Monique Eisa, Rx2017 - Sudbury
Navigating the region
I was able to explore a part of Ontario which I had never experienced before. I also had the opportunity to work with a very unique patient population in Northern Ontario. I encountered many patients who did not have a family doctor, particularly young adults and Indigenous patients.
I was able to find an apartment that was within walking distance of Health Sciences North. Public transit in the region was fairly reliable and I used the bus to commute to my final rotation at Costco Pharmacy.
Kaitlin, the Regional Clinical Coordinator (RCC), was extremely supportive and worked hard to ensure we experienced all that Sudbury had to offer. She organized a dinner at the beginning of our rotation to welcome us to the region. She also kept us in the loop regarding interprofessional activities, community service opportunities, and other activities that she felt may be of interest.
Practice site descriptions
I completed two rotations at Health Sciences North in the Intensive Care Unit and Inpatient Geriatrics, respectively. In the Intensive Care Unit, I developed care plans and provided regular follow-up for patients and actively contributed to bedside rounds. The Inpatient Geriatrics consult service provided a unique opportunity to work independently on a multidisciplinary team which included a geriatrician, clinical nurse specialist, physiotherapist, and occupational therapist. I worked with the team to identify opportunities for medication deprescribing in complex geriatric patients. I completed my final patient care rotation at Costco Pharmacy where I had lots of opportunities to counsel on prescriptions and provide expanded scope activities such as conducting MedsChecks and administering vaccines.
This experience was critical in preparing me for my hospital residency and ultimately provided me with the skills to care for complex patients in a multidisciplinary setting. Interacting with patients and other healthcare providers also helped prepare me for my PEBCs.
Advice
for
future
students
I was initially hesitant about being placed in Sudbury as I had never lived in Northern Ontario before. However, after completing my rotations, I truly feel that I had no reason to be worried. In fact, I cannot imagine completing my rotations anywhere else. I felt that my placements were well-rounded and extremely valuable to my professional development.
Patient care rotations are a great opportunity to put all that you have learned in school into practice! Don’t shy away from any opportunities. Even though you may be far from home, you always have your pharmacy family to support you.