One of the most exciting milestones as a first year pharmacy student is starting your first Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE) in a community pharmacy setting. I have had the privilege of learning from Dr. Viren Patel at Rite Aid in Spartanburg, SC. Dr. Patel graduated from South Carolina College of Pharmacy in 1977, and has worked in retail pharmacy for 38 years at various pharmacies. He is a true, patient-centered, hands-on pharmacist who believes that pharmacy is the best profession, which makes him passionate about caring for his patients. His work ethic and love of pharmacy are quite infectious (pardon the pun).
I am truly grateful to have had the privilege to learn from such a wonderful preceptor! Preceptor-generated assignments, incorporation of education into patient interactions in the pharmacy, and a strong emphasis on OTC medication knowledge and counseling make the rotation with Dr. Patel invaluable. I believe that, if it were possible, he would like to teach me everything he knows in these six short weeks. Unfortunately, he is a very good pharmacist so it would take much longer to learn all that he knows. Fortunately, I know the professors at PCSP and other preceptors will make sure that I learn everything else I need to know over the next few years so that I can be a great pharmacist, like Dr. Patel is. I hope my wonderful IPPE experience will make you excited to begin your rotations next year!
Nicole
P1 - Class of 2018
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