Posted by Courtney Granter
4th Year Pharmacy Student in Poison Centre and incoming Pharmacy Resident
March is Pharmacy Awareness Month. During this time, pharmacists promote their role to other health care professionals and patients within hospitals and related health care settings. Pharmacists and pharmacist students can use this time to educate people about the variety of valuable services pharmacists provide.
“I have only been at the IWK for a short period of time so far, but seeing the smile on a patient’s face and knowing that even the smallest intervention can have the largest impact on their day, definitely exemplifies the value of working here”, Granter says.
As part of the pharmacy degree program, Granter spent six weeks getting to know the health centre and was matched with the Poison Centre. She feels fortunate to have the opportunity to learn about toxicology. “So far, it has allowed me to practice my communication skills, with emphasis on triage, making recommendations, documentation, monitoring and follow-up.”
As the incoming pharmacy resident, she will be following in the footsteps of Katelyn Hillier and spending time on various patient care units, as well as taking part in administrative, research and teaching roles. “I am really looking forward to starting my residency in June,” says Granter. “Having the opportunity to learn at the hands of so many different specialized pharmacists will truly be an invaluable experience for me.”
Granter says she is highly motivated by continuous learning and the ability to better care for patients through research and education. She is passionate about collaboration and feels the IWK is a place that recognizes the importance and impact of interprofessional healthcare.
“I was attracted to the IWK for a number of reasons including, the positive learning environment, the patient base and the emphasis on not only patient-centered care, but family-centered care.”
Granter says that she hopes by taking part in research and continuing to advance medication use in patient care, she will hopefully make a positive influence in the lives of current and future patients.
“I really believe I can make a difference.”
Poison Prevention Week is March 17-23.