A Typical Wednesday

Greetings!   

My name is Tramaine, and I am a PharmD Candidate for the Class of 2015.  I am a PCSP Student Ambassador, PCSP representative to the SCPhA (South Carolina Pharmacy Association), and a member of SSHP (Student Societies of Health-System Pharmacy).  I wanted to take some time to tell you about my day. 

Wednesday, I started the morning with leading Bible Study for CPFI (Christian Fellowship International).  I continued the day with a class schedule of Medicinal Chemistry at 8:30 am, Pharmacokinetics at 10:00 am, Pharmacogenomics at 11:05 am, and a lunch break from 12pm-2:45pm.  This Wednesday concluded my Institutional lab schedule.  We started at 2:45pm and had three guest speakers who discussed their roles within a healthcare setting.  

Normally, I would take a nap.  However, this Wednesday concluded the regular season for intramural flag football.  I am proud to be the captain of a team that concluded the regular season with a 6-0 record.  I hope we continue this winning streak and win the championship.  

That was a fun day.  

Next week, we will have Thanksgiving break.  I will enjoy this break!  It will be nice to spend time with my family in North Carolina and prepare for FINALS.  Well, I want to thank you for taking your time to read my post.  I look forward to welcoming you to the PCSP FAMILY! 

"Diabetic" for the Day

Hi!  I’m Jenny, and I am a P1 student.  First off, let me tell you how much I LOVE Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy.  The faculty are the best I have ever seen, the facilities are up to date and beautiful and the people are super friendly.  Now that I have gotten my plug in for the best pharmacy school (really!), I will delve into the topic that I would like to share today.

We have two labs that we take our first semester P1 year.  One is a community lab and one is a biotech lab, and today I want to talk to you about one of my experiences in our biotech lab.  For this particular lab, our instructor said that we needed some volunteers.  Being the science nerd that I am, I immediately raised my hand and my name was written on the board.  I wasn’t really sure what I was signing up for, so after lab the group of us (4 students in all) met with our professor to discuss our mission.  Basically we were going to be “diabetics” for two days, and each subgroup had different roles.  One group of two students were supposed to drink a sugary beverage (like coke) early in the morning and then take their glucose levels with a glucometer.  The next subgroup (and the one that I was in) had a slightly different task - one night we had to  eat a meal, measure our blood glucose levels  15 minutes later, and then an hour later (of being sedentary) we had to check it again.  The second night we were to take our glucose level and then go exercise for an hour, and then come back and measure the glucose level again.

Easy, right?  Well, first off, I have no diabetics in my immediate family, and I have never been a big one to inflict unnecessary pain on myself.  With this assignment, I was going to be sticking myself with a needle four times in order to get a droplet of blood to check my glucose levels.  Luckily, my friend Monica, another P1 student, taught me how to do all of these things because her dad is a diabetic.  So, off I go to take my glucose for the first time, and it went better than I expected.  Then, I took it again after eating (a carbohydrate rich pasta) and was SHOCKED at how high my levels were!  I was completely convinced that I had at least pre-diabetes.  After my sedentary hour (of studying, might I add) I took my levels again, and they had decreased slightly, but were still pretty high.

The next night, my dad and I went jogging / walking for an hour after I took my initial blood glucose reading, and I was amazed at how much lower it dropped than when I was just sedentary.  Exercise definitely does make a difference in the treatment of diabetes!  This was a great learning experience for me in several ways - one, I learned how to actually use a glucose meter and would feel comfortable counseling my patients on how to take their blood glucose levels now.  Two, I really saw how much of a difference diet and exercise made on myself, which I can in turn use as an example to encourage my patients, especially those with diabetes who could see drastic results.  Finally, I am much more empathetic to what it is like to be a diabetic - it was not easy to prick myself with that needle those four times, and that was only for a period of two days!  I feel much more prepared to be a good pharmacist after this exercise, and I love that PC provides its students with these hands-on learning opportunities that will really stick with us in the long term.  Thanks for reading!

Side note: For all those that were wondering, I did not really have diabetes - false alarm.  However, I am more mindful now of how many carbohydrates I put together in one meal - that pasta will definitely get you :) 

Interview Tips

It’s that time of year to start getting your applications in and preparing for your interviews!  I am Lindsey, a P1 here at PCSP, so the interview process is still pretty fresh in my mind.  The application process can be long and tedious, but remember your main goal and all the hard work you put into it will be worth it.  Many of you have already submitted your application and have started receiving calls to set up your interview time.  Congratulations!  

If you haven’t already submitted your application you still have time so don’t panic!  Make sure you continuously work on it and try to get it in as soon as possible.  After the staff reviews the applications, they select candidates for an interview.  I am well aware that after all the excitement has settled, the nerves start to sink in and can be very overwhelming, but don’t worry!  You received an invitation to an interview for a reason; you obviously have qualities that make you shine, so remember those as you are answering the questions.  The individual interview consists of a two-person panel, one a faculty member and the other a health care practitioner.  Often students wonder why we do not provide interview questions and the reason for that is you don’t need to have an answer already prepared.  The goal of the interview is for the faculty at PCSP to get to know you as an individual.  There is no perfect answer to any interview question asked; the answer is to determine who you are as a person and how you can perform as a healthcare professional.  

A group interview is a portion of the process as well.  As pharmacists, you will work in a team with other pharmacists, technicians, doctors, nurses, businessmen, etc. therefore the need to measure your teamwork qualities is essential.  On this day you will also get the opportunity to tour our amazing facility and meet some of our faculty.  During the tour make sure you ask any questions you have on your mind.  The tour guides are the student ambassadors of PCSP, and they more than happy to assist you during this process, answering any of your questions.  

From my personal experience when I came to interview at Presbyterian College of Pharmacy, automatically I could sense how much the students love this school and how much the professors care. The staff is by far the best I have ever experienced at any other school.  Within the first week of classes almost all of my teachers knew me by name, and they continually check on us to see how things are going.  This aspect makes PCSP really stand out from other schools, and it was a quality that definitely drew me here.  

Last minute tips you want to make sure not to forget are attire and punctuality.  Remember, this is an interview so dress in professional attire and give yourself an ample amount of time to arrive early.  For more specific information, visit the prospective student tab at pharmacy.presby.edu.  

Hope to see many of you soon here at PCSP!  Good luck on your interviews and most importantly remember:  stay calm and be yourself.     

We're half-way there!

Hi!  I’m Allie, a P1 student, and I am twelve weeks into my first year at Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy.  Thankfully, my head is still above water.  However, if you should find yourself struggling, there are opportunities available from peer-tutoring, 24 hour access to the Pharmacy building, and the writing center on main campus to aid in your survival.  At mid-term, if you have less than a C in a class, you are notified confidentially that you are on academic probation.  This is set up to make sure that all is being done to ensure your success in the course.  An appointment with your advisor is arranged and the two of you will work out a plan on how you will get yourself to a passing grade.  If you do not manage to accomplish this, PCSP allows for you to retake that course in the summer for a second chance to pass.

These past twelve weeks of pharmacy school have been an amazing experience.  I’m living in an apartment for the first time, which compared to living in a dorm room for undergrad is heaven.  My apartment also allows for a lovely 5 minute walk to class every day.  Everyone within the school, as well as, the Clinton community is warm and welcoming, so do not be surprised when they know you’re name!

We are coming off our fall break which was a good breather to get away for a while.  For me, this consisted of going back home to Kentucky and spending time with my family on our farm.  After I am finished composing this blog I shall make the six hour trip back to Clinton and reality.  But just as quick as these last weeks have gone by, it will soon be time for FINALS and a well deserved Christmas break!  Until then, the studying and stress shall continue.

Good luck in your pursuits!  Hope to see you next fall!

Enjoy Every Moment

Hi.  My name is Shanna, and I am currently a P1 student here at PCSP.  I cannot believe we are halfway through our first semester!  It seems just like yesterday I was sitting in orientation here at the school.  Time sure does fly!  Since the beginning of school, I have become a member of the Academy of Student Pharmacists, Kappa Epsilon Professional Pharmacy Fraternity/Sorority, Student Society of Health Systems Pharmacists, and a PCSP Ambassador.  I even joined the P1 softball team!  I have not played softball in ten years, but it has been a blast!  The faculty, fellow students, and the community have made school such an enjoyable place.  I absolutely love being a part of the PCSP family!  

I have had so many special moments in the two and half months we have been here at PCSP.  During orientation we had a service day and my heart was touched by being able to help deliver food to a local community.  Secondly, our white coat ceremony was a very special day for me.  I was so thankful that my family was able to be a part of this journey that I have embarked upon.  My family is just as excited about PCSP as I am!  And finally my most memorable day here at PCSP was my first PC football game!  I was able to enjoy our first open house by giving a tour and attending the tailgate party with delicious food from Fatz!  Free food and free football tickets equal a perfect day!

PCSP has met all of expectations and then some!  Being a student here gives me a great sense of accomplishment and happiness.  I look forward to my next three years here at PCSP.  Make sure you enjoy each moment and do your very best everyday because it will be over before we know it.          






   

Clinton, SC

When I was offered a seat at PCSP, I was ecstatic. I knew that I had a lot of big changes to look forward to.  First of all, I have never lived on my own.  Once you are accepted to PCSP, you are invited to join a housing group.  The housing group lists local houses and apartments for students to rent.  It was very helpful, and I was able to find a reasonable 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom house.  Most of the listings are in Clinton, but there are some listed in Laurens and the surrounding area.  The group also lists students looking for roommates.  

Once I was moved in, I was a little hesitant to see what Clinton offered.  Most people talked about going to Greenville or Columbia if you wanted to do fun things, but they are missing out!  Downtown Clinton has so much to offer.  I have tried two restaurants so far and they are delicious.  At Steamers, I recommend the chicken salad sandwich or the crab cake sandwich!  If you go next door to Jitter’s Café, you have to try the BLT croissant with a strawberry smoothie!  If you’re in the mood for shopping, definitely stop by the Sunshine City boutique.  The best part is they have a lot of PC gear to purchase.  If you need to pick up an up-scale gift for your dad, boyfriend, or uncle you should go to Adair’s Men Shop.  They carry Southern Tide and have Carolina and Clemson gear.  

Although the shops and restaurants are great, the people of Clinton are what really make it special.  They love meeting pharmacy students!  They will ask about your classes, where you are from, and they always share tips on where to get the best sweet tea or random fun facts about the town.  I love living here.  There is always a festival or parade happening in the town square or a PC game to attend.  Although going to Greenville or other big cities are fine, I suggest trying out Clinton and all the wonderful things it has to offer.

Alex, P1 student 

A Typical Monday in Pharmacy School

Hello! My name is Lauren, and I am currently in my second year of pharmacy school at PCSP.  I wanted to give you guys reading this post a little run down of what my typical day looks like and how I handle all these busy days and the required work.

My Monday class schedule consists of Medicinal Chemistry at 8:30 am, Pharmacokinetics at 10:00 am, Pharmacogenomics at 11:05 am, lunch break from 12-1:30, and then a 2 hour lab which ends at 3:30pm.  The day does not end there!  I try to make a goal to study between the hours of 3:30-6, but usually I end up taking a break from school and run a few errands or socialize with friends.  At 6, I , along with other fellow students, tutor the P1s on immunology until 7:00 pm.

Okay, let’s start from the beginning:

Honestly, I probably don’t wake up until around 7:45 am, frantically get ready for school, drive over, and immediately print out the lecture for Medchem.  I have found that actually writing the notes in this class helps me pay attention and helps with my studying because I can specifically circle or star important concepts.  Medchem lasts until 9:45, where at this point , the 15 minutes between classes fly by because I am responding to emails or getting organized for the next class.

Next up:  Kinetics
Kinetics literally makes class go by so fast!  I’ll glance up at the clock , and we’ll only have 5 minutes left of lecture.  It is a good pick me up between classes because I have just finished listening to a long lecture.  Kinetics gets me reenergized and ready to listen to genetics.  During kinetics, I am trying to write down everything our teacher says, especially when it comes to conceptual aspects because that part isn’t usually included in the notes, but can potentially be a big factor come test time.

Third class:  Pharmacogenomics
Lately, we have had a few guest lecturers come in and talk about pharmacoeconomics and infectious disease.  They relate these topics back to genetics, and I have found both the lectures to be really interesting.  I switch back and forth between taking notes on computer and hand-written notes in this class because sometimes my hand can’t write as fast as the professor teaches the class.

Lunch time:

I try to bring my lunch to school so that I can have as much time to review for a quiz, when I know there will be an in-class quiz.  If not , my friends and I like to go to the local restaurants in town (our personal favorite is Steamer’s Café) to catch a quick bite to eat and a break from school.

After lunch, I have lab for 2-3 hours where we work on our SOAP notes or we either learn about pharmacy in a hospital setting.  Either way, lab can be hectic at times because of the amount of work we complete during the time frame, but ultimately it goes by , and we can apply what we learn to our rotations sites.

Last up:  Supplemental Instruction

On Mondays, I am one of the supplemental instructors for immunology.  Students come from 6-7pm and ask any questions about topics they have covered in the class.  We usually have about 5-7 students come the week before the exam, and 2-4 students who come regularly to the sessions.  Helping the other students out is fun and rewarding!

Needless to say, my day is always full of things to do, but I wouldn’t  want it any other way.  Having a set schedule keeps me in line and on top of all my work that I have to complete.  The day that I have described is not the only aspect to the pharmacy school, and not every day is as packed as Monday.  PCSP is a wonderful school with the very best teachers, students, and resources.  Thanks for taking the time to read my post!