While still waiting patiently for DC/Maryland to thaw out, this week I got to meet the second extern at ASHP, Kit, from North Dakota State University. It was interesting to learn about the similarities and differences in our experiences in pharmacy school. I was really impressed with some of the opportunities Kit was involved, such as tele-medicine and extensive MTM work. In Hawaii, our school is still quite new, so many programs haven’t been as developed but there are many rewarding learning/outreach opportunities for the motivated student.
Plus this is what Hawaii vs Fargo, North Dakota look like right about now:
No offense to those who thrive in the cold, but I think Hawaii takes it on this one!
Here is a picture of me a Kit and me:
Why the stereotypical East-Asian "sign", well…because all Asians do it in pictures right? All kidding aside, it was actually to bring up a more important topic related to pharmacists. How many people still think of a middle aged male when asked to “think of a pharmacist”? How much of the public still believe our main role is the stereotypical “count, pour, lick and stick”?
ASHP is working very hard to change the stereotype for pharmacists. They are working hard on PPMI and provider status legislation, among other projects. Once we break these stereotypes, pharmacists will be better positioned to improve the lives of our patients. One of the greatest aspects of being here on rotation is you get inspired everyday by people dedicated to the pharmacy profession and patient care.
Hopefully next week is a little warmer!