Overweight people in pharmacy

Started by Vancodoser
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Vancodoser

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Hi everyone! Longtime viewer of threads/ first time poster

Before any of you write this off as potentially purposefully inciting hateful responses ( I believe the proper internet term is "trolling" [?] )
I just want to say this is a very serious topic and one that is of great concern to me and some of my future colleagues.

What is your opinion on pharmacists (or other HCP's) who are overweight? I find that many of the pharmacists I work with are overweight, nay, OBESE... and they happen to blame their health problem on working long hours and just not being motivated to exercise or eat right.

I find this disturbing for 2 reasons:
1) We as health care professionals OWE it to our patients to set an example. This comes across in our appearance, first and foremost. I mean, think about it, how much credibility are you going to have if you are counseling the Type II diabetic on their metformin use and potential lifestyle changes they must undergo if you yourself can barely stand on your own two feet for more than half a millisecond?

2) I am going to be a pharmacist in a couple months ( pending upon whether I pass boards,which seeing there is a 99% pass rate at our school, shouldn't be a problem). I am concerned that I am going to turn into a lardass myself. In addition, I know I will soon be promoted to pharmacy manager (it'll only be a matter of time 🙂 and I really feel like I will have to discriminate when I hire technicians. Will an overweight technician be as efficient as a lean one? Will I have to worry about productivity and output? Will my customers/patients be put off by my aesthetically UNpleasing technicians and co workers? Will I lose potential customers because of this?

Please respond to this right away. Please let me know I am not alone in my concern. Please tell me that those pharmacists only got that way because they're fat and lazy and normal people like myself won't let myself go like that.

Thanks in advance for your replies.
 
Vancodoser said:
Hi everyone! Longtime viewer of threads/ first time poster

Before any of you write this off as potentially purposefully inciting hateful responses ( I believe the proper internet term is "trolling" [?] )
I just want to say this is a very serious topic and one that is of great concern to me and some of my future colleagues.

What is your opinion on pharmacists (or other HCP's) who are overweight? I find that many of the pharmacists I work with are overweight, nay, OBESE... and they happen to blame their health problem on working long hours and just not being motivated to exercise or eat right.

I find this disturbing for 2 reasons:
1) We as health care professionals OWE it to our patients to set an example. This comes across in our appearance, first and foremost. I mean, think about it, how much credibility are you going to have if you are counseling the Type II diabetic on their metformin use and potential lifestyle changes they must undergo if you yourself can barely stand on your own two feet for more than half a millisecond?

2) I am going to be a pharmacist in a couple months ( pending upon whether I pass boards,which seeing there is a 99% pass rate at our school, shouldn't be a problem). I am concerned that I am going to turn into a lardass myself. In addition, I know I will soon be promoted to pharmacy manager (it'll only be a matter of time 🙂 and I really feel like I will have to discriminate when I hire technicians. Will an overweight technician be as efficient as a lean one? Will I have to worry about productivity and output? Will my customers/patients be put off by my aesthetically UNpleasing technicians and co workers? Will I lose potential customers because of this?

Please respond to this right away. Please let me know I am not alone in my concern. Please tell me that those pharmacists only got that way because they're fat and lazy and normal people like myself won't let myself go like that.

Thanks in advance for your replies.
Click to expand...


I feel the same way that you do. I gained a few pounds while doing my preqs b/c of long shrs studying and no working out. Now I should be starting Pharm school soon and have changed my diet and started to work out, this is just my opinion but like you said I feel that as healthcare provides we should try to set an example. I am even taking nutriention this semester so that I can learn better eating habits.
 
Vancodoser said:
Hi everyone! Longtime viewer of threads/ first time poster

Before any of you write this off as potentially purposefully inciting hateful responses ( I believe the proper internet term is "trolling" [?] )
I just want to say this is a very serious topic and one that is of great concern to me and some of my future colleagues.

What is your opinion on pharmacists (or other HCP's) who are overweight? I find that many of the pharmacists I work with are overweight, nay, OBESE... and they happen to blame their health problem on working long hours and just not being motivated to exercise or eat right.

I find this disturbing for 2 reasons:
1) We as health care professionals OWE it to our patients to set an example. This comes across in our appearance, first and foremost. I mean, think about it, how much credibility are you going to have if you are counseling the Type II diabetic on their metformin use and potential lifestyle changes they must undergo if you yourself can barely stand on your own two feet for more than half a millisecond?

2) I am going to be a pharmacist in a couple months ( pending upon whether I pass boards,which seeing there is a 99% pass rate at our school, shouldn't be a problem). I am concerned that I am going to turn into a lardass myself. In addition, I know I will soon be promoted to pharmacy manager (it'll only be a matter of time 🙂 and I really feel like I will have to discriminate when I hire technicians. Will an overweight technician be as efficient as a lean one? Will I have to worry about productivity and output? Will my customers/patients be put off by my aesthetically UNpleasing technicians and co workers? Will I lose potential customers because of this?

Please respond to this right away. Please let me know I am not alone in my concern. Please tell me that those pharmacists only got that way because they're fat and lazy and normal people like myself won't let myself go like that.

Thanks in advance for your replies.
Click to expand...

I am much more disgusted by anyone who smokes and tries to call themself a healthcare professional. People who are obese annoy me only when I notice that all they do is eat (and this is what I find, for crying out loud, I regularly go without a calorie for 10-12 hours, but some people I work amongst do not go 2 hours without grabbing at something)

One of the best technicians (maybe the best) I have ever worked with was very obese. Would prefer over anyone no matter the body type. Patients loved her, she was funny, and she kicked ass (I was an intern so basically I asked her approximately 50 questions a day for 13 weeks).
 
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Yes, it would be nice to set an example for our patients but you really dont know why that HCP is overweight/obese. You can't pass judgement until you know why. I myself gained a lot of weight and was severely overweight. I blame myself and some depression. Actually i was really depressed and finally one day i just got some help. I have dropped 60 lbs and am down to my normal weight. The worst thing you can do is pass judgement. Working 12 hour days 4 to 5 days a week didnt help. I cut my hours and live a healthier lifestyle. A more balanced lifestyle.
 
While I understand your point about setting examples, the bottom line is that we are pharmacists, not gymnasts. As long as a pharmacist is intelligent and has a good set of eyes, they can be any size and still be great at their job.

My favorite pharmacist back home is about 60 years old, he is every bit of 350 lbs. He also has all of the chronic conditions that go along with obesity (BP, DM, sleep apnea etc etc) When he counsels patients about these conditions, he is doing so from his own experience as well as his pharmaceutical knowledge. People really appreciate all of the practical insights he offers. There is something to be said for that.
 
I know so many med students who cannot take care of themselves. They're going to be excellent doctors one day - at least, to other people they will be.
 
I am guessing that your username is actually based on reality seeing as how you responded to my thread. I was looking for serious responses, especially seeing that obesity is such an epidemic in this country, especially where I am from ( Mississippi)
 
Also, I think it's funny how you think this Shawnrx is a "troll". I have been reading her posts and....
Personally, I think she's legit. We have tons of Pakistanis/Indians in our class, and sadly, they really do all have her views on how "life" should be. Plain and simple, they think they are better than Americans.
 
Vancodoser said:
Also, I think it's funny how you think this Shawnrx is a "troll". I have been reading her posts and....
Personally, I think she's legit. We have tons of Pakistanis/Indians in our class, and sadly, they really do all have her views on how "life" should be. Plain and simple, they think they are better than Americans.
Click to expand...

orly? i'm indian...i don't think i'm "better" than americans?
 
I don't think shawnrx is a troll...I know shawnrx is a troll... just like you..
 
Epic said:
gosh..how many different IDs can Shawnrx make??
Click to expand...
THats what I thought as soon as I saw the title. How many people like that come on within a a few days of each other. Same demanding way of tellling us how to respond, defending a troll, and all that stuff.

But seriously, it doesn't matter how someone looks as long as they are able to do the job.
 
OKgirl said:
THats what I thought as soon as I saw the title. How many people like that come on within a a few days of each other. Same demanding way of tellling us how to respond, defending a troll, and all that stuff.

But seriously, it doesn't matter how someone looks as long as they are able to do the job.
Click to expand...

agreed 100%
 
OKgirl said:
THats what I thought as soon as I saw the title. How many people like that come on within a a few days of each other. Same demanding way of tellling us how to respond, defending a troll, and all that stuff.

But seriously, it doesn't matter how someone looks as long as they are able to do the job.
Click to expand...

But I only hire good lookign female pharmacists and techs.. :meanie:
 
Yes, you do. And I doubt you would ever openly admit something like that on an open public forum like this. Please don't give off the impression that you are open-minded because deep down most Pakistanis/Ind do believe they are better. They are very exclusive people. Notice how they don't date anyone outside of their race? Heck, they hardly even HANG OUT platonically with anyone outside of their race. And if they do, it's because they don't have anyone else to hang out with in their class.
 
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Alright, I have to stop giving these idiots the benefit of the doubt
 
Vancodoser said:
Yes, you do. And I doubt you would ever openly admit something like that on an open public forum like this. Please don't give off the impression that you are open-minded because deep down most Pakistanis/Ind do believe they are better. They are very exclusive people. Notice how they don't date anyone outside of their race? Heck, they hardly even HANG OUT platonically with anyone outside of their race. And if they do, it's because they don't have anyone else to hang out with in their class.
Click to expand...

Stereotype much? That's an awfully ignorant thing to say.

Priapism321 said:
Alright, I have to stop giving these idiots the benefit of the doubt
Click to expand...

I agree.
 
we really should stop feeding the troll... but it's oh so fun..
 
As much as I dislike shawn rx and her elitist attitude, she does have a point. WHY is is that whenever someone presents a differing viewpoint or a criticism of someone else, all heck breaks loose... hmmm interesting
My concern is in my original post is actually legitimate and I don't think it is too much to ask to only seek appropriate answers. I work in Mississippi during the summer when I am on break from school. And it's funny, you would think people would be more health conscious since they wear revealing clothing in the summer. But instead, they wear bathing suits that pretty much enhance every roll on their gut instead of working to minimize it with crunches. I find it disgusting

Your criticism of me, however, I feel is quite unwarranted...
 
I do agree with you about your stance on HCP's who smoke.
And I know you are going to think I am crazy or trying to elicit a response, but I think it's better they smoke and keep the weight off rather than be a bunch of fat pigs in the pharmacy. My cousin recently quit smoking, and she recently put on a massive amount of weight. It is so sad. She actually got fired from her job in sales and her husband recently left her. If she continued to smoke, she would possibly still have that slim frame ( since we know nicotine is an appetite suppressant) and still have her cushy job and her hubby would still possibly be with her...
 
Vancodoser said:
Yes, you do. And I doubt you would ever openly admit something like that on an open public forum like this. Please don't give off the impression that you are open-minded because deep down most Pakistanis/Ind do believe they are better. They are very exclusive people. Notice how they don't date anyone outside of their race? Heck, they hardly even HANG OUT platonically with anyone outside of their race. And if they do, it's because they don't have anyone else to hang out with in their class.
Click to expand...

My best friend is Indian. I am see-through white. And all his other friends are white too.

Oh, and there ARE other Indians to hang around.
 
Epic said:
Do you look down upon me?
Click to expand...
I don't look down at any profession. I didn't mean if your job is a joke, I meant if calling each other a drug sales rep was a joke. I'm just confused about what your profession is. Are you a pharmacist or rep?
 
:laugh:

:corny: :corny: :corny:

OMG! Just call him Priapism, not prolonged erection. Get a grip! No one calls you Vancomycin dosing regimen adjuster...
 
Vancodoser said:
Hi everyone! Longtime viewer of threads/ first time poster

Before any of you write this off as potentially purposefully inciting hateful responses ( I believe the proper internet term is "trolling" [?] )
I just want to say this is a very serious topic and one that is of great concern to me and some of my future colleagues.

What is your opinion on pharmacists (or other HCP's) who are overweight? I find that many of the pharmacists I work with are overweight, nay, OBESE... and they happen to blame their health problem on working long hours and just not being motivated to exercise or eat right.

I find this disturbing for 2 reasons:
1) We as health care professionals OWE it to our patients to set an example. This comes across in our appearance, first and foremost. I mean, think about it, how much credibility are you going to have if you are counseling the Type II diabetic on their metformin use and potential lifestyle changes they must undergo if you yourself can barely stand on your own two feet for more than half a millisecond?

2) I am going to be a pharmacist in a couple months ( pending upon whether I pass boards,which seeing there is a 99% pass rate at our school, shouldn't be a problem). I am concerned that I am going to turn into a lardass myself. In addition, I know I will soon be promoted to pharmacy manager (it'll only be a matter of time 🙂 and I really feel like I will have to discriminate when I hire technicians. Will an overweight technician be as efficient as a lean one? Will I have to worry about productivity and output? Will my customers/patients be put off by my aesthetically UNpleasing technicians and co workers? Will I lose potential customers because of this?

Please respond to this right away. Please let me know I am not alone in my concern. Please tell me that those pharmacists only got that way because they're fat and lazy and normal people like myself won't let myself go like that.

Thanks in advance for your replies.
Click to expand...

Why do you care if someone is fat? That's their choice. Most pharmacists that I have ever worked with have been health freaks, actually. And about 25% of our class (including me) work out daily.

Oh, and before you go there, I am 5'5" and weigh 125.
 
OKgirl said:
I don't look down at any profession. I didn't mean if your job is a joke, I meant if calling each other a drug sales rep was a joke. I'm just confused about what your profession is. Are you a pharmacist or rep?
Click to expand...

He could be both, no? And where is Spiriva, who had the avatar first, that is what I would like to know....

Or, there is a chance you two are virtual sisters/twins?
 
Priapism321 said:
He could be both, no? And where is Spiriva, who had the avatar first, that is what I would like to know....

Or, there is a chance you two are virtual sisters/twins?
Click to expand...
She had one first, I just went to the same site as her. I have no clue who she is. I guess we just both have brown hair?
 
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Sorry everyone, but the obesity bothers me. Being overweight is one thing, but obese people harm themselves, and they drain the healthcare system.

I makes me sad when I have to ring up their family-sized bags of M&M's on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I wish I could get them to buy a single serving bag instead.
 
PharmDstudent said:
Sorry everyone, but the obesity bothers me. Being overweight is one thing, but obese people harm themselves, and they drain the healthcare system.

I makes me sad when I have to ring up their family-sized bags of M&M's on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I wish I could get them to buy a single serving bag instead.
Click to expand...

I just want you to know, as I sit in my living room in Broken Arrow next to fairway 15 with the flu, waiting for the 8 inches of snow that's coming, you made my day with that second paragraph.
 
PharmDstudent said:
:laugh:

:corny: :corny: :corny:

OMG! Just call him Priapism, not prolonged erection. Get a grip! No one calls you Vancomycin dosing regimen adjuster...
Click to expand...


Actually, they do call me that on my current rotation! On second thought, I should just go straight into clinical and skip this whole retail business. I could probably then let myself go in the clinical versus community setting. Then I wouldn't have to worry about hiring fat techs. And possibly getting sued b/c of employment discrimination (wondering if not hiring someone b/c they're overweight would qualify as a lawsuit???)
 
cycloketocaine said:
I just want you to know, as I sit in my living room in Broken Arrow next to fairway 15 with the flu, waiting for the 8 inches of snow that's coming, you made my day with that second paragraph.
Click to expand...

I've been to broken bow oklahoma
 
OKgirl said:
I don't look down at any profession. I didn't mean if your job is a joke, I meant if calling each other a drug sales rep was a joke. I'm just confused about what your profession is. Are you a pharmacist or rep?
Click to expand...

I'm not a rep. Reps fear me.
 
PharmDstudent said:
Sorry everyone, but the obesity bothers me. Being overweight is one thing, but obese people harm themselves, and they drain the healthcare system.

I makes me sad when I have to ring up their family-sized bags of M&M's on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I wish I could get them to buy a single serving bag instead.
Click to expand...


I am glad you see my point PharmDStudent. Students like us need to stick together during stressful times like these. I guess I can forgive you for your prior criticism of me telling me to get a grip. You've redeemed yourself. Although, I must say I disagree with you on turning a blind eye to the overweight problem. IMO overweight EQUALS obese
 
cycloketocaine said:
I just want you to know, as I sit in my living room in Broken Arrow next to fairway 15 with the flu, waiting for the 8 inches of snow that's coming, you made my day with that second paragraph.
Click to expand...
I hope you feel better soon!

Maybe you need a small bag of M&M's too. They really are yummy! Hopefully you like the peanut kind 😳. That's the only one I could "buy" on Google images.
images
 
PharmDstudent said:
Sorry everyone, but the obesity bothers me. Being overweight is one thing, but obese people harm themselves, and they drain the healthcare system.

I makes me sad when I have to ring up their family-sized bags of M&M's on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I wish I could get them to buy a single serving bag instead.
Click to expand...
I completely agree. However being overweight (not obese) shouldn't affect their ability to do their job and shouldn't be discriminated against. Some of the best/nicest people I know are a little overweight.
 
Vancodoser said:
I am glad you see my point PharmDStudent. Students like us need to stick together during stressful times like these. I guess I can forgive you for your prior criticism of me telling me to get a grip. You've redeemed yourself. Although, I must say I disagree with you on turning a blind eye to the overweight problem. IMO overweight EQUALS obese
Click to expand...
I'm on the cusp between "normal" and "overweight". When I gain five pounds, I'm "overweight".

I constantly struggle to stay "normal". The T&A make it worse!

Good Night everyone!
😴😴😴😴😴

Have fun with Vancodoser...
 
And some of us are just big boned and are technically overweight despite feeling otherwise in shape. I ride my bike to school (5 miles each way) whenever it isn't raining and go on 2-4 hour weekend rides when time permits, but my BMI has been over 25 for the last 10 yrs. 🙄
 
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