The Difference a Pharmacist Can Make
By Transon Nguyen, PharmD, Director of Experiential Education
Assistant Professor of Clinical and Administrative Sciences
I just want to share an experience at my Advanced Practice Pharmacy Experience (APPE) rotation recently.
On Fridays, AUHS has our own patients in the afternoon at the Lestonnac Free Clinic. We also sometimes provide extra assistance to Lestonnac Clinic with their disease state screenings for the community.
Recently, one of our students, Vanessa Tannous, who speaks Spanish fluently, was on a routine Diabetic Neuropathy Foot Exam for several patients; Vanessa counseled a Hispanic patient who has a history of DVT and is currently on three different diuretics but neglected to be in compliance with her medication. The patient’s feet were swollen beyond the normal range, and she (the patient) did not understand why she was suffering so much.
I understand a little bit of Spanish and observed throughout the patient intervention: Vanessa not only counseled – but empowered the patient in understanding each of her medications and “WHY” she (the patient) should take the medications as prescribed.
In the end, the patient gave our student, Vanessa, a long hug and was in tears. This is an example of why AUHS students learn and serve at our community sites, such as Lestonnac.
Serve, empower, learn, and BE the healthcare provider that AUHS aspires our students to be.
