiKH,Al-OBAIDIHJ. TheriseoftelepharmacyservicesduringtheCOVID-19pandemic:AcomprehensiveassessmentofservicesintheUnitedArabEmirates.Pharmacy Practice.2022;20(2):02-11.doi:https://doi.org/10.18549/pharmpract.2022.2.2634
2.MassaroL.TelepharmacyEmpowersPharmacistsPracticinginaChangingLandscape.DrugTopics.2024;02.AccessedDecember4,2024.https:// www.drugtopics.com/view/telepharmacy-empowers-pharmacists-practicingin-a-changing-landscape
3.ResearchinSocialandAdministrativePharmacy|Journal|ScienceDirect. combyElsevier.www.sciencedirect.com.https://www.sciencedirect.com/ journal/research-in-social-and-administrative-pharmacy
PhotoCredit:https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2023/the-dangers-of-unregulated-drug-ads
NavigatingtheCrisis:HowHospitalsareManaging
byRiyaMankad,P3
MedicationShortages
Asmedicationshortagescontinuetochallengehealthcaresystemsacrossthecountry,theimplicationsonpatientcareare significant.Hospitalsarefacingincreased pressuretoadapttheirtreatmentprotocols inresponsetotheseshortages,whichcan arisefromvariousfactorsincludingmanufacturingdelays,recalls,andsupplychain disruptions.Thesechallengesnotonlyimpacttheavailabilityofessentialmedicationsbutalsorequirehealthcareproviders tofindinnovativesolutionstoensurethat patientsreceivethecaretheyneed. Onesignificantshortagethathasaffected hospitalsnationallyis0.9%SodiumChlorideornormalsaline(NS).Baxter,amajor supplierofsmallandlargevolumeintravenous(IV)fluids,recentlysustaineddamagetotheirNorthCoveplantduetoHurricaneHeleneaffectingsoutheasternstates. Thiscreatedsignificantdelays,andultimatelyshortages,intheirfluidmanufacturing.1 Thesefluidsareessentialformaintaininghydrationanddeliveringmedicationsinvariousclinicalsettings,particularlyforpatientsrequiringIVtherapyonly. Inresponse,theFDAhasauthorizedBaxtertoextendtheexpirationdatesonvariousproductcodes,allowinghospitalsto utilizeexistingstockwithouttheneedfor relabeling.2 Additionally,healthcare providersareexploringalternativemedicationdeliverymethods,suchasusingIV pushsystems,whichrequirelessfluidsas comparedtoIVpiggybacksystems. Providersarealsoconsideringoral,intramuscular(IM),orsubcutaneous(SQ)ad-
byJoannaKusmierski,P3
PhotoCredit:https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/06/opinion/drugshortages-pharmaceuticals.html
ministrationinpatientswhodonotrequire IVadministration.
TheshortageofPotassiumPhosphate(KPhos)hasalsoposedchallenges,primarily duetomanufacturingdelaysatPfizerand FreseniusKabiwhichhaveledtoincreased demands.3 K-Phosiscrucialformaintainingelectrolytebalanceinpatients,particularlythosereceivingIVnutritionorexperiencingseveredeficiencies.Tomanagethis shortage,hospitalsareimplementing switchesfromIVtooraladministration whereverpossible.3 Thisapproachallows forthecontinueddeliveryofnecessary carewithoutsignificantdisruption,optimizingtheuseofavailableresourceswhile continuingtomeetpatientneeds.
Anothermedicationincriticalshortageis AlteplaseInjections,marketedasCathflo Activase.CathfloActivaseisusedprimarilyforopeningupoccludedcentralvenous catheters.Thisshortageintheseline flushesisduetothemanufacturerGenentechissuingavoluntaryrecallofafew batchesbecauseofdefectivestoppers.4 Healthcareprovidersareworkingaround thisshortagebyutilizingalternativemedicationsforlinemanagementsuchasHeparinorNS,prioritizingtheuseofCathflo
onlywhenabsolutelynecessary.4 This strategicadjustmentreflectstheadaptabilityrequiredwithinclinicalsettingstoupholdpatientsafetyandcarestandardseven duringsupplydisruptions.
Theongoingmedicationshortagesfaced byhospitalsdemandaproactiveandflexibleapproachtopatientcare.Byimplementingalternativetreatmentstrategies andfosteringcollaborationamonghealthcareproviders,suppliers,andregulatory agencies,hospitalsarenavigatingthese crisesmoreeffectively.ProminentpharmacyorganizationssuchasAmericanSocietyofHealth-SystemPharmacists (ASHP)andtheFDAhavealsocreated databasesandguidelinestoassisthospitals inaddressingandovercomingthesedrug shortages.Theresiliencedemonstratedin thefaceofthesechallengeshighlightsthe criticalimportanceofadaptivepracticesin maintainingqualityhealthcare,ensuring thatpatientsreceivethenecessarymedicationsevenamidsupplydisruptions.Ultimately,whiletheseshortagesposechallenges,theavailabilityofalternativetreatmentshelpstomitigatetheiroverallimpact onpatientcare.
References
1.DrugShortageDetail:0.9%SodiumChlorideSmallVolumeBags(<150 mL).www.ashp.org.Published2016.AccessedNovember3,2024.https:// www.ashp.org/drug-shortages/current-shortages/drug-shortage-detail.aspx? id=1108
2.FluidShortages-SuggestionsforManagementandConservation-ASHP. www.ashp.org.AccessedNovember3,2024.https://www.ashp.org/drugshortages/shortage-resources/publications/fluid-shortages-suggestions-formanagement-and-conservation
3.DrugShortageDetail:PotassiumPhosphateInjection.www.ashp.org.Published2016.AccessedNovember3,2024.https://www.ashp.org/drug-shortages/current-shortages/drug-shortage-detail.aspx?id=305
4.DrugShortageDetail:AlteplaseInjection(CathfloActivase).www.ashp. org.AccessedNovember3,2024.https://www.ashp.org/drug-shortages/current-shortages/drug-shortage-detail.aspx?id=1065
Not-SoPhenyle-forever?
Amidstthefluseason,theFDAproposed toremovephenylephrine,anactiveingredientinmanydecongestants,offthe shelvesofdrugstores.InSeptember2023, anadvisorycommitteedeemedthat phenylephrineisineffectivewhentakenas liquidororalformulation,andisonlyeffectiveasanasalspray.1 Availabledata showedthatphenylephrineperformedno betterthanplaceboincongestionrelief whentakenorally.2
So,whatnow?Pharmaceuticalcompanies willhavetoreformulatecurrentdrugsor completelyremovethemfromthemarket. Asforusconsumersandpatients?Ourbest
PhotoCredit:https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/04/20/524376484/dont-give-kids-cough-syrup-or-pain-meds-that-contain-codeinefda-says
optionistousealternativessuchaspseudoephedrinetorelievecongestiondueto allergiesorthecommoncold.
References
1.Dunleavy,K.(2024,November8).FDAproposesbanonmainingredientinmanyOTCdecongestants.FiercePharma.https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/fda-proposes-ban-mainingredient-many-otc-decongestants
2.FDAproposesbanona“useless”decongestant,phenylephrine-physician’sWeekly.Physician’sWeekly-Atrustedsourceofmedicalinformationforhealthcareprofessional.(2024, November8).https://www.physiciansweekly.com/fda-proposes-ban-on-a-useless-decongestant-phenylephrine/
bySamJacob,P1
MedicineontheMotorway
PhotoCredit:https://stopdwi.org/news/driving-sober-free-image-resources/
Whenlookingatthedemographicofolder peoplethataredrivers,weseethatmanyof themareprescribedmedicationsthatcan impairdrivingability.Whathappenswhen thesemedications,designedtomanage painoranxiety,contributetomotorvehicle crashes?ArecentstudyledbyDr.Andrew R.Zullo,publishedinJAMANetwork,examineshowolderadults'drugusechanges afteramotorvehicleaccident(MVC),focusingonpotentiallydrivingimpairing (PDI)medications,suchasbenzodiazepines,non-benzodiazepinehypnotics andopioidpainkillers.Theyfoundthat 77.6%ofpeoplewhowereprescribeda PDIbeforethecrashcontinuedtohave themprescribedtothemafterwards.Surprisingly,therateofinitiationofcertain PDImedications,suchasopioidsandbenzodiazepines,afteraccidentsactuallyin-
creased,whichmaystemfrompainoranxietyfromtheaccidentitself.
Thisstudyhighlightsagapinclinicalresponsetothesecrashincidentssincecurrentpracticesshowminimalreductionsin PDIuseandonlyasmallportionofdrivers involvedincrashesdiscontinuethesemedications.Thismaystemfromalackof clinicianawarenessaboutthecrashorlimitedguidanceonhowtoadjustthepharmacotherapyforolderpatientstominimize futurerisks.Bridgingthisgaprequiresnot onlyincreasedclinicianawarenessbutalso acollaborativeapproachtomanagingPDI medications.
However,addressingthisissueisalsonot withoutitsethicalcomplexities.Medicationslikebenzodiazepines,antidepressants,andopioidsareoftenneededfor managingchronicpain,anxiety,andde-
pression,whichaffectqualityoflifeand areessentialforawiderangeofindividuals.Dr.Zullo’sconclusionshighlightthe potentialdrivingrisksthatthesedrugs pose,butchoosingtoreduceordiscontinue thembringsupanethicaldilemma:prioritizingpublicsafetymightlimitanindividual’saccesstonecessarytreatments.Balancingtheseconcernsrequiresdelicate clinicalguidancethatconsidersboththe safetyofolderdriversandtheirneedfor treatment.
Pharmacistsplayacrucialroleinnavigatingtheethicalbalancebetweencareand publicsafetyaswellasbridgingthegapin communicationwhenitcomestoPDI medications.Byworkingcloselywithpatientsandprescribers,pharmacistscanhelp findsaferalternativesoradjustdosages. EducatingpatientsaboutPDIrisksenables themtomakeinformedchoices,andadvisingondosetimingcanminimizeimpairmentwhilemaintainingtherapeuticbenefits.Therefore,addressingtherisksofPDI medicationsforolderdriversrequiresa collaborativeapproach.StudieslikeDr. Zullo’sbringthesechallengestolight,urginghealthcareproviders,especiallypharmacists,tobridgethegapbysupporting boththewell-beingofolderadultsandthe safetyofthebroadercommunity.
References
1.ZulloAR,RiesterMR,D’AmicoAM,etal.MedicationChangesAmong OlderDriversInvolvedinMotorVehicleCrashes.JAMANetwOpen. 2024;7(10):e2438338.doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.38338
2.HetlandAJ,CarrDB,WallendorfMJ,BarcoPP.PotentiallyDriver-Impairing(PDI)MedicationUseinMedicallyImpairedAdultsReferredfor DrivingEvaluation.AnnalsofPharmacotherapy.2014;48(4):476-482. doi:10.1177/1060028014520881
3.HetlandA,CarrDB.MedicationsandImpairedDriving.AnnalsofPharmacotherapy.2014;48(4):494-506.doi:10.1177/1060028014520882
TheFactoryofAcademicResearch
bySakshiShah,P1
Thebubbleofmedicalacademiahaspersistedforlong,butwithPaperMillsand AI,therighttoaccurateinformationhas beenthreatened.Aspharmacystudents, ourgo-tosourceforinformationis Pubmed,adatabaseofarticlesfroma plethoraofscientificjournals.Werelyon thesescientificjournalstomakedecisions aboutdiseasediagnosesandtreatments, butifthisfoundationiscorrupt,ourresearchisalsofutile,andmaybeevenharmful.
Papermillsarea“businessthatpublishes poororfakejournalpapersthatseemto
PhotoCredit:https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/abstract-openschoolbook-with-icons-of-school-subjects-gm1242139791-362769806
resemblegenuineresearch.”1 Whymight studentsandearlyresearchersemploya servicelikethis?Whentheprestigeofhavingapublishedjournaloutweighsthepatin-the-backforhonestandslowwork,the
blackmarketsofjournalservicesshine. Notonlystudentsandacademics,butalso thosewhomaywishtospreadacertain agendacanusethismethodtoinfiltrate scientificliteratureundertheguiseof scholarlyinformation.Thisisseenfirst handduringCovidwhenvaccinationopponentsclaimedthattheantiparasiticdrug ivermectinhadpropertiesthatwould stumpthevirus.Unfortunately,3%ofthe publishedarticlesarepapermilled.2 The concomitantuseofAIhasmadeitridicu-
Dr.LaurenAleksunes
InterviewedbySreyaRajeesh
Goalsandmentorship
Reflectingonheracademiccareer,Dr.Aleksunesfindshergreatestrewardsinhelpingstudentsreachtheir goals,fromachievingtheirfirstpublicationtogettingawardedataconferencetoearningtheirdegrees.Inspiredbyhermother,aprimaryschoolteacher,Dr.Aleksunesseesmentorshipasawaytoguidethenextgenerationandfindstheirenthusiasmrefreshing.Shealsovaluesthefreedomofacademia,whereshecanpursuescientificquestionsofherownchoosing—acontrasttothemorestructuredfocusfoundinindustry.
SupportfromPLSinprofessionaljourney
Dr.Aleksunes…attributesmuchofherfoundationalleadershipandserviceskillstoherinvolvementinPLS. Whileinternshipsshapedherresearchdirection,herexperiencewithPLSprovidedhands-onleadershipopportunities—runningcommittees,holdingofficerroles,andmanagingbothestablishedandinnovativeinitiatives. Thisinvolvementhelpedherlearntonavigateprotocols,adaptthemwhenneeded,andeventuallybuildnew programs.…Learningtounifypeopletowardasharedgoal,evenamiddifferinginterests,preparesstudentsto handlethecomplexitiesofprofessionallife—askillsetshefindsessentialforanyleaderinpharmacy.
Photo:Dr.LaurenAleksunes(left)andSreyaRajeesh(right)
VincentLam
InterviewedbyTimothyWong
TipsforstudentswhowanttopursueaPGY-1
Whilegettinginvolvedisimportant,it'sequallyasimportanttodothingsyouarepassionateabout.Intermsof theapplicationprocess,studentswanttobewell-preparedfortheopensessionsandinterviews.Programscare deeplyaboutpersonalityandwantstudentswhoarewillingtolearn.…studentsshouldtakepartinexperiencesonrotations[and]takeadvantageofitbecause[theseexperiencescanhelp[students]furtherdownthe road.
Theroleofupperclassmeninmentorship
ThesupportiveenvironmentatEMSOPprovidedasignificantfoundationforVincent’sgrowth.Hewassurroundedbyunderstandingpeersandupperclassmenwhoencouragedhimtogetinvolved.Upperclassmenwere crucialinmentoringVincentandfosteringacultureofgivingbackandmutualgrowthatEMSOP.Thissenseof belongingandsupportpushedVincenttoembracechallengesandinspiredhimtogivebackandmentor youngerstudents.…Hisexperiencessolidifiedhisresilience,leadership,andsenseofresponsibility,whichwill continuetoshapehisprofessionalpath.EMSOP’senvironmentofmentorship,encouragement,andactiveparticipationwasinstrumentalinhelpinghimgrowintoacapableandconfidentleader.
Photo:VincentLam
Photo:TimothyWong
Dr.LuigiBrunetti
InterviewedbyYumiSato
Networkinginpharmacy
Dr.Brunettiattributesmuchofhisprofessionalsuccesstothesupportivenetworkprovidedbyorganizationslike PhiLambdaSigma(PLS)andtheErnestMarioSchoolofPharmacy(EMSOP).Thesegroupsplayedapivotal roleincreatinganenvironmentwherecollaborationandmentorshipthrived.…Byengagingwithalumni,faculty,andpeerswithinthesenetworks,Dr.Brunettifoundnotonlymentorsbutalsocolleagueswhosharedhis visionforthefutureofpharmacy.
Photo:Dr.LuigiBrunetti
Theimpactofmentorshiponprofession
Startingwithabachelor'sdegreeinbiology,Dr.Brunettiinitiallyworkedforamedicalcommunicationscompany,managingprogramsfocusedonimprovingpatientadherencetomedications.Itwasduringthistimethat heencounteredalife-changingmentor,Dr.Gambino,aPharmD/MD,whoinspiredhimtopursuepharmacy.A humorousandmemorableturningpointinhiscareeroccurredwhenDr.GambinotookituponhimselftosubmitDr.Brunetti'spharmacyschoolapplication,whichhadbeensittingonhisdesk.Thisdecisivegesturesethim onthepathtobecomingapharmacist.
MehaPandejee
InterviewedbyMeghanaRajesh
PLSchapterandPLSLeaderAcademycohort
[One]ofthebestthingsasaPLSmemberaretheopportunitiestobuildconnectionswithPLSalumni!Mehais alsoinvolvedintheNationalPLSchapterandispartofthePLSLeaderAcademycohortforthisyear.…She findsthatbeingpartofPLSatEMSOPprovidedhervaluableopportunitiesforadvocacyandconnectingwith peersinherclass.Beingapartofthissmall,close-knitgroupalsoallowedMehatobuildgoodfriendshipsand meaningfulconnectionsthroughPLSatEMSOP.
Internshipsandtheinterviewprocess
Wehadagreatconversationaboutinternships,duringwhichshesharedinsightsaboutherapplicationjourney andhercurrentinternship.…Onepieceofadvicethatreallystoodouttomewasherremindertobeyourself duringtheinterview.Sheencouragedmetorelax,laugh,andrememberthattheinterviewerisalsohuman— they'vebeenthroughthesameprocessandarejustpeople.
Photo:MehaPandejee
Photo:MeghanaRajesh
LindseyTran
InterviewedbyKaitlynLiu
Currentroleinpharmacy
AsanAssociateManagerinRegulatoryAffairsAdvertisingandPromotionatRegeneron,Lindseyplaysacrucial roleinensuringthecomplianceofpromotionalmaterialswithinthepharmaceuticalindustry.Herprimaryresponsibilityinvolvesreviewingcommercialmaterials,suchastelevisionadvertisements,salesaids,andsocial mediacontent,toguaranteeadherencetostringentFDAregulations.
Throughouttheweek,Lindseyworkscloselywithcross-functionalteamstoprovidetimelyregulatoryguidance andsupport.Thisincludesassessingpromotionalmaterialsforaccuracy,clarity,andpotentialregulatoryrisks. Byproactivelyidentifyingandmitigatingcomplianceissues,Lindseyhelpscontributetothesuccessfullaunch andpromotionofRegeneronproductswhilesafeguardingpatientsafetyandpublichealth.
Photo:LindseyTran
PLSandprofessionaldevelopment
EMSOP'srigorouscurriculumandemphasisonexperientiallearningpreparedhertoexcelinthecompetitive pharmaceuticalindustry.Theprogram'sfocusonindustrytrendsandcontemporarychallenges,coupledwith opportunitiesfornetworkingandcollaboration,madeherstandoutasastrongcandidatefortheRutgersInstituteforPharmaceuticalIndustryFellowship,ascomparedtoothercandidatesfromdifferentschools.Withthe helpofEMSOPanditssupportsystem,shewasabletosecureaPost-DoctoralfellowshipatNovoNordiskwithin RegulatoryAffairs.AftercompletingoneyearofthePost-Doctoralfellowship,LindseysuccessfullyearnedapositionatRegeneronasAssociateManagerwithinRegulatoryAffairs-AdvertisingandPromotion.
AagnaPatel
InterviewedbyMeghaRaj
Buildinganetworkofleaders
ThePharmaceuticalLeadershipSociety(PLS)supportedAagna’sprofessionaljourney,asshelearntalotfrom theotherleadersthatsurroundedher.Shewasabletolearnfromtheleadershipandworkingstylesofher peers,andtheywereallabletopusheachother.Eachofthemheldleadershippositionsindifferentorganizations,whichallowedthemtoshareideasandhelpeachotherout.Byworkingcloselytogetherwithherpeers, AagnawasabletodevelophercommunicationandcollaborationskillsthroughPLS.DuringAagna’stimeatEMSOP,shewasheavilyinvolvedwithAMCP,IPHO,andAMCP,astheseorganizationsalignedthemostwithherfuturegoals.HerroleasthepresidentofAMCPwasoneofhermostmemorablemomentsfromhertimehereat EMSOP,asshefoundthewholeyeartoberewardingandfulfilling.Shemadelotsoffunmemoriessurrounded bygoodpeople,whichhadalastingimpactonherprofessionaljourney.
Photo:AagnaPatel
Adayinthelifeofapharmacist
Aagnafindstheunpredictablenatureofthepharmaceuticalindustrytobethemostenjoyablepartofhercareer. Shelikesthefactthatnotwodaysarethesame,whichprovidesasenseofnoveltytoeachday.Shealsoenjoys workingwiththeotherfunctionalareasasapartofworkingintheindustry.Sheisabletocollaboratewith manydifferentpeopleonadailybasis.Aagnaadvisespharmacystudentslookingtopursueacareerinthepharmaceuticalindustrytoexplorethevariousopportunitiestherearetogainexperienceandexposuretothefield. Shebelievesthatthebestwaytoknowifindustryisforyouistogainhands-onexperienceandnotcloseoffany opportunities.
SunainaMukherjee
InterviewedbyMadelaineMendoza
Theimportanceofpharmaceuticalsinbiotechnology
SunainaisaPipelineStrategyandAssetLandscapeAnalystInternatSchrodinger.Schrodingerisabiotechnologycompanythatspecializesincomputationalmodelingfordrugdiscovery,withmanydrugsintheirpipeline focusedononcology,immunology,andneurology.Sheisresponsibleforperformingindicationanalysisofclinicaltrialsandvariouspipelinesinordertodetermineifadrugforacertaintherapeuticareashouldbepursued.
Herdailyresponsibilitiesincludecompetitivelandscapeanalysis,primaryliteraturereview,andcollaboration withmultiplescientistsofdifferentdisciplines,manyofwhomdonothaveabackgroundinpharmacy.Herteam rangesfromstructuralbiologiststomedicinalchemists,andsheenjoyswitnessingtheirskillsbeappliedinrealtime.Shenotesthatbeingtheonlycolleaguewithapharmaceuticalbackgroundcanbealotofpressure,since sheholdsmoreresponsibilityinidentifyingopportunitiesfordrugdiscovery.However,sheappreciatesthe greatervalueandimpactthatcomeswithit.
Photo:SunainaMukherjee
Connectingskillsfromschooltowork
Oneof[Sunaina’s]fondestmemoriesatPLSwascoordinatingaleadershipretreatwithalloftheEMSOPorganizationswherestudentsweretaughtaboutthebasicsofnetworking,collaboration,andleadership.Becauseof thecreativelibertyandopportunitiestoimpactfutureleaders,shebelievesherexperienceatPLSwasmost definitelyapivotalpointinherprofessionaljourney.Shealsoemphasizesthatheropportunitiestoworkwith otherorganizationsareveryanalogoustotheprofessionalworld.Athercurrentjob,sheisworkingwithcolleaguesofmanydifferentbackgroundsandexperiences,buttheyareallworkingtowardsthesamegoalwith thesamemotivationandmindsettoleadandmakeanimpact.
Instagram:@humansofemsop
Email:emsopchronicles@gmail.com
Instagram:@rutgerspls
Email:rutgerspls@gmail.com
TheLambdaChapterofPhiLambdaSigma, alsoknownastheNationalPharmacyLeadershipSociety,wasestablishedin1982atthe RutgersUniversityCollegeofPharmacy.Our missionistopromoteandacknowledgethe developmentofleadershipqualitiesamong studentpharmacists.Weaimtosupportpharmacyleadershipcommitmentbyrecognizing leadersandfosteringleadershipdevelopment.
CompoundingGLP-1s:TooGoodtoBeTrue?
byAnishaDesai,P2
AsuseanddemandofGLP-1agonistsrise, manufacturersofpopularweightlossand antidiabeticdrugsWegovy,Ozempic,Zepbound,andMounjarostruggletomeetdemand,placingactiveingredientssemaglutideandtirzepatideontheFDA’slistof drugsinshortage.GLP-1sareusedasextremelyeffectiveweightlossmedications whoseactionismediatedbyagonismof Glucagon-LikePeptide-1(GLP1)which causesdelayedgastricemptyingandinhibitingglucagonproductionfrompancreatic α-cellsifbloodsugarlevelsarehigh.1 Highdemandforthesedrugshascaused compoundedGLP-1stoenterthemarket. Thesedrugsclaimtobecustomdosesfor patientsandofferacheaperwayforpatientstoobtainthesedrugs.Compounding pharmaciesusingrawingredientsbought overseasallowsformuchlowercoststhan thosesetbyNovoNordiskandEliLillyfor theirmedications.4 AYaleUniversity studydeterminedthatcompounded semaglutidecouldbeprofitablymadefor lessthan$5amonth,anastoundingdecreasefrom$968.52foramonth’ssupply ofOzempic.2
However,thesedrugsdonotpasstherigoroustestingprocessrequiredbytheFDA. Compoundingpharmaciesaresubjectto oversightbytheFDA,buttheirproducts arenotdirectlyapproved.Additionally,the FDAhasreceivednoticeofadversedrug reactionsduetodosingerrorsorinappro-
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sumersaremorelikelytogaincommon knowledgeaboutcertainconditionsand maybemorelikelytonoticesymptomsin anemergencyoradvocatefortheirown healthcare.However,manywonderwhy thesepharmaceuticalcompaniesfeelthe needtoaggressivelypromotetheirmedications.Somestatethatitistoensurethat theyarereceivingenoughfundingtocontinueresearchintodiseasesandtheirtreatments.3 However,othersarguethatDTC advertisingforcesconsumerstobelieve thatsomethingiswrongwiththemand thereisaconditioninneedoftreatment.1 Asaconsequence,pharmaceuticalindustriesreapgreaterprofit,specificallythe companythatisadvertisingthedrug,as doctorswillbemorelikelytoprescribeit. Thisbringsaboutthequestion:aredoctors
PhotoCredit:https://carolinapharmacy.com/7-benefits-of-an-independent-compounding-pharmacy/
priateprescribing.Patientsarerequiredto drawuptheirowndosesfromavialusing asyringe.Patientswhoareunfamiliarwith thisprocesscouldbeatriskforthesekinds oferrors.Compoundingmedicationsare alsoprescribedindosesthatexceedwhatis approvedbytheFDA,leadingtocharacteristicsideeffectsassociatedwithoverdosingaGLP-1,includingnausea,vomiting, diarrhea,abdominalpainandconstipation.3
Patientsshouldtakecaretounderstand wheretheirmedicationsarecomingfrom. Theyshouldbewaryofwebsiteswhere theydonothavetomeetwithprovidersin ordertoreceivetheirmedications.Services
whichallowpatientstofilloutaquestionnaireasadequateinformationtoreceive medicationsshouldbeconsideredunreliablesources.Sourceswhichclaimtodispensesaltversionsofsemaglutidesuchas semaglutidesodiumorsemaglutideacetate arenotknowntohavethesameeffectsas semaglutide.Atthistime,saltformsdonot haveanylawfuluseintherapy.3
References
1.CollinsL,CostelloRA.Glucagon-LikePeptide-1ReceptorAgonists.[Updated2024Feb 29].In:StatPearls[Internet].TreasureIsland(FL):StatPearlsPublishing;2024Jan-.Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551568/
2.BarberMJ,GothamD,BygraveH,CepuchC.EstimatedSustainableCost-BasedPricesfor DiabetesMedicines.JAMANetwOpen.2024;7(3):e243474.doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.3474
3.FDA.gov.FDA’sConcernswithUnapprovedGLP-1DrugsUsedforWeightLoss.Updated 10/2/2024.AccessedNovember112024.https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safetyinformation-patients-and-providers/fdas-concerns-unapproved-glp-1-drugs-used-weight-loss 4.GilbertD,AmenabarT.Whattoknowaboutcheaper,imitationweight-lossdrugs.The WashingtonPost.July182024.https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/07/18/glp1ozempic-semaglutide-compounded/
morelikelytoprescribeadrugonlybecauseapatientmentionsit,andhowcan thepharmaceuticalindustrymitigatethis opinion?
Thereareaconsiderablenumberofways forthepharmaceuticalindustrytomitigate thenegativeopinionssurroundingdirectto-consumeradvertising.Amajorargumentagainstdirect-to-consumeradvertisingisthebeliefthatconsumerswillbegin tocreateillnessesanddiseasestatesthat wouldnothaveotherwiseexisted.4 To changethisopinion,pharmaceuticalcompaniescouldputoutsolelyinformational advertisementsthatdiscusscertaindisease statesaswellasvariousexistingtreatment options.Anothermajorbeliefisthatdoctorswillprescribedrugsbasedonwhata patientrecommends.5 Bycreatingadis-
claimerintheadvertisementsstatingthat doctorswillonlyprescribewhatisappropriate,pharmaceuticalcompaniesmaybe abletomitigatethisnegativeimpact.There arenumerousoptionsforthepharmaceuticalindustrytobeseeninamorepositive lightbytheUShealthcaresystembytargetingtheoverallmessagingofitsadvertisements.
References
1.Kitsis,ElizabethA.“ThePharmaceuticalIndustry’sRoleinDefiningIllness.”AMAJournal ofEthics,vol.13,no.12,2011,pp.906–911,journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/pharmaceutical-industrys-role-defining-illness/2011-12,https://doi.org/10.1001/virtualmentor.2011.13.12.oped1-1112.
2.Shmerling,RobertH.“HarvardHealthAdWatch:WhatYouShouldKnowaboutDirectTo-ConsumerAds.”HarvardHealthBlog,HarvardHealthPublishing,3Mar.2022,www. health.harvard.edu/blog/harvard-health-ad-watch-what-you-should-know-about-direct-to-consumer-ads-2019092017848.
3.Kenton,Will.“DirecttoConsumerAdvertising(DTC):WhatItIs,HowItWorks.”Investopedia,DotdashMeredith,31Jan.2023,www.investopedia.com/terms/d/direct-to-consumeradvertising.asp#:~:text=Key%20Takeaways-.
4.“UnderstandingtheRoleofPharmaceuticalAgenciesinHealthcare.”CatalystCareers,JCW Group,13June2023,www.catalystcareers.com/insights/blog/understanding-the-role-of-pharmaceutical-agencies-in-healthcare/.
5.Weinmeyer,Richard.“Direct-To-ConsumerAdvertisingofDrugs.”AMAJournalofEthics, vol.15,no.11,Oct.2010,pp.954–959,journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/direct-consumeradvertising-drugs/2013-11,https://doi.org/10.1001/virtualmentor.2013.15.11.hlaw1-1311.
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louslyeasytoformattonsofarticles,formulatedfromatemplateofrealarticles. Whyisthisbadforus?Citations.When fakepapersexist,itisnotanisolatedevent withoutconsequences.Researcherswho findtheirdatainreputablesourceslike PubMedareundertheassumptionthat thesearereviewedandfactual.Ifnoone findsoutaboutfabricatedpapersandfalse information,thenitmaybereusedasanothercitation,renderinganotherauthor’s argumentnulldespitetheirbestintentions.3 Ourfoundationofsacredinformationis undersiege.
Whatcanwedo?
1.Encouragecredibility,spreadawareness, andbeskeptical.Withnewsspreadingso rapidly,especiallythroughsocialmedia siteslikeInstagramandTikTok,wehave nohesitationtoconsiderscientificjournals
asabsolutefact.Yet,criticalthinkingis stillnecessaryforscientistsjustasmuch forcasualreaderstobethoughtfulabout thelegitimacyofinformationtheyconsume.Thoughimpossibletocompletely eradicatefalsenews,informingthosewho regularlyconsumesocialmediaaseducationalinformationcannegatetherisksassociatedwithmisinformation.
2.Don’trushpublications.Studentspursuingabackgroundinresearcharehighly expectedtohaveanarticlepublished,and thisoftenleadsthemtouseagenciesthat gettheirarticlespublishedforafee.As manystudentsinresearchcanattest,notall researchisgroundbreaking.Althoughall researchprovidesacrucialfoundationof understandingofhowprocessesworkin anyfieldmorethantheoriescould,publishingapaperisnotrequiredforthetechnical
andthinkingskillsacquired.Thispublicationpressurecouldpropeljob-seekersor evenpromotion-seekerstorushtheirfindingsorworse,manufacturethem. Thefactoryofacademicresearchhaspersistedfortoolong,andourrighttofactual informationwillbeinfringeduponifstrict guidelinesandskepticalthinkingarenot implemented.
References
1.“Thesituationhasbecomeappalling”:Fakescientificpaperspushresearch credibilitytocrisispoint.TheGuardian.February3,2024.Accessed December4,2024.https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/feb/ 03/the-situation-has-become-appalling-fake-scientific-papers-pushresearch-credibility-to-crisis-point.
2.VanNoordenR.Howbigisscience’sfake-paperproblem?NatureNews. November6,2023.AccessedDecember4,2024.https://www.nature. com/articles/d41586-023-03464-x.
3.SandersonK.Science’sfake-paperproblem:High-profileeffortwilltackle PaperMills.NatureNews.January19,2024.AccessedDecember4, 2024.https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-00159-9.
Socializingvs.Studying:AreThoseFewExtraPoints ReallyWorthYourMentalHealth?
byRiyaPatel,P3
PhotoCredit:https://wallpapercave.com/w/wp9537343
Isatatmydesklookingatmyexamscheduleandthenatthetextmyfriendhadjust sentme:“rugoingouttomorrow?”Taking anotherglanceatmycalendar,Irealized thatwehadtwobacktobackexamstoward theendofthenextweek.“Nah,IthinkI’ll passthistime,Ihavetostudy.”DidIwant tostudy,though?Ofcoursenot.Igrabbed myphoneagainandtextedback“Wait,can Iletyouknowtomorrow?”
Theintenseacademicdemandsofpharmacyschoolplacesignificantpressureon students.Thisrigorousworkloadcanlead tostress,anxiety,andburnout,withmany studentsstrugglingtobalancetheirmental healthwiththeacademicexpectationsthat comewithpursuingacareerinhealthcare. Infact,astudydoneincollegestudentsin theUnitedStatesshowedthatahigher
levelofperceivedacademicstressisassociatedwithworsementalwell-being.1 This associationhighlightsthecriticalneedfor studentstofindeffectivecopingmechanisms,asneglectingmentalhealthcanlead tosignificantlong-termconsequences,includingdecreasedacademicperformance andoverallqualityoflife.
Asstudentsfacethesemountingpressures, itraisesanimportantquestion:Arethose fewextrapointsreallyworthsacrificing mentalhealth?Givenhowmuchsocial connectionsinfluencementalhealth,it’s importanttoconsiderhowmaintaining friendshipsandengaginginsocialactivitiescanhelpalleviateacademicstress. Friendsplayacrucialroleasasupport system,providingtheemotionalbacking thatenhancesourabilitytocopewithchal-
lengesandnavigatetoughtimes.Infact, studentswhoexperiencehighlevelsofsocialsupporttendtohavegreateracademic motivation,whichisassociatedwithlower levelsofacademicstressandanxiety.2
Forstudents,prioritizingsocialconnectionsisvital,eveninthemidstofabusy studyschedule.Whileit'simportanttoaim foracademicsuccess,it’salsocrucialto rememberthatyourmentalhealth shouldn’tbesacrificedforafewextra points.Strikingabalancebetweenacademicworkandsocialinteractionsnot onlyhelpsreducestressbutalsocultivates asenseofcommunityandbelonging.So, whenyou’refacedwiththechoicebetween hittingthebooksorhangingoutwith friends,keepinmindthattakingalittle timetosocializecanpositivelyimpactboth yourmoodandyouracademicperformance.
Ididendupgoingoutwithmyfriendsthe nextnight,andIdon’trememberhowIdid onthoseexams.However,Idoremember thecashieratInsomniachargingusonly foronecookie,butgivingusawholebox full.
References
1.Barbayannis,Georgiaetal.“AcademicStressandMentalWell-Beingin CollegeStudents:Correlations,AffectedGroups,andCOVID-19.”Frontiers inpsychologyvol.13886344.23May.2022,doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.886344
2.Chen,Chunmeietal.“AcademicMotivationandSocialSupport:MediatingandModeratingtheLifeSatisfactionandLearningBurnoutLink.”Psychologyresearchandbehaviormanagementvol.164583-4598.4Nov.2023, doi:10.2147/PRBM.S438396
HowdoIdevelopphotographicmemory?
Inallhonesty,aphotographicmemoryisn’tsomethingI’vebeenabletodevelop,nor doIthinkwouldhelponexams.Studyingistough.Findingthemotivationtostudyis evenharder.However,youareputtingyourselfthrougharigorousprogramtobetter yourselfandhelpothers,andbeproudofthat.Onesourceofmotivationisknowing thatputtingthetimeintostudyincrementallydailytakesthepressureoff later.Not onlythepressurethatyoufeelthedaybeforetheexam,butthepressureyoumay haveforthenextexam.Buildingyourselfbuffersinexamsbystudyingwellletsyou buildtimeforlifeoutsideofstudying.Iflifehappensandthatbuffergoesawayon thenextexam,thendon’tworry,becauseitwasbuiltforareason.
Howdoyounotwastetimewhilestudying?
Takelotsofbreaks!Irecommendthepomodoromethodandsettimersforburstsoffocusedtimefollowedbyshortbreaks.Forexample,25minutesofreallyfocusedstudy timefollowedbya5minutebreak.Takebreaksevenwhenyoudon’tfeellikeyouneed it,thatwayyoureducethechanceofgettingdistractedorboredwhenyoureallyneed tofocus.Also,behonestaboutwhatdistractsyou.Ifyourphoneoryourfriendsare preventingyoufromstudying,separatefromthem!
Anyadviceongettinginvolvedinresearch?
Youcancoldemailprofessorsthatyouareinterested indoingresearchwith,makesureyoureadupon whattheyarecurrentlydoingtomakesureitmatches withyourinterests.Don’tbeafraidtoemailmultiple professorsaswell,meetingwithmultiplewillallow youto findthebest fitforyou.
What'satip/pieceofadviceyouhaveforpp1sin general(notpharm/emsopfocused)?
Buildacommunityandgetinvolvedoutsidepharmacy school.Interactingandsurroundingyourselfwithothers whohavedifferentpathsandpassionsarecrucialtoyour mentalandemotionalhealth.Additionally,bynotisolatingyourselfinthepharmacybubble,youcanbeabetter student,healthcareprovider,andperson.
Howdoyoudealwiththelightworkschedulesoffriendswhoarenotinpharmacy?
It’sdefinitelytough.Behonestwithyourselfandthemaboutwhatisreasonableforyouintermsofsocialevents.It’sallaboutbalance,youneedtomake sureyoudowellinschoolandalsohavefun.Itrytoplantimewithfriends farinadvancesothatIcanplanmystudyingaroundit.
HowdoIgetinvolvedinpharmclubs/ organizationsifmyclasses/schedule clashwithsomeevents/meetings?
Checkouttheorganization’sinstagram. Mostorgshavealinktreeintheirbioand postalotofinformationabouthowtogetinvolvedevenifyoucan’tcometotheGIMs.
Howdoyousuggeststudyingfor differentclasses…methods,howdo youtakenotes,officehours,etc?
Learningyourindividualstudystyleisamajorskillrequiredasyou progressthroughoutpharmacyschool.Giveyourselfgracebecausethisis notsomethingyou’llbeabletolearnimmediately.EMSOP’sRhoChiisa phenomenalresourcewhohold“Howtosurvive”eventsatthebeginning ofeachsemester,describingwhattoexpectforeachclass/year/semester. OneofmyfavoritestudytoolsisMemrisecommunity,alearningplatform designedforlanguages,butIuseas flashcards.
HowcanI findapharmrelatedjob orresearchopportunitiesasapp1?
MostCVSandWalgreensarealwayslookingformorepharmtechs. Forwetlabresearch,thebesttimetoemailprofessorsisattheend ofeachsemester,moresoendofspring,butyoucanemailthemanytimereally.Ifyouwanttomakeaposterforaconference,severalorganizationshaveprograms,events,andupperclassmenthatcanhelp walkyouthroughtheprocess.
PetsoftheSemester
TravelBlog
ArtandMemeWall
(CuratedbyArtDirectors)
P2HalloweenCostumes duringSpookyExamSeason
Thankyoutoallthecontributorsinthispublicationof EMSOPChronicles!
Editor-in-Chief: AshleyHuang
AssociateEditor: AnishaDesai
LayoutDirector: RadiyaRahman
LayoutDirector-Elect: AmritaTejwani
Secretary: MariaGhaly
HumansofEMSOPDirectors: RiyaMankadandRiyaPatel
ArtisticDirectors: JustinVatanapraditandSamJacob
PublicRelations: CarlaArca-SeddaandJoannaKusmierski
PGCRepresentative: SakshiShah
StaffWriters: AmritaTejwani,AnishaDesai, AshleyHuang,CarlaArca-Sedda,JoannaKusierski, JustinVatanapradit,MariaGhaly,RadiyaRahman,RiyaMankad,RiyaPatel,SakshiShah,SamJacob
StaffEditors: AmritaTejwani,AnishaDesai, AshleyHuang,CarlaArca-Sedda,JoannaKusierski, JustinVatanapradit,MariaGhaly,RadiyaRahman,RiyaMankad,RiyaPatel,SakshiShah,SamJacob
HumansofEMSOPStaff: RiyaMankadandRiyaPatel
Disclaimer: TheopinionsexpressedinEMSOPCHRONICLESdonotreflecttheviewsofthe PharmacyGoverningCouncil(PGC)orErnestMarioSchoolofPharmacy(EMSOP).
Forquestions,comments,andinformationonhowtogetinvolved,e-mail emsopchronicles@gmail.com.
Illustrationby:SamJacob,P1