Throughout these two weeks at the Charitable Pharmacy, I have been exposed to various themes that affect the work that I will be doing, which include: social stratification, research, and community relations. I would describe last week as intellectually stimulating; it provided me with the opportunity to be engaged within the organization on a broad range of levels.

Inside the Charitable Pharmacy

I had the opportunity to attend a “Social Poverty Discussion”, led by a resident pharmacist of the Charitable Pharmacy. A pharmacy residency is additional on-site training one receives after completing their Doctor of Pharmacy degree. In attendance of this discussion included myself and other pharmacy students who are completing their summer rotation. The forum entailed a discussion on differences between functioning while in poverty versus other social classes, such as middle or upper class. Receiving insight on various differences whether small or significant is important to consider, as the Pharmacy serves patients at various stages and transitional phases in their life. Being able to understand a diverse range of circumstances among individuals who utilize services of the Pharmacy is important, especially when carrying out the implementation phase of my project. The forum was a few hours, and also contained discussions about how connections, achievements and relationships differ among people depending on their socio-economic background.

Being able to discuss in-depth a wide-range of theories and perspectives, in a sociological context, has allowed me to think about the larger impact of my project and summer experience. Later in the week, I also had the opportunity to attend a discussion led by a pharmacist of the Charitable Pharmacy, on prevalent medical conditions that are encountered within the pharmacy, which include diabetes and hypertension. Understanding the various conditions that are among the patients of the pharmacy will provide me with a holistic perspective on how health policy affects these individuals and will help me with my research.

Side view of the pharmacy

During the week, I had a meeting with a Vice President of Cardinal Health to discuss some of the goals of the Charitable Pharmacy. Additionally, a representative from the Franklin County Board of Commissioners visited the Pharmacy. I attended a meeting with the Executive Director and the Development Director of the Pharmacy with the Board of Commissioners representative; in this meeting what was discussed is how there is a growing need for free pharmacy services to our vulnerable population [people living at 200% of the Federal Poverty Level or below] (Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio, 2010). We also gave the representative a tour of the pharmacy. The Franklin County Board of Commissioners is a lead donor and supporter of the Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio. I also began the research phase of my project- programs that will assist Medicaid and Medicare eligible patients with the cost of prescriptions and other healthcare needs.

Picture before learning about Metformin, a medicine used to help control blood sugar levels.

I am excited to have received such significant exposure early on here at the Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio, and look forward to being engaged in research, community relations, and local government affairs this summer!