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Official Newsjournal of the Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists

Rosalind Franklin University College of Pharmacy
Thriving in the New Normal

College Connection

by Monica Salabun, P4 Rosalind Franklin University College of Pharmacy

After a school year full of unexpected adjustments, the students of Rosalind Franklin University (RFU) College of Pharmacy have made great strides to adapt to the new normal in which we are all now living. Though our time on campus did not come to a close as we would normally expect for an academic year, we were all very grateful for the hard work from our dedicated faculty to ensure our learning experiences remained the same. While time slowed down for a little bit, it quickly picked back up for the students completing their P3 year, who have now transitioned into P4 Advanced Practice Pharmacy Experiences (APPEs).

Clinical health system APPEs are a core component for students; one that most look forward to experiencing. Thankfully, with the help of temperature checks and symptom screenings every morning, select remote capabilities, as well as incredibly accommodating preceptors, our P4 students were able to continue with their inpatient rotations in Chicago area hospitals. Although accessibility to patients is variable depending on the given rotation, students are now taking the initiative to make the necessary changes and offering ideas to improve workflow to ensure the best care for patients during the pandemic. Today’s learning environment is one for the books, and students are excited to be back in full swing to continue on our path of becoming the best future clinical pharmacists we can be!

Students who are continuing on in their didactic studies have also had to make many adjustments in order to move forward and stay on track. Most students had to finish the academic year juggling assignments, exams, and a demanding work schedule amid the global pandemic. A P3 student and the incoming RFU ICHP Chapter President, Nadine Alwawi, found herself working harder than ever to successfully complete her final exams while taking on additional shifts as a Pharmacy Technician at Advocate Christ to aid the increased dispensing demand. She came across many changes in treatment regimens, one of which included the initiation of the medication remdesivir for the treatment of patients with COVID-19. Nadine’s experience and passion for health-systems pharmacy practice inspires current members and will definitely attract new members in the upcoming academic year. She is eager to get ICHP members at RFU involved in the organization.

None of us can know what to fully expect for the Fall Quarter and the upcoming academic year at this point in time. Regardless of the delivery platform, our entire chapter looks forward to hosting many university-wide activities to inform students about the developments and breakthroughs that have been made for the future of pharmacy during these uncertain times. We are also looking forward to having fun and innovative fundraisers to help support our initiatives. We can’t wait to see what is in store for the organization! ■