Welcome to the Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy blog!

Friday, November 28, 2014

Studying is Essential


Remember the saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”? Well pharmacy school kind of runs on the same formula except the saying would be, “Studying everyday keeps the bad grades away.” Studying every day is an essential way to be successful in pharmacy school. I know I had to learn to stay on top of things. My first year of pharmacy school, I had to plan everything out week by week to make sure that the tasks for the week ahead were done the week before. My way to accomplish these tasks was to keep an agenda handy, a written one and mind one. This way you will not get overwhelmed with the coursework that comes your way and any unexpected events that may occur. Throughout my career at Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy so far, I have studied every day to make sure I am ready for the exams. Overall, staying on top of things has helped me reduce the stress, be more prepared, and have adequate study time.

Le
P2 - Class of 2017 

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Pharmacy Student Thanksgiving


Patrick, checking in! Thank you for reading my blogs thus far. I am now at my 3rd year of pharmacy school and feeling a little closer to the finish line.

Thanksgiving… Huh? This time of year you think about the biggest meal of the fall semester. I view it as the pre-game to Fat Tuesday in the Spring. I am not here to talk about food or gluttony, but what you might expect during your thanksgiving as a pharmacy student. My first thanksgiving in pharmacy school, I have stayed here in Clinton, South Carolina. This was my first thanksgiving away from home. During this time, there were either assignments and/or exams that put me in a hold for traveling back. How many of us have been there before? My home is in Florida and it takes about an 8 hour trip. Home was a little further away than most student families who live here in the state locally. While in Clinton, I went to two thanksgivings. The first thanksgiving meal was with a classmate’s family who lives in Columbia. I enjoyed my time there. The atmosphere felt a little touch of home. There were insides jokes shared around and I had no clue about it but laughed sincerely. I stayed with them the first half of the day. I then traveled back from Columbia to Clinton. As soon I reached my room, I instantly passed out for a few hours. I was invited to my second thanksgiving with peers, which was hosted at their apartment in Clinton. Let’s say, I almost passed out at their place but kept my composure just enough to crawl back into my bed.   

My thanksgiving in my second year in pharmacy school was a last minute idea. I thought I was planning to hibernate for the break to recharge from the fast pace and mountain high assignments throughout the semester. This time around though, I spent it in Florida. Where does the last minute come in? It all started with a question from my roommate. He asked what I was planning to do for thanksgiving break after classes. I told him that I planned to sleep the entire weekend and not leave from the bed and do some reading on upcoming material. I had told my family ahead of time that I would be staying in South Carolina. Then it just hit me. I decided it was a perfect opportunity to surprise them. I packed some clothes and books in my backpack and drove without a second thought. I am glad to have made that drive. I completely psyched my family out. Just imagine it is around 10PM and your garage opens. They are not expecting their son to come back from an 8 hour trip until winter break. Oh… I got them good. I am sure deep inside they appreciated the surprise. I saw their expressions then after the warm hugs and exchanges of words over tea, I knew I made the right decision to go and surprise them. At the end of the day, I passed out after eating great home cooked food.

This year, I am planning to do the same and surprise them. It has been setup too perfectly. My family has already assumed that I will be spending time in South Carolina studying for the upcoming exam. Oh, just you wait.


This is Patrick signing off!

Patrick
P3 - Class of 2016 

Monday, November 24, 2014

Chili Cookoff/Cornhole Tournament


Every year our organizations put on a fundraiser to raise money for our chosen philanthropy.  This year one of the organizations, SSHP, hosted a chili cook-off/cornhole tournament to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House in Greenville, SC.  This event is always such a good time! Any student in the school is eligible to enter into the chili cook-off.  The chili is then judged by professors, and the winner receives a giftcard.  The cornhole tournament is really fun….. and competitive!  The winner of the tournament wins a set of PC cornhole boards!  How awesome is that?  These events are a really great way to have fun with your classmates, as well as faculty, outside of the classroom.  One thing that really makes Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy different from other school is the family bond we have with one another and the heart of service we have.   It’s really gratifying raising funds for a special philanthropy, especially while hanging out and having fun with your school family.

Lindsey

P3 – Class of 2016

Friday, November 21, 2014


“The” Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy makes every effort to prepare us to be superb pharmacists upon graduation.  One way to accomplish this is by fulfilling Competency XI, the advancement of pharmacy and health care, which also incorporates the attendance of a professional meeting.  I have had the opportunity to attend the Educational Conference (Nexus) held by the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) which is a national pharmacy organization.  During the meeting there are numerous discussions regarding the fundamentals of the pharmacy profession and the role that pharmacist can play in managing the health-care of our patients.  Additionally, there are opportunities for networking and attending residency showcases with current residents and residency directors.   

As a growing health-care professional, the experience has given me more insight on the vast array of disciplines in the pharmacy profession as well as a perspective on the progressing role of the pharmacist.  Historically, the role of the pharmacist has been “masked” behind the counter without much of an offer to counsel patients.  As pharmacists, we know that the profession is moving in a direction in which more patient interaction and communication with other health-care professionals are essential!     
     

One question you may be asking yourself, “How will I have time to attend a professional meeting and keep up with the demands of my classes?”  The answer is time management and to identify the importance of networking!  Pharmacy is such a small profession and networking is designed to build trusting relationships that will help with personal and professional growth as a pharmacist.  With my networking experiences, I understand that pharmacists are able to serve as information resources for the patient and other health-care professionals; and in doing so it will improve the health of patients by helping them to live longer and healthier lives.

Krystal
P3 - Class of 2016

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

How to Manage Stress


While you may experience some stressful times throughout your pharmacy school program, there are many ways to help manage stress and it is all up to which works the best for you.

If you are an animal lover like myself, a pet is always a good way to manage stress.  My two cats have become my study buddies and always find a way to brighten my day.  They also provide good study breaks whether they want to play during their witching hour or just want to lay by your side while you watch a good movie. 

There are many organizations here at PCSP and with the abundance of events, there is always a way to get involved and spend time with your peers outside of the classroom.  Some examples of events include, drug take back day, a low country boil, March on Health 5k, and Thornwell’s Halloween Carnival.  It is nice to participate in events such as these because they are a wonderful way to help the community. 

Fall is my favorite time of year here in South Carolina and if you love the leaves changing as much as I do, a nice hike is another way to help manage stress.  By getting involved you will meet others with similar interests and getting a group together to escape school for a bit is always helpful. 
While we are all here to learn and become the best pharmacists we can be, it is okay to take some time out for yourself and help manage your stress level.  If for some reason you are having trouble with finding what works best for you, there is always someone to talk to.  Everyone here at PCSP is wonderful, from faculty to students, we are all here to help J

Nicole

P2 - Class of 2017

Monday, November 17, 2014

Learning from Near not Afar

I
magine having professors lecture to you from another campus. Think of everything that could go wrong. You may not be able to hear the professor very well or get the chance to ask questions over the material as it’s being covered. Well luckily for us here at PCSP, we don’t have to worry about that. One of the reasons I chose to come to PCSP was because we don’t participate in any type of distant learning. All of our professors are here in the classrooms with us every day. Our professors are receptive to any questions we have during class, and if we happen to run out of time they welcome us to come to their office to go over the material while it’s still fresh on our minds. I can’t imagine dealing with a professor who isn’t onsite because it means we have to rely on technology. I like being able to write down questions on the side of my notes and then asking the professor all my questions at once. Another good thing about the way we are taught here at PCSP is that our lectures are recorded. This way, if we miss something that was said in class we can always play back our online lectures to get what we missed. I love that our classes aren’t solely based on technology, but instead the technology is here to aid us. 

Marilyn 
P2 - Class of 2017

Friday, November 14, 2014

Should I Go to a National Convention?


The answer is yes!  This year I went to the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) National Convention, in Austin, Texas, October 18th-22nd.  It was the best decision I could have made.  Going to a national convention is a great way to represent your school.  By presenting a poster or participating in a national competition, you are able to network with other professionals, as well as grow personally and professionally.  Attending a national convention is a great way to learn.  There were several group sessions that one could go to; the sessions I attended were Drug Abuse, Alternative Medicine, and Education Adherence, which are all so important within the pharmacy profession.  I was able to go to a Meet & Mingle with women and was able to receive several business cards to contact them if I ever needed anything.  If you are ever in doubt of going on a convention, just think of all the great things you have to gain.

Paige
P3 - Class of 2016 

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Hitting the Links with the Professors


This past fall break, PCSP hosted its first annual golf tournament at a local golf course, The Links at Stony Point in Greenwood.  It featured over 16 teams, many which were comprised of those affiliated with the school in some form.  All the money that was raised went towards a scholarship fund for the pharmacy school.

I myself played in the tournament with a classmate, upper classman, and an employee of the golf course.  It was an all-day affair that consisted of lunch, the tournament, and post play celebrations.  They presented trophies to the winning team, longest drive, and closest to the pin.  The course’s pro was also involved in the tournament as a par 3 challenger.  Overall, it was a great event that allowed professors and students to interact with one another outside of school as grown adults.

Dylan
P2 - Class of 2017

Monday, November 10, 2014

Research as a Pharmacy Student


As a third year student, I have realized the importance and significance of conducting research. Research plays a vital role in contributing to new discoveries and the advancement of health care. At PCSP, we have many faculty members who conduct research in both the clinical sciences and basic sciences. I have had the opportunity to work with a faculty member on a research project regarding the Human Papillomavirus 16.

The objective of my project was to investigate and observe the integration status of the virus into the human genome. After doing this, I was given the task of correlating the information to clinical samples we obtained from a local hospital.  Ultimately, this would help us to identify which patients were diagnosed appropriately with a pre-cancerous state, resulting from the viral integration.

By engaging in research with a faculty member, I was able to develop research skills and gain a better understanding of how research is conducted. After concluding my research project, I had the ability to create a research poster and present my data at a local conference. Furthermore, I have developed a relationship with my mentor which will help guide me through my pharmacy career.

I encourage you to be involved in research, even if that is not what you desire to do post-graduation. Research exposes you to other areas of pharmacy and provides you with additional education that you do not learn inside the classroom. I have gained experience, knowledge, and a mentor all which can only continue to benefit me during my time as a student. Plus, research is fun!

Arathi

P3-Class of 2016

Friday, November 7, 2014

5 Reasons to be Thankful for Pharmacists


Pharmacists are often first in line or last in providing medication therapy for patients.  Prior to receiving a diagnosis from a physician, many patients first seek pharmacists for over the counter products for prevention and for therapy regimens.  They are also the last health care professionals in contact with a patient to medication therapy and health wellness.  Whether first or last, pharmacists are vital health care professionals in the health care system.  They are sometimes workers behind the scene and undervalue for what they do.  Here are some reasons to be thankful for their profession existence.
                1)  Drug Experts
                2)    Most trusted professionals
                3)    Patient Advocates:
                4)    Most Accessible Healthcare Professionals
                5)    A Resource to other health care professionals

Jenny

P1 - Class of 2018

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Attendance at Professional Meetings


At Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy, attendance of at least one professional meeting is a requirement. This may seem daunting due to the fact that as a P1 or P2, you may not know much about the profession as a whole or how to network with pharmacy preceptors. However, after attending your first meeting, you will see that they are exciting and a great learning experience! As a P1, my classmates and I attended our first meeting as a group, and this definitely helped relieve our nervousness. Going as a group made it easier to feel more comfortable in a large crowd. As a P2, you will probably try to find a meeting targeted toward your interest. Actually, as a P2, I have already been to two professional meetings this year. One was a “social night”, and it was just a laid-back way for students from different colleges of pharmacy to interact and also network with professors at different schools and preceptors. Then, I attended the SCSHP Fall Meeting, which was very informative on health-system pharmacy. At this meeting students did a workshop on professionalism and had a panel of residents discuss the ASHP Midyear Meeting. Furthermore, students got to watch their fellow classmates compete in the Clinical Skills Competition. That was a wonderful experience especially since two of our own PCSP students won! Hence professional meetings are meant to provide education on pharmacy as a profession and also, assist students in working on their networking skills, and provide a chance for students to get involved in their pharmacy area of choice. 

Abby
P2 - Class of 2017

Monday, November 3, 2014

PC's Got Talent


Every year SNPhA (Student National Pharmaceutical Association) holds a talent show for our yearly fundraiser. We as a chapter work very hard to make this event successful and enjoyable for attendees. At this show we collect can goods for the local food bank while displaying the wonderful talent that PC has to offer.  PC’s Got Talent is a talent competition offering $150.00 cash to the 1st place winner, and the event is open to all students across both campuses. It is a great way for students on the main campus to meet some of the pharmacy students. This year we had over 180 attendees and 12 acts. The acts included singing, dancing, comedians, etc. During the show, attendees played games and won various prizes.  It was a great way for students to take a break from studying and have a good time.

Brittany
P3 - Class of 2016