Communication and compassion in pharmacy practice

¶ … interpersonal and communication skills are two of the essential characteristics of any compassionate pharmacist. A pharmacist is not a mere dispense of medication. He or she is a scientist by training, but part of his or her job is to enable the layperson to understand how to administer medication correctly, with the correct dosage, at the correct time. A vigilant pharmacist checks and double-checks the patient's prescribed list of drugs, for contraindications, reminds the patient which drugs are not to be taken with alcohol or before driving, and can calm down a worried mother or a confused elderly person, so the individual can listen clearly to advice.

I know the importance of communication all too well, because of my own past. I came to Iran after graduating as the valedictorian of my high school. However, because of the challenging courses in college I took my freshman year to prepare myself for my desired career in pharmacy, I struggled. I had yet to become fluent in English, much as I loved the subject matter. My grades initially suffered, but I persevered. As the eldest child in the family, I wished to show a shining example of success to my younger brothers and sisters.