...........Alongside my anatomy and physiology class (BIO 2870), I enrolled in a service-learning program called Honors 3000 at Wayne State. The Honors 3000 option allowed me to volunteer at the Beaumont Outpatient Pharmacy and write a ten page research paper about what I learned in class, disease states, two interviews with current pharmacists, and reflect upon my use of anatomy and physiology during my time volunteering.

 

..........Volunteering was a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field that I am heading into. I currently work as a pharmacy technician at Melvindale Pharmacy and volunteer as a pharmacy technician at the Beaumont Outpatient pharmacy. Experience is the best way to learn about any field and pharmacy is no exception. During my two interviews with pharmacist Ali H. Elhasan and pharmacist Charles Babcock I learned much more about where the field of pharmacy is heading. There is such a large focus on medication therapy managements (MTMs) and pharmacy intervention programs (PIPs). Patient retention is such a high priority to modern-day pharmacies. Making sure that pateints are picking up their medication on time and taking it correctly is vital to their health. Both MTMs and PIPs provide a bridge between pharmacists and patients. 

​

.........I also learned about the importance of anatomy and physiology in a health field such as pharmacy. The first step to understand how the hundreds of drugs available on the market is to understand the human body. Having a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology lays out the blueprint for learning how medications interact with the body. Once I understand anatomy and physiology, then I can start learning about how medications are absorbed and processed by the body. Understanding the difference between two drug classes such as proton pump inhibitors and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors requires an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the stomach and brain.

​

........While volunteering there were various scenarios where my class material aided me during my service in the pharmacy. The first scenario occurred when a patient asked me how a drug works. I first explained to them the anatomy and physiology of the body part that the drug affects. The patient asked me what medication they should use for heartburn. I explained to them that heartburn is caused when the stomach produces too much acid and it travels back upwards. In order to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach, they should take a proton-pump inhibitor such as Prilosec® in order to decrease the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Another example of using the information I learned in class was when patients said they were diagnosed with a disease such as hypertension. Understanding the factors that go into calculating blood pressure and knowing the normal and high numbers for blood pressure allow me to better understand how to help the patient. 

​

........Overall, my experience volunteering and writing the research essay was a fantastic way to learn more about the field of pharmacy. It has allowed me to gain a head start on my future career and understand why it is important to have a strong understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. I would also like to thank my professor Dr. Martin Crozier and honors adviser Rachel Pawlowski for giving me this opportunity. I hope that this honors project and volunteer experience will allow me to provide better care for my future patients. 

​

I appreciate your time reading my reflection. Please find attached my research paper at the end of this page.