One of my most memorable patients is also one of my most recent. This patient had been diabetic for several years, but had been non-compliant with medications and checking his blood sugars – he didn't even have a blood glucose meter despite multiple attempts to get him one. His A1c in March of this year was 13.3% and his physician referred him to us for management. His diet consisted of high carbohydrate foods and sugary drinks and he wasn't compliant with his medications. We were able to convince him to consistently take his medications, provided him a meter and talked to him about some small lifestyle changes he could make – in particular cutting out regular soda. He came back in early July to see us and his physician. His blood sugar in the clinic when we checked it was 126 mg/dl and his A1c at his physician visit was 6.8%. This experience served as a good reminder to keep trying, even if you haven't been successful with a particular patient in the past. You never know what circumstances will motivate a patient to change and improve their health."
Learn more about Dr. Lehman and the APhA-APPM Diabetes Management SIG!
The advice I give to student pharmacists considering graduate school is … to take advantage of your time and resources in pharmacy school by exploring the wide variety of pharmacy-related careers. If you’re anything like me, it is unlikely you entered pharmacy school with a good understanding of them all. Finding your optimal career takes hard work that involves planning, calculated risks, and reflection, but is a worthwhile investment in your future. Set up meetings with professors and graduate students to discuss their experiences, seek out opportunities to take part in research, and take the APhA Career Pathway Evaluation Program for Pharmacy Professionals on pharmacist.com. Your future self will thank you.
Learn more about Dr. Olsen and the APhA-APRS Postgraduate Advisory Initiative!