Rotation Spotlight: Riana Roberts ('23)
Meet Riana Roberts ('23) from Saint Louis, Missouri. She had a rotation experience
at Adams Pharmacy in Mountain City. Her preceptor was alumna Dr. Holly Adams ('21).
What did your day look like on rotation?
During my time at Adams Pharmacy, the first thing I would do is help the pharmacy
team fill prescriptions in the morning. During the afternoon, I was given the opportunity
to verify prescriptions along with my preceptor to gain more experience as a future
pharmacist. I learned so much from knowing how to handle drug utilization reviews
to understanding insurance claim issues. While at my rotation site, I would also call
patients and complete services for the Outcomes MTM platform. One of my favorite tasks
was to package medications for patients who were enrolled in their dispill program.
This allowed us to organize and sort a patient's prescriptions for them every month
which made it easier on the patient to remember to take their medications. I also
had a chance to speak with doctor's offices to assist in solving certain patient-related
issues. Lastly, my preceptor gave me numerous opportunities to practice pharmacy math
problems, refresh on Tennessee pharmacy law, and talk through topic discussions each
week.
What is something unique about this rotation?
I loved that this site allowed me to participate in their prescription delivery service
along with a pharmacy team member. This allowed patients to gain access to their medications
even if they had transportation barriers. As a student pharmacist, I was able to counsel
patients about their medications if they had any questions or concerns during these
home visits. Also, it allowed me to gain a better understanding about social determinants
of health and ways in which pharmacists/pharmacies can continue being innovative in
services that can further help patients gain access to healthcare.
I also loved was that my preceptor gave me the opportunity to present a community
outreach project about vaccinations to patients who have mental health issues or substance
abuse disorders. I enjoyed being able to educate the community on recommendations
about vaccine schedules and the importance of being vaccinated. This was such a rewarding
experience!
Why did you choose Gatton?
I chose Gatton because I wanted to be a part of a pharmacy program that would not
only challenge me, but also give me opportunities to grow as a healthcare professional
and serve the rural community. In addition, because Gatton is a smaller college, it
allows students like myself to feel "at home" which was very important to me since
I am an out-of-state student.