Posted on: November 18, 2020
The College of Pharmacy shares its appreciation to alumni Lynn Connelly, 1978 R.Ph., and Frances O. Connelly, 1980 R.Ph., owners of Medicine Mart in West Columbia for once again serving as the location for Wellness Wednesdays, an initiative of the College of Pharmacy’s APhA Academy of Student Pharmacists chapter. The organization held three events supported by student volunteers who provided blood pressure checks, blood glucose monitoring, medication reviews. Student volunteers also counseled patients about lifestyle modifications and exercise regimens.
Thayra Rios Schad serves as Operation Diabetes chair for APhA-ASP. “Not all students get the opportunity to put to use what we learn in class, and this is a great opportunity for students, especially P1s and P2s, to take the knowledge we learn from papers and books and apply it to the real world,” she says. "Talking directly with a patient about disease states and lifestyle modification has such an impact.”
It helps our patients by demonstrating that we care, that we are reaching out to them to provide a service they may not find in other pharmacies ... It also helps the students immensely by giving them real patient experience.
Lynn Connelly, R.Ph. Medicine Mart ,West Columbia
The Connellys enjoy providing the opportunity for both students and patients. “It helps our patients by demonstrating that we care, that we are reaching out to them to provide a service they may not find in other pharmacies, especially in this time of need,” says Lynn Connelly.
“It also helps the students immensely by giving them real patient experience which is better than practicing in the lab or reading about it in a book.”
Connelly encourages other pharmacists to provide learning opportunities for students. “Mentor students and get engaged with them. Share your ideas and advice,” he adds.
As a student, Schad is grateful for the opportunity to work directly with patients. “During these times, they may not be able to visit their doctor as often. This is a chance for them to share, perhaps not feel so isolated and receive some valuable information.”