Sharks RX Spring 2015 Magazine

COLLEGE OF PHARMACY r 11 Stacia Schaefer will leave a legacy at the Palm Beach Regional campus when she graduates in 2015. The APhA-ASP PB chapter president initiated the Generation Rx program after attending the APhA-ASP Midyear Conference in 2011. “Starting the program was one of my greatest achievements at NSU. The program consisted of talking to middle school and high school- aged students about the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs,” Schaefer said. The national, educational program increases public awareness of prescription medication abuse and encourages health care providers, community leaders, parents, teens, and college students to actively work to prevent abuse. During its initial year, the Palm Beach chapter gave presenta- tions to more than 600 students and worked closely with the Palm Beach County Substance Abuse Coalition to conduct a survey regarding the proper disposal of unused prescription drugs. Schaefer’s work led to a national award from the Department of Public Health. Students at the Palm Beach Regional Campus continue to expand the outreach of Generation Rx to local schools and communities in Palm Beach. Deciding Moments The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the increased demand for prescription medications will create the need for phar- macists and pharmaceu- tica l ser vices with employment opportuni- ties projected to grow through the year 2022. For many of NSU’s Pharm.D. candidates, becoming a pharmacist has little to do with job prospects or the possibil- ity of a six-figure salary. “I have heard many people say that they just want to be a pharmacist because you can make great money, but it’s really a lot more than that,” said Bernhardt. Santibanez knew early on she wanted to be a pharmacist after her personal experiences growing up with a twin brother who had insulin-dependent diabetes. “The pharmacist’s role with the general public is that of a medicines liaison. Pharmacists should use their knowledge in drug information and pharmacothera- peutics to help individuals understand the purpose behind medications and to help them make informed decisions about their health,” she said. The future pharmacist said it was “unacceptable” that, when her brother was diagnosed, only his endocrinologist was able to offer advice on medications. “During those initial years, no pharmacist ever explained his medications to any of us, including my parents, who were trying to comprehend and experience what it meant to care for someone living with diabetes. Since then, I have vowed never to ignore an opportunity to teach,” Santibanez said. For Shata, being a pharmacist will create a purpose for her life and her career. “I want to help people around the world who do not have access to the benefits of health care and, hopefully, be the voice of people in need,” she proclaimed. n Left: Hamid Omidian (right), assistant professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, does a demonstration with student Bhagmatie Lall. Below, Left: The pharmacy program at the Palm Beach Regional Campus has produced nearly 400 graduates in the past decade. Jorge Varela, Pharm.D., professor at the campus, interacts with students. Below: International Advanced Standing student Dorcas Boakye finds a quiet place to study on the main campus.