Life after taking the COVID’19 Vaccine shot; Interview with FIP YPG Chair2019 — Carolyn Dewart

Thanks, Carolyn for joining our interview. How would you describe your role as Consultive Pharmacist in an American Health Insurance? Which experiences led you to such a position?

Thank you for interviewing me; it is truly a pleasure to talk with you today. Working at a national mail-order pharmacy has provided me a unique opportunity to work with patients throughout the United States. As a Clinical Services Supervising Consultative Pharmacist, I lead a team of 24 pharmacists who are responsible for answering inbound telephone calls from our mail-order patients. We strive to provide personalized experiences and inspire health during all of our counseling interactions. We answer numerous clinical questions for our patients, such as indications, side effects, drug interactions, and lower-cost alternatives.

More than ever, patients are trusting mail-order pharmacies to dispense and deliver their medications during the pandemic. Last year alone we were privileged to fill over 44 million prescriptions nationwide, and I am proud to have impacted the health of so many patients in my role.

Considering the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination, which is your role? Do you see other roles that a pharmacist can have beyond yours?

I feel passionate that pharmacists should be at the center of the planning and administration of the COVID-19 vaccines. This is a monumental opportunity for our profession to influence public health. In my local community, healthcare professionals have been prioritized to receive the vaccination. I felt privileged to receive my first dose on January 3rd.

I believe my role is to instill confidence in the vaccine by leading by example and by counseling my patients to the best of my ability.

The opportunities are limitless for pharmacists in the upcoming months, including public health campaigns, vaccine administration events, and empowering our patients through counseling opportunities.

Seeing that you’ve got your shot of the vaccine, what would you like the FIP-YPG members to know and if possible debunk myths on the vaccine?

The pandemic has been a challenging time for all of us, and more than ever, our local communities are looking for leaders like us. I challenge all pharmacists and healthcare professionals to lead by example during this difficult time. Wear a mask. Socially distance. Review COVID-19 vaccination data. Counsel your patients to the best of your ability. Debunk the numerous myths that are out there. And most importantly, spread positivity throughout your community. Wave to neighbors. Write letters to friends and family. Drop off groceries to elderly neighbors. Your community is looking at you during this difficult time and will mirror your actions.

Can you share your passion and drive that geared you to go for the position of FIP-YPG Chair?

I fell in love with FIP during my first World Congress in 2015 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

As a young pharmacist, the World Congress seemed magical. There were endless opportunities for clinical learning, networking, mentorship, and quality friendships. I began attending the World Congress every year, and these experiences inspired me to apply for the 2018 YPG Subcommittee World Congress Liaison. This role allowed me to expand my knowledge of the FIP YPG structure, current initiatives, and short- and long-term goals. This along with the endless support of my fellow young pharmacists ultimately gave me the confidence to run for the 2019 FIP-YPG Chair.

What were your challenges during your tenure and how did you overcome them? What advice for you have for Young Pharmacists and recent Graduates.

During my tenure, there were many successes but there were also challenges. One challenge that comes to mind and must be managed by each steering committee is navigating time zones. How do you pick the perfect meeting time when attendees’ time zones differ by 18 hours? Each challenge I viewed as a learning opportunity and with time I learned how best to navigate these challenges.

My advice for young pharmacists and recent graduates is to say yes before you feel ready. There is no better time than now to raise your hand for new leadership opportunities in your local community, nationally, and internationally.

Through your tenure as the FIP-YPG Chair was there any new thing you learned and would want to share with FIP-YPG?

As young pharmacists, you are the future leaders of pharmacy. Your passion and expertise will mold the direction of FIP. You will influence our profession’s role in pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical sciences, and academia.

Together we can show our value and fight for an increased scope of practice. Every day I am inspired by your drive and willingness to inspire health in our local, national, and international communities.