Dr. Jamie Wilkey 🚀’s Post

PharmDs are powerful...and our own worst enemy. Top 6 not-so-pleasant things I've learned about PharmDs 👇 1. We are so scared to try anything new. 2. We think failure is the worst and avoid it at all costs. 3. The Board of Pharmacy is our god; we need their explicit blessing 4. We are locked in golden handcuffs and won't accept anything < current wage. 5. We don't think we are enough to solve the problems that bug us. 6. We keep identifying exclusively as pharmacists. 7. We plan instead of act. I spoke with >250 pharmacists 1:1 on the phone in the past 2 years. These 7 themes came up on nearly every call. I get it. PharmD's are a tribe that: - doesn't like risk - doesn't like trying new things - just wants a safe, comfortable, 6-figure job - is bred just to keep doctors and patients happy, but not rock the boat Pharmacy is changing. We've got to change to stay relevant, even if it means being uncomfortable. Sure, most of the profession may have the 7 weaknesses above, but not you. Chances are, if you're reading this, you're different. Keep going, you amazing PharmD! The world needs you to buck the status quo.

There is this crazy and stupid ( I don’t use this pretty often ) idea floating around that all of us who are advocating for better working conditions only want to create a group of people who are miserable at their jobs and if you are not, then we have nothing in common. Oh my favorite thing is also how people assume that we are steering students from not going to pharmacy school. Both ideas are so incredibly wrong and infuriating and honestly… stupid. All of us who are currently using our voices so publicly and opened have known what it meant to work in very good and safe conditions. At one point in our career , we could not see ourselves doing anything but being a community pharmacists. I know I did. I have experienced its beauty. I have experienced its strengths. I have experienced its impact on my patients and myself. I have known what it means to be a successful and thriving community pharmacist. Those things are not unknown to me. But I have also known the very opposite of that . And I have been opened about the fact that I was not without blame. But also, what has transpired of my career was also very much impacted by what many people are experiencing today. So no, we are not against successful pharmacists within the chains. In fact, we want and fight so that each pharmacist, Technician and student can know the beauty and the amazingness of community pharmacy. We want them to practice in a safe and thriving environment. So if today, you are somehow confused about our message, get this clearly: the message as hard as it is to hear, it is important . It is necessary. But it is ugly . But it is the truth. And It must be told not to tear down others who are being successful . But in order to allow our community to rise up together. I celebrate those who are successful . I celebrate those who are thriving. But I also speak on behalf of those who are struggling. It is not divisive to do both.

Today I read a story in my inbox that actually disturbed me. This story is not uncommon . I have read it again and again by others. And it goes like this: “ I follow you on social media. But I can’t like or comment on any of your posts because it might make me a target”. This! This is the reason why we fight the way we fight. To allow pharmacists, Technicians and students to even discuss working conditions publicly without feeling like their current job or any job prospect is now in jeopardy. The work we do so publicly is not for us to be famous or to gain anything. We understand very much the weight of it. And especially we understand that we speak for so many who are currently being silenced. I say again, you do not have to like me. I have seen the direct or indirect messages on social media. It is really ok. I am not offended. But do no waste your time or energy on me. I am not worthy. Instead use it to make this profession better. To provide a better today to our practicing pharmacists and technicians. And to provide a better tomorrow to our students.

On the Pharmacist Day 25.9, there is a topic about "Relationships between doctors and pharmacists", the hospital manager has asked the pharmacists in the conference that we the doctors has Hippocrates Oath, do you have an Oath for pharmacists? That is a stunning question. I tried to answer this as there must be a need for pharmacists to claim about their vision and mission. And luckily, I found one from APhA (American Pharmacist Association), which applied for its member institutions from 2021. https://lnkd.in/gpBwtF2v "I promise to devote myself to a lifetime of service to others through the profession of pharmacy. In fulfilling this vow: I will consider the welfare of humanity and relief of suffering my primary concerns. I will promote inclusion, embrace diversity, and advocate for justice to advance health equity. I will apply my knowledge, experience, and skills to the best of my ability to assure optimal outcomes for all patients. I will respect and protect all personal and health information entrusted to me. I will accept the responsibility to improve my professional knowledge, expertise, and self-awareness. I will hold myself and my colleagues to the highest principles of our profession’s moral, ethical and legal conduct. I will embrace and advocate changes that improve patient care. I will utilize my knowledge, skills, experiences, and values to prepare the next generation of pharmacists. I take these vows voluntarily with the full realization of the responsibility with which I am entrusted by the public.” And for the pharmacist vision, I still keep the picture which state the vision of pharmacists practice from Joint Commission of Pharmacy Practitioners: Pharmacists will be the health care professionals responsible for providing patient care that ensures optimal medication therapy outcomes.

🩺 As a proud pharmacy graduate, I can't stress enough the vital role pharmacists play in our Indian society. They are the unsung heroes of healthcare, ensuring safe and effective medication for all. 💊 Pharmacists are the bridge between doctors and patients. They decode complex prescriptions, provide crucial advice, and ensure medications are used correctly. They are the guardians of our health, often working tirelessly behind the scenes. 👩⚕️👨⚕️ On this World Pharmacist Day, let's celebrate these dedicated professionals who keep us healthy. 🌟 But celebrations aren't enough. It's time for action! 🚀 Let's pledge to respect and acknowledge pharmacists. When you visit a pharmacy, take a moment to appreciate their expertise. Ask questions, seek advice - they're there to help. Let's spread awareness about the invaluable role pharmacists play in our lives. Share this message, educate your friends and family. Together, we can build a society that truly respects and values our pharmacists. 🙌 Happy World Pharmacist Day! 🎉 Let's make every day a day of gratitude for these healthcare champions. 💙 #WorldPharmacistDay #RespectPharmacists

Before we started Being Well, Balaam Camp and I had one simple motto we taught our students and staff members; be helpful. 💞💞💞 It may sound simplistic, but you’d be amazed how easy this is to forget in community pharmacy. Queues of people, drug shortages, endless scripts… it’s easy to forget about the person behind the medicine. It’s easy to dismiss people who are frustrated because “it’s not our fault, there’s nothing we can do unfortunately”. Classic case of “computer says no”. 🤙📞📞📞📞 Last week I answered the phone to a customer who had been driving around looking for a pharmacy that stocked Day Nurse. He’d been into four pharmacies, and no-one had bothered to tell him Day Nurse been off the market for over a year. I also regularly answer the phone to patients searching for medication in short supply. Even when I can’t supply the medicine I can check the ordering portals and give them the information they need. Most of these people are incredibly grateful just to be given a explanation and a suggestion for an alternative rather than to just be told “we can’t get it, nothing we can do”. ⏰Time pressures 🚛Overload 🔥Burnout We must not forget our why. We went into pharmacy to care for our patients, so just be helpful. It’s amazing what a long way that can go, even if we can’t solve the problem. #pharmacy #communitypharmacy #rps #npa #pharmacist #pharmacystudent #pharmacistlife

Some unsolicited thoughts on the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (that could’ve helped me and may certainly help you…if applicable). First and foremost, do not think that “minimum competency” means it will be an easy exam. It is not. Having spent the past 10-11 days agonizing about my performance, I will attest that the version I had exerted every ounce of mental effort… and it needs must do so, considering what is at stake. However, given the breadth and width of topics which could be covered, not all participants have the same experience. That being said, all will agree that the question not answered hurts more than the one where an educated guess was the only option. Take your time but aim for 40 questions per hour. Pace is the trick. Second, what you didn’t cover may very well end up being a big portion on the exam. If it hasn’t been stated before, know that this is a high stake test - not only for you, but for future patients. As such, fortune does not favor the bold, it favors the prepared. Third (and certainly what I could’ve benefited the most from applying), although your preparation consists mostly of what you know, a significant part also relies on your mental state. I made the mistake of stressing plenty and often. This lead to many a sleepless nights and strained relationships all throughout my P4 year, and the months thereafter as I more fully committed to my preparation. Study, eat, sleep, socialize and work out. Don’t neglect one by prioritizing the others more. Life is a balancing act. Lastly, I don’t know of anyone who felt great after taking it. As for me, I was planning how I needed to rearrange the subsequent 45 days after results posted…moments after walking out of that testing center (praise the Lord that was not the case). Relieve yourself of the mental toil and take the week off after and occupy your mind with things that relax you. Trust what you know, trust the process and trust your God. (Last edit: all of it is well and good, but it definitely helps to actually listen to friends and loved ones when they tell you to relax!)

Diabetes care and education specialists change lives. What sets us apart? Passion. For the people we serve and the services we provide. Read how becoming a DCES changed the course of Pharmacist Jerry Meece’s career and gave him professional fulfillment that has lasted for decades. Read the article at https://bit.ly/49bFyU4 Looking for a specialty that can add new meaning to your life? Learn more and considering joining us at https://bit.ly/3utkQQx. Source: ADCES in Practice, January 2024 issue

PHARMA-DRAMA Being a Pharmacist is a bittersweet experience. Sweet-when you see yourself advancing; your patients getting the relief they desire; your therapy plan working magic; your thoughtfulness and communication skills growing; the fulfilment in putting smiles on people's faces and dispensing hope; your network expanding and trust level increasing. Bitter- when you see therapy fail; you suspect something terrible but have to tell; have patients die due to fake medicines, an overdose or abuse. You can't help but cry in some cases-Not outside but within the confines of your personal space. Did I miss to mention the fear and anxiety part where you'd pray that nothing happens to your critically ill patient or when you give an overdose or didn't advise properly or dispensed an abortifacient without a legal document because one funny patient played a fast one on you. 😂 I think I skipped the stress part 🤔 when you meet patients who are adamant to obeying medical instructions or such that have some sort of belief/tradition that is parallel to medical practice. For these ones, you go explain taya 😂😂😂 In all, Pharmacists are wonderful people who try their best. My bad I skipped the drama/stress associated with the training especially Pharmacy school. I'd furnish you with that story very soon 😉 but not today. Today is World Pharmacist Day, 25/09. Do well to appreciate and celebrate a Pharmacist today. You can start with me 😍. For Cash gifts, send it here 0254733869 GTB Grace Osigbo. I will say a prayer for you and give you free consultation. #WorldPharmacistsDay #WPD2023 #EnlightenMe

Apprehensive about readiness for pharmacy first but fingers crossed with a great team and store manager behind me (and in front) that we should be good to go and hoping for a ‘gradual’ increase in footfall to get to grips with it. My only bug bear with all such services is the requirement to offer for the full duration of core and supplemental hours and the hoops to be jumped through should you be in a position to not offer the service at any given time. The cause for inability to offer could be anything from the regular pharmacist having a day off or annual leave and the relief or locum not being trained or prepared, to the normal staffing levels being lower than expected due to sickness or vacancies, or even just a surge in patient demand for prescriptions. What do you prioritise? With the option of either signposting to another local pharmacy the same day that on any given day could be in a slightly better (or worse) position regarding work load compared to a 3 week wait for a GP appointment I think that if we at least complete the majority of referrals as originally intended then we shouldn’t have a case to answer. But that would be too much common sense in our world 🤷🏻♂️