Make a Difference to Students

Precept a Patient-Care Project
By Tahnee Marginean, '10

Precept projects are wide-ranging, like the NFL Tackle Hypertension program at Seattle Seahawks games seen here.

Do you want to give back to the community? Have you ever thought about getting involved with the students at the School of Pharmacy?

The Unified Professional Pharmacy Organizations of Washington (UPPOW) needs local pharmacists to serve as preceptors for patient-care projects. UPPOW is the student organization at the University of Washington School of Pharmacy. Preceptors are needed for health fairs, immunization clinics, brown-bag events and medication-information sessions. A preceptor is required for each event that involves pharmacy practice.

Students consult with preceptors before giving advice to patients. As such, you would provide guidance for counseling and assessments. You would function in a similar capacity to the role you play when precepting students at your worksite. The time commitment is flexible and can be as little or as much as much as you want. Events are usually a few hours in the afternoon or on weekends.

By participating in these events, students can develop clinical skills, promote the profession and serve the communities they live in. As a preceptor, you can get to know the current students and help them grow professionally.

If you would be willing to be a preceptor at an event or would like more information, please contact me—Tahnee Marginean, 2008-2009 UPPOW president.

And to learn about one exciting project that preceptors have helped students with in recent years—the NFL’s Tackle Hypertension Project—read this University Week article.

Become a Mentor
By Luis Ramos, '10

Pharmacy students often seek guidance from professionals who share their passions in a specific area of practice. Having someone to talk to and learn from can better prepare them for the careers they’d like to pursue.

The UW chapter of Phi Lambda Sigma (aka the Pharmacy Leadership Society, or PLS), therefore, is creating a mentor program to match current students with practicing pharmacists.

Mentors participating in this program can offer tips and advice to Pharm.D. candidates as they transition into a wide range of practice areas. The students just might have a thing or two to teach their mentors, as well. The time commitment for this program is flexible.

To find out about this opportunity to help UW pharmacy students, please e-mail me—Luis Ramos—with the subject line “Mentor.” I will send you an assessment survey to help match you with the right mentee.

Get Heroic at This Year's Student Auction
By Tahnee Marginean, '10

At the 2008 Revenge of the Nerds-themed UPPOW auction, students—like Jake Purvis and Betty Chao—really took the theme to heart.

The Unified Professional Pharmacy Organizations of Washington (UPPOW) will be hosting its 12th annual auction on Friday, April 24, 2009, at 7 p.m. The auction will be held the South Campus Center at the University of Washington.

UPPOW is the student organization at the University of Washington School of Pharmacy. The umbrella organization includes membership in Washington State Pharmacy Association, American Pharmacists Association, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and National Community Pharmacists Association.

The evening consists of both a live and silent auction. Students, faculty and the local pharmacy community donate all items for the auction. Past items have included scenic airplane rides, cooking lessons, weekend trips and wine from local wineries.

All proceeds from the auction go to fund student travel to professional meetings. Participation at these meetings helps students grow professionally.

The auction is a popular event each year, and this year should be no exception. The event will be superhero-themed, with decorations and costumes. Come join students at this fun event and support student professional development at the School of Pharmacy.

If you are interested in attending or would like to make a donation, please contact Erin Cutter, or Ellen Smith.

Photos courtesy UW School of Pharmacy