Medication Management Program

I remember when I first started pharmacy school and quickly realized that unlike some of my classmates, I knew very little about many of the common drugs used in community pharmacy. I wanted to get a job in pharmacy because I knew this would go a long way in helping me be a successful pharmacy student. Although getting a job in the first year of pharmacy isn’t the right move for everyone, it greatly helped me to put into practice the material I learned in the classroom.

My first Job in pharmacy was at the Medication Management Program  (MMP) here at The Ohio State University. I worked as a pharmacy intern. The Medication Management Program is a very unique first exposure to pharmacy. At this site, I was granted the opportunity to telephonically provide medication reconciliation services for patients.  As a first year student, it gave me a chance to better familiarize myself with commonly prescribed medications used in the geriatric population.

A typical work shift at MMP consisted of calling the patient, reviewing their medication list and updating the medication list with any changes either to the medications or to background information such as identifiers or the patient’s allergy profile.  After this medication reconciliation process, I was able to draft a letter with important pointers or reminders for the patient I spoke to. A pharmacist would then review my notes and approve a copy of the letter to be sent to the patient in addition to the electronic record kept on the patient’s profile.

I am so grateful that my first job was through the MMP as it gave me a great and flexibly paced way to learn the medications and their most common uses. Although I have now moved on to other opportunities, I will continue to sing the praises of the Medication Management Program at the Ohio State University. I am proud of the work the entire pharmacy team include the Technicians, Interns and Pharmacists do for our patient population.

As the field of pharmacy expands, I am certain in my evaluation that the MMP will also continue to grow and provide more opportunities for students.

STAYING PHYSICALLY ACTIVE

Overall health and wellness is of great importance especially in the life of a professional student. As Pharmacy students, we are faced with the day to day stressors and difficulties that come with pursuing a career as a health professional. In addition to daily class attendance and participation, we have many outside of class assignment, rotations, internships. OH MY! It can get overwhelming quickly and you have to make sure to find healthy and safe outlets to relieve some of the stress. Otherwise, things could go downhill very quickly!

So what are some healthy and safe ways to relieve the stress? Why I’m so glad you asked! Well my new found favorite thing to do is going to the gym! I know I know, I’m late to the game but guys trust me going to the gym is AWESOME! The Ohio State University boasts of many amazing fitness centers. My favorite and perhaps the largest being the Recreation and physical activity center (RPAC). This gym is more than just a gym. It is a place of reflection; Where the stress and sorrows of pharmacology and therapeutics combined with Pharmaco-kinetics just fade away in a pile of sweat.

All jokes aside, living a non-sedentary life is very important. As students, most of our time is spent sitting down in lecture halls. The benefits of being physically active outweigh just the simple stress relief, it promotes strong cardiovascular health as well as overall well-being.

Granted everyday may not be a successful gym day, and on those days, I find other outlets to de-stress such as listening to some music or even catching up on some of my Netflix shows. No matter what kind of day it is, just take it in stride. One day at a time. Find what works for you and do your best and just watch the rest will take care of itself! Remember that you are a powerful and fierce being and you have to take great care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else.

Student Organization spotlight – SPADE

STUDENT ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT – SPADE

In 2015, Emmanuel Osei became the first president of SPADE the Student Pharmacists Association for Diversity and Equity. According to Its purpose statement, SPADE is a student run organization that is “committed to promoting an academically enriching and supportive environment, allowing all students of the College of Pharmacy to feel welcomed and appreciated regardless of their background.  SPADE aims to recognize, respect, and value people’s differences in hope that all members are able to achieve their full potential by promoting an inclusive culture for all students”.

SPADE was birthed out of the vision of a few students who saw that the college lacked a student organization that was solely focused on diversity and equity not only on the racial and cultural front but also in socio-economic standing and sexual orientation.

The necessity for a community of support for each member of the college of pharmacy is something that is recognized and supported by the college and its members both in leadership as well as student member populations.

In addition to fostering an inclusive environment for all members of the college of pharmacy, SPADE also seeks to educate and better prepare students to serve as Pharmacists in a diverse work force. During certain general body meetings, SPADE members receive insight from different leaders in pharmacy with experience in diversity. Patients also share their experience in healthcare.

Under Emmanuel Osei’s leadership, SPADE established the “Diversity Week”. The weeklong celebration of the diversity in the college of pharmacy. The now annual week of celebration is typically held at the beginning of each new school year. During this week, the various cultures represented in the college are highlighted. There is food in abundance as well as various opportunities to learn from the various speakers. During this week, students are also given opportunities to earn professional development hours by participating in the activities held at the college.

SPADE is off to a great start and with the continuous efforts being made at the college, I see only a bright future ahead for both the organization and the college as a whole.

 

Why I chose OSU.

Hey there!

We’d like to welcome you to our family here at the College of Pharmacy. We truly are a family and we are very excited that you will be joining us in the upcoming months here, in Columbus Ohio.
I’d like to share with you some of the reasons why I chose to pursue my professional education here at The Ohio State University and my experience at OSU thus far. Being a native of Cincinnati Ohio, I wanted to be close to my family yet still experience a new environment; This is a sentiment which may be shared by some of you. Whether OSU is somewhat close to home or far from home, there is definitely a place for you here.
There are many reasons why I decided to come to OSU for my pharmacy education such as its ranking amongst the top 10 pharmacy schools in the US as well as its proximity to my family. Over the past 3 years, I have not only grown in my clinical knowledge, but I have also grown professionally through my involvement in different professional organizations. There are over 20 student organizations here at the college of pharmacy which offer different ways of preparing students for a career as a pharmacist through mentorship, professional development as well as community health service opportunities.
Over the past 2 years, I have seen many improvements at the college including an increase in the number of women in executive position in college leadership as well as an increase in the number of African American and other diverse members of the college faculty and staff. Last year, a student-led initiative resulted in the creation of “SPADE” (Student Pharmacist Association for Diversity and Equity). Each year, SPADE hosts an annual diversity week. During this week, programs are held to highlight matters relating to diversity in patient care and professionalism.
Overall, my experiences at The Ohio State College of Pharmacy have been nothing short of extraordinary. Clinically, I have been challenged and well taught in preparation for pharmacy practice and patient care. I have built friendships and relationships that I foresee lasting a lifetime. Pharmacy is a small world and OSU is a great place to begin.

Here’s to great new beginnings!

Best regards,
Nana Entsuah
Class of 2019
Diversity Ambassador Coordinator