LECOM School of Pharmacy students, faculty and staff in Erie, Pennsylvania and Bradenton, Florida carried the message of “Know your Medicine, Know your Pharmacist,” to their respective communities during American Pharmacists Month, which took place throughout October.
Hershey Bell, MD, MS, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the LECOM School of Pharmacy, stresses the importance of pharmaceutical science in the future of health care, and why recognition of the role of the pharmacist is important.
“It’s becoming evident as we move down this road of health care reform that every person needs to understand the resources available in this country, and pharmacists are the health professionals best positioned to be experts in medication management,” he said. “As I look into the future of health care management, pharmacists will help us all understand health care, and we’re doing our part to bring that awareness to the community.”
In Erie, pharmacy students made an immediate impression on the first day of the month, joining together to create a “Human Pink Ribbon” in recognition of the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The LECOM chapter of the American Pharmacists Association handed out pink ribbons for all students and staff to wear throughout the day, and all were encouraged to wear a pink shirt or tie.
According to Sohini Sarkar, PharmD, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, the event brings together pharmacy and medical students and faculty to raise awareness for an important cause.
“As future pharmacists and physicians, our students will be on the front lines working to prevent the onset of cancer and encouraging patients to be screened,” she said. “These students will eventually play a prominent role in the communities they will serve, and it will be their duty to contribute to the awareness of breast cancer.”
LECOM students also took part in community service projects, including participation in Senior Health expos and the annual Trail of Treats event at the Millcreek Mall. At all sites, students talked with senior citizens and young children about the effects of consuming poisonous materials and looking for ways to avoid confusing poisonous products with common, everyday items around the house.
Seniors at the Millcreek Geriatric Education & Care Center also had a unique opportunity to participate in a hayride at WLD Ranch in Girard, Pa. Several residents of the center took part in the hayride with assistance from pharmacy students, including Jamie Caputo ’10, SGA president. “It’s really important for students to take advantage of the opportunities we have, but also to give back to the community while we are here and show them what we can do and what we have learned,” she said. “LECOM has quite a few clubs that participate in these events, so we always have a good turnout.”
During American Pharmacy Education Week (Oct. 25-31), members of the pharmacy faculty met with students interested in pursuing education as a career path after graduation. Sponsored by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, the event helps students consider the potential contributions they can make to the pharmacy profession as educators.
LECOM Bradenton students participated in the annual American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K walk at the Sarasota (Fla.) Polo Club.
LECOM Bradenton ranked among the top 10 participating businesses by raising $2,672.60 for breast cancer research and public education.
The event was especially meaningful for School of Pharmacy faculty member Kari Furtek, PharmD.
“I still cannot believe how many LECOM students came out and I would like to let them know how happy and excited I was to have them there to share the day with me,” she said. “Having a family member survive a very difficult battle with breast cancer gave me incentive to be part of the cause. I was able to see that our students really wanted to make a difference in society. This is what our profession is all about – showing our support and care for others.”
LECOM’s Bradenton’s local chapter of the American Pharmacists Association – Academy of Student Pharmacists (ASP) Pharmacy participated in the American Diabetes Association Expo in Tampa, Fla.
The ASP supports diabetes patient education, awareness of the practice of pharmacy and the promotion of LECOM.
“As our program grows in both size and recognition, we continue to increase our service to humankind and our communities,” said LECOM School of Pharmacy Bradenton Dean Gary Levin, PharmD.
The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and LECOM School of Pharmacy offer innovative and affordable education in osteopathic medicine and pharmacy. From campuses in Erie, Pennsylvania, Greensburg, Pennsylvania and Bradenton, Florida, LECOM provides student-centered pathways to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. Prepare yourself for medicine as your life’s profession.
