The world of self-care offers patients an overwhelming array of options, from FDA-regulated over-the-counter (OTC) medications to the vast and less-regulated market of herbal and dietary supplements. As the most accessible healthcare professionals, pharmacists are in a unique position to guide patients toward safe and effective self-treatment. This requires a strong foundation in product knowledge, … Read more
Effectively addressing a patient’s issue is the cornerstone of patient-centered care and a critical skill for every pharmacist. It involves more than just identifying a problem; it requires a sophisticated blend of empathy, active listening, and strategic communication to understand the patient’s perspective, values, and readiness for change. The modern PharmD curriculum, particularly in courses … Read more
Dosing medications for geriatric patients is one of the most complex and critical responsibilities in pharmacy. Older adults are not just “older”; they experience a cascade of physiological changes that alter drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, making them uniquely susceptible to adverse events. The mantra “start low, go slow” is just the beginning. A deep understanding … Read more
The pharmaceutical care of older adults requires more than just knowledge of drugs; it demands a sophisticated understanding of the complex interplay between aging physiology, multiple chronic conditions, and the unique challenges of polypharmacy. Advanced topics in geriatrics, a key component of the Patient Care curriculum , push students beyond basic principles to master concepts … Read more
Glaucoma, a group of eye conditions leading to progressive optic nerve damage, is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The management of this chronic disease is a cornerstone of pharmacy practice, particularly when caring for geriatric patients. As detailed in the Patient Care VII curriculum’s “Management of Glaucoma” unit, the primary goal of therapy … Read more
Caring for geriatric patients is a cornerstone of pharmacy practice, requiring specialized knowledge and a nuanced approach to medication management. Older adults are not simply “older adults”; they are a distinct patient population with unique physiological changes that significantly impact how drugs behave in their bodies. As covered extensively in the Patient Care and Drug … Read more
The era of “one-size-fits-all” pharmacotherapy is evolving, especially in the complex treatment of brain and behavior disorders. Personalized medicine, largely driven by the field of pharmacogenomics (PGx), allows clinicians to tailor drug selection and dosing based on an individual’s unique genetic makeup. This approach aims to maximize efficacy while minimizing the risk of adverse drug … Read more
Clinical toxicology emergencies are high-stakes, time-sensitive situations where pharmacists play a crucial role as medication experts on the interprofessional team. The ability to rapidly assess a poisoned patient, recognize key toxidromes, and recommend appropriate decontamination, enhanced elimination, or antidote therapy can be the difference between life and death. The Patient Care VII curriculum prepares PharmD … Read more
The pharmacist’s role in the substance abuse crisis is a complex balancing act, poised at the intersection of compassionate patient care, public health, and stringent legal obligations. Navigating this landscape requires more than clinical knowledge; it demands a sophisticated understanding of federal and state law, a firm grasp of ethical principles, and the professional judgment … Read more
Effective management of Substance Use Disorders requires a broad skill set, including expertise in both therapeutic interventions and clinical monitoring. Tobacco management and clinical drug testing are two fundamental areas where pharmacists play a pivotal role. As detailed in the Patient Care VII curriculum, mastering tobacco cessation strategies—from behavioral counseling like the 5 A’s to … Read more
