Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Annotated Word Journal 9/10/10

1)

Read the assigned articles and write one word or 2-3 word phrase that captures the essence of what you’ve read and summarizes your response to it.

Evolution of pharmacy

In the space below, explain why you chose that word or phrase and how it provides, in a capsule, your summary of the reading.

In my opinion from working in an independent pharmacy, the profession of pharmacy is already moving towards patients viewing the pharmacists as educators rather than simply pill counters. The article poses the idea that pharmacists should go beyond the norm, counseling, to ensure the impartation of information. As pharmacy evolves, pharmacists should take more initiative to determine what the patients should know (creating objectives), covering the objectives during counseling, but get feedback from the patient that learning has taken place. The most important part of a counseling session is the recall; the article expatiates on the importance of making sure the patient was taught versus simply being told. Robinson is exceedingly hopeful, maybe too much so, since these educational tasks are not widely billable yet. At the same time, his message is inspirational for the future because as pharmacy students we know the impact of a counseling session on our patients, when done correctly. If pharmacists are perceived as educators and can educate their patients properly, Healthy People 2010 (or 2020) may have a shot at being accomplished. As much as it is important for patients to see pharmacists in this role, pharmacists must see themselves as educators and must prepare for the role. Pharmacy schools need to adequately educate pharmacy students by teaching them educational principles. The hope is that more schools will do so and more students will take the classes.


2)

Read the assigned articles and write one word or 2-3 word phrase that captures the essence of what you’ve read and summarizes your response to it.

Priorities

In the space below, explain why you chose that word or phrase and how it provides, in a capsule, your summary of the reading.

Popovich seems to love being a faculty member and has loved the process of becoming a faculty member. He offers many insights into academia, the most important being a recurrent theme of the priorities he has identified in his life. First – deciding on your top priorities is the key. He mentions work, family, health, friends, and spirit as the foundations to his being. If he neglects any of these, except work, there are irreversibly affected. Other priorities include service, thirst for knowledge, enthusiasm, listening, growth (personal and professional), commitment to excellence, improvement, and reflection. You can’t accomplish much without an open mind and an open ear. Success isn’t the end-all be-all. Success is how you got where you are, not just that you got to a specific goal. Additionally, success is the realization of how much there is yet to achieve. Popovich cites another article saying “..to achieve success, you realize you must work hard, conform to the rules of the game, and do what is expected of you.” For the most part, I agree. One must work diligently. I think that we all need to learn the rules of the game and conform to societal standards to climb our way to a position where we can change the rules of the game. Change is the only constant; for me it is a true marker of success.



3)

Read the assigned articles and write one word or 2-3 word phrase that captures the essence of what you’ve read and summarizes your response to it.

Rx for success

In the space below, explain why you chose that word or phrase and how it provides, in a capsule, your summary of the reading.

Pharmacy is changing with societal advances over the years, with more women taking high level positions and with the conversion of the pharmacy program to a 6 year doctoral program. Most faculty members are very satisfied in their current role. Axtell tells about the ways to success that he’s observed: understanding what professoring is, energy on the path to success, embracing diversity, quality of excellence, outside the classroom teaching, and initiative. DiPiro developed a list of 10 things that every faculty member needs to know in order to succeed in academia. Understanding the character of the school and the values is important to succeeding at the institution. Successful people are the important ones to have as mentors. Faculty members who are willing to help are invaluable. Know the difference between short term and long term goals; understand where networking can get you. Know what is required to get a promotion and/or tenure, especially because it changes at every institution. Know your rights and authorities as well as others’ in your department; know your boundaries. Understand that salary is often negotiable. Figure out how to make more money. Learn how to secure resources despite them being scarce. Take care of the foundations and follow policies/procedures. Zeolla also gives 10 strategies for success in academia. He defines success in three categories: wealth, favor, eminence, Mentor/mentee relationships are exceedingly important, especially for new faculty members, Know the policies, procedures, and personnel of your institution. As part of being a clinician educator, have a practice site that has a valuable clinical service but is also structured in a way that is conducive to student learning. Position yourself as an expert of a topic that you’re passionate about. Recognize that learning is a continual process. Understand that it’s okay to say no. Continue to serve patients as the main focus of your work. Work together in groups. Reflect. All three scenarios give the reader a great recipe / prescription