Dr. Emily Sorblom, PhD
Wellpath Care
3340 Perimeter Hill Drive, Suite 3000,
Nashville, TN 37211
What I Do
Pharmacy is a crucial component of the healthcare system that focuses on the safe and effective use of medications. Pharmacists play a pivotal role in ensuring that patients receive the right medications, at the correct doses, and with appropriate instructions. Here are some key aspects of the pharmacy profession:
- Medication Dispensing: Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing prescription and over-the-counter medications to patients. They ensure that the medications are accurately labeled and provide guidance on how to take them.
- Medication Management: Pharmacists help patients manage their medications, including dosage adjustments, drug interactions, and potential side effects. They may collaborate with other healthcare professionals to optimize treatment plans.
- Patient Education: Pharmacists educate patients about their medications, including proper usage, potential side effects, and drug interactions. They may also provide advice on healthy lifestyles and disease prevention.
- Compounding: In some cases, pharmacists prepare customized medications (compounding) to meet the unique needs of patients when commercially available options are not suitable.
- Medication Safety: Pharmacists are dedicated to ensuring medication safety. They verify prescriptions for accuracy, monitor for drug allergies or contraindications, and provide counseling to reduce medication errors.
- Drug Information: Pharmacists are experts in drug information and are often a valuable resource for healthcare providers, offering guidance on drug selection, dosing, and availability.
- Research and Development: Some pharmacists work in research and development roles, contributing to the discovery of new drugs, formulation improvements, or evaluating the efficacy of existing treatments.
- Regulatory Compliance: Pharmacists must adhere to strict regulations and guidelines governing the distribution and dispensing of medications to ensure patient safety and compliance with legal requirements.
- Pharmacy Practice Settings: Pharmacists can work in various settings, including community pharmacies (retail), hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies.
- Advancements in Pharmacy: The pharmacy field is continuously evolving, with advancements in technology, such as automated dispensing systems and electronic health records, playing an increasingly important role in improving patient care. Pharmacists are highly trained professionals who often hold Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degrees and must be licensed to practice. They are an essential part of the healthcare team, collaborating with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive the best possible care related to their medications. The pharmacy profession plays a critical role in promoting public health and ensuring the safe and effective use of medications in healthcare.
- Job Title: Regional Pharmacist for the Massachusetts Department of Corrections contract and California Early Access Stabilization Services and Jail Based Competency Treatment for Recovery Solutions
- Years in Profession: 27
- Job and Daily Responsibilities:
Formulary management in corrections pharmacy plays a critical role in ensuring the safe, effective, and cost-efficient use of medications within correctional facilities, such as prisons and jails. Here are the key aspects and responsibilities associated with formulary management in this specialized setting:
- Medication Selection: Formulary management involves the careful selection of medications that are approved for use within the correctional facility. This selection process takes into consideration the specific healthcare needs of the inmate population, taking into account factors like chronic diseases, mental health conditions, and infectious diseases prevalent in the facility.
- Evidence-Based Decision-Making: Decisions regarding which medications to include in the formulary are typically based on evidence-based medicine and clinical guidelines. This ensures that medications chosen are effective and appropriate for treating the health issues commonly encountered among inmates.
- Cost Containment: Correctional facilities often have limited budgets for healthcare services, including medications. Formulary management includes negotiating pricing agreements with pharmaceutical companies, selecting cost-effective medications, and exploring generic or therapeutic alternatives to control costs while maintaining quality care.
- Drug Utilization Review: Regular reviews of medication utilization patterns and clinical outcomes are conducted to assess the effectiveness and appropriateness of drugs on the formulary. Adjustments are made as needed to optimize patient care.
- Therapeutic Interchange: In some cases, formulary management may involve the practice of therapeutic interchange, where a medication on the formulary is substituted with an equivalent drug to achieve cost savings without compromising patient care.
- Medication Safety: Ensuring the safety of both inmates and staff is paramount. Formulary management includes strategies to prevent medication errors, minimize the risk of drug interactions, and manage high-risk medications appropriately.
- Pharmacy and Medical Staff Collaboration: Effective communication and collaboration between pharmacy and medical staff are essential. Pharmacists often work closely with healthcare providers to review medication orders, provide drug information, and recommend formulary changes based on emerging clinical evidence.
- Regulatory Compliance: Correctional pharmacy services are subject to various regulatory requirements and standards, and formulary management must comply with these regulations. This includes ensuring that all medications on the formulary meet legal and regulatory standards.
- Patient Education: Pharmacists may play a role in educating inmates about their medications, potential side effects, and the importance of medication adherence. Patient education is essential for successful treatment outcomes and minimizing health risks within the facility.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuous monitoring of the formulary’s performance, medication utilization, and clinical outcomes is crucial. Regular assessments help identify areas for improvement and ensure that the formulary remains aligned with the evolving healthcare needs of the inmate population.
- Emergency Preparedness: Correctional facilities need to be prepared for emergencies, including medical emergencies. Formulary management may include ensuring an adequate supply of essential medications in case of unforeseen events.
Overall, formulary management in corrections pharmacy is a complex and multifaceted responsibility. It aims to balance the medical needs of the inmate population with budgetary constraints while upholding the highest standards of patient care and safety within the unique environment of correctional facilities.
Education
High School – Wachusett Regional High School, Holden, MA 1988.
College – Boston College, BS in Chemistry, 1992.
Post~Graduate – Bachelor of Science – in Pharmacy, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy 1996
Further Study – Allied Health Sciences. Doctor of Pharmacy, 2021.
Pre-Employment Experience
Pre-employment experience is highly valuable for aspiring pharmacists as it provides practical exposure to the profession and enhances your qualifications when seeking employment or applying for pharmacy school. Here are some examples of applicable pre-employment experiences for pharmacists:
- Pharmacy Internship: This is one of the most direct and valuable experiences for aspiring pharmacists. Internships can be completed in various pharmacy settings, such as retail/community pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or compounding pharmacies. During internships, you’ll work closely with licensed pharmacists, gain hands-on experience in dispensing medications, and interact with patients. Many pharmacy schools require a minimum number of internship hours for admission.
- Pharmacy Technician: Working as a pharmacy technician allows you to gain practical experience in medication preparation, prescription processing, inventory management, and patient interaction. It’s a valuable role in pharmacy practice, and it provides insights into the daily operations of a pharmacy.
- Hospital Volunteer: Volunteering at a hospital, particularly in the pharmacy department, can be an excellent way to gain exposure to healthcare settings, interact with patients, and observe pharmacists in action. It also demonstrates your commitment to healthcare.
- Research Assistant: If you’re interested in pharmaceutical research or clinical pharmacy, working as a research assistant in a laboratory or clinical setting can provide you with research experience, data analysis skills, and exposure to the scientific aspect of pharmacy.
- Retail Sales or Customer Service: Positions in retail sales or customer service can help you develop strong interpersonal and communication skills, which are essential for patient counseling and interaction in a community pharmacy setting.
- Healthcare Administration: Roles in healthcare administration, such as working as a medical office assistant or administrative assistant in a healthcare facility, can provide insights into healthcare operations and administrative tasks.
- Healthcare Volunteer: Volunteering in healthcare settings, such as nursing homes, clinics, or hospices, can give you valuable exposure to patient care, healthcare professionals, and the healthcare industry as a whole.
- Medical Scribe: Being a medical scribe involves documenting patient encounters for healthcare providers. While it’s not directly related to pharmacy, it can help you understand healthcare workflows and patient records, which can be beneficial when interacting with healthcare teams in a pharmacy setting.
- Community Outreach and Health Education: Involvement in community outreach programs or health education initiatives can demonstrate your commitment to public health and community well-being. These experiences can also enhance your communication skills.
- Leadership and Extracurricular Activities: Holding leadership roles in student organizations, clubs, or community service projects can showcase your leadership skills and dedication to making a positive impact in your community.
It’s important to tailor your pre-employment experiences to align with your specific interests within the field of pharmacy. Additionally, documenting your experiences, seeking letters of recommendation from supervisors or mentors, and maintaining a strong academic record can enhance your application when applying for pharmacy school or seeking employment as a pharmacist.
List of classes that are most important/applicable to succeed in your profession:
To succeed in the pharmacy profession, you will need a strong educational foundation and a diverse set of skills. Here are some important classes and areas of study that are applicable to a successful pharmacy career:
- Pharmacology: This is a fundamental course that covers the study of drugs, their mechanisms of action, and their effects on the body. Understanding pharmacology is essential for pharmacists to make informed decisions about drug therapy.
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry: This course explores the chemical properties and structures of medications. It helps pharmacists understand how drugs are formulated and how different chemical compositions can affect drug behavior in the body.
- Pharmacy Practice: These courses provide practical training on the day-to-day responsibilities of pharmacists, including medication dispensing, patient counseling, and pharmacy law and ethics.
- Pharmacy Law and Ethics: Understanding the legal and ethical aspects of pharmacy practice is crucial. It covers regulations governing drug distribution and ethical considerations when providing patient care.
- Anatomy and Physiology: A strong understanding of the human body’s structure and function is essential for comprehending how drugs interact with biological systems.
- Pharmaceutical Calculations: Pharmacists must be skilled in performing various calculations related to medication dosages and compounding. This class focuses on dosage calculations and compounding techniques.
- Clinical Pharmacokinetics: This advanced course delves into drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination in the body. It’s important for optimizing drug therapy and monitoring patient responses.
- Pathophysiology: This course explores the abnormal physiological processes underlying diseases. It helps pharmacists understand the basis for medication therapy and its impact on specific diseases.
- Patient Communication and Counseling: Effective communication with patients is a vital skill for pharmacists. Courses in this area teach strategies for clear and empathetic communication, ensuring that patients understand their medications and treatment plans.
- Pharmacy Management: For those interested in administrative roles or owning a pharmacy, courses in pharmacy management cover topics like business operations, inventory control, and personnel management.
- Clinical Rotations/Internships: Practical experience through internships or clinical rotations in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals or community pharmacies, is crucial for applying classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios.
- Statistics and Research Methods: Understanding research methods and data analysis is important for pharmacists involved in clinical trials, drug research, or data analysis.
- Pharmacotherapy: These courses focus on disease-specific drug therapy and provide insight into treatment guidelines, patient assessment, and drug selection.
- Immunology and Infectious Disease: Understanding how the immune system functions and the management of infectious diseases is essential, especially in a healthcare environment.
These are some of the core classes and areas of study that are important for success in the pharmacy profession. Additionally, lifelong learning is essential in the pharmacy field, as it’s important to stay updated on new medications, treatments, and healthcare regulations throughout your career.
Advice From A Leader
Here is some advice for students interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy:
- Understand the Field: Take the time to research and understand what the pharmacy profession entails. Pharmacy is a diverse field with various career paths, including community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, research, and more. Explore the different options to find the one that aligns with your interests and goals.
- Academic Preparation: Focus on your academic performance, especially in science and math courses. High school coursework in biology, chemistry, and mathematics can provide a solid foundation for pharmacy studies.
- Pharmacy School Prerequisites: Review the prerequisites for pharmacy school admission. Most pharmacy programs require specific coursework, so plan your undergraduate education accordingly.
- Gain Experience: Seek out opportunities for hands-on experience in healthcare or pharmacy settings. This can include volunteering at a hospital, working as a pharmacy technician, or shadowing a pharmacist. These experiences provide valuable insights into the profession and strengthen your application.
- Pharmacy Organizations: Consider joining pharmacy-related organizations or clubs in high school or college. These can provide networking opportunities, access to resources, and a sense of community within the profession.
- Maintain a Strong GPA: Admission to pharmacy school can be competitive, so strive for a high GPA throughout your undergraduate education. Strong academic performance can enhance your application.
- Prepare for Pharmacy School Admission Tests: Most pharmacy programs require applicants to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) or other standardized tests. Prepare well in advance and take practice exams to perform your best.
- Research Pharmacy Schools: Look into different pharmacy schools and their programs. Consider factors like location, program reputation, faculty expertise, and available resources when deciding where to apply.
- Pharmacy Specialization: Think about whether you have a particular interest in a specific area of pharmacy, such as clinical pharmacy, research, or industry. This can help guide your educational and career choices.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest developments in the pharmacy field, including new medications, healthcare policies, and emerging trends. Staying informed demonstrates your commitment to the profession.
- Develop Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication is a crucial skill for pharmacists. Work on your ability to explain complex medical information clearly and interact with patients and healthcare professionals.
- Ethical Considerations: Pharmacy is a profession with strong ethical and moral standards. Familiarize yourself with the principles of pharmacy ethics and demonstrate a commitment to ethical practice.
- Persistence: The path to becoming a pharmacist can be challenging and competitive. Stay persistent and focused on your goals, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks or rejections.
- Network: Build a professional network by connecting with pharmacists, professors, and peers. Networking can provide valuable guidance, mentorship, and career opportunities.
- Lifelong Learning: Understand that pharmacy is a continuously evolving field. Be prepared for a commitment to lifelong learning to stay updated on new medications, treatments, and healthcare practices.
Remember that the journey to becoming a pharmacist can be demanding, but it can also be highly rewarding. Take your time to explore the profession, gather experiences, and plan your educational and career path thoughtfully. Your dedication and passion for helping others through healthcare will be your driving force as you pursue a career in pharmacy.