Realistically, should I give up?

[biogirl215]

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(I wasn't sure if this was more pharm or pre-pharm, so feel free to move it if needed, mods!)

A few months ago, I posted a thread about motor skills and the pharmd cirriculum. On the advice of the pharm school at my uni, I shadowed a variety of pharmacists, both at a general hospital IV center and at speciality clinics (optho, psych, and ortho). The pharmacists all said they did very little compounding, but the IV compounding looked like it could pose a problem for me. I loved the shadowing, and it really made me excited about going in the pharmacy. Over the summer, I talked to people at another pharm. school, and they seemed far less concerned about potential difficulties with compounding but did mention physical assessment classes as a possible issue.

Back at my uni, I took a skills "test" where I had the opportunity to see whether or not pharm. school would be physically possible for me within the realm of reasonable accomodations. I could do the blood pressure assessment with an electronic cuff and did fine mixing a basic lactose/water solution but really strugged at sterile IV compounding and especially topical cream making. After this assesment, I spoke to the pharm. school rep. and "proctor," and she said that it seemed unlikely that I could get through the compounding cirriculum and licensing practical exam with reasonable accomodations, and I don't think she was being unfair-- I think compounding may just be too physical/fine motor-y for me.

The thing is, I'm still loath to give up my dream of pham. school, but I also don't want to get into school only to fail ot, be unlicensable, or (God forbid) be a medical danger to someone.

Thanks for reading and any thoughts should be appreciated.

 

[KARM12]

(I wasn't sure if this was more pharm or pre-pharm, so feel free to move it if needed, mods!)

A few months ago, I posted a thread about motor skills and the pharmd cirriculum. On the advice of the pharm school at my uni, I shadowed a variety of pharmacists, both at a general hospital IV center and at speciality clinics (optho, psych, and ortho). The pharmacists all said they did very little compounding, but the IV compounding looked like it could pose a problem for me. I loved the shadowing, and it really made me excited about going in the pharmacy. Over the summer, I talked to people at another pharm. school, and they seemed far less concerned about potential difficulties with compounding but did mention physical assessment classes as a possible issue.

Back at my uni, I took a skills "test" where I had the opportunity to see whether or not pharm. school would be physically possible for me within the realm of reasonable accomodations. I could do the blood pressure assessment with an electronic cuff and did fine mixing a basic lactose/water solution but really strugged at sterile IV compounding and especially topical cream making. After this assesment, I spoke to the pharm. school rep. and "proctor," and she said that it seemed unlikely that I could get through the compounding cirriculum and licensing practical exam with reasonable accomodations, and I don't think she was being unfair-- I think compounding may just be too physical/fine motor-y for me.

The thing is, I'm still loath to give up my dream of pham. school, but I also don't want to get into school only to fail ot, be unlicensable, or (God forbid) be a medical danger to someone.

Thanks for reading and any thoughts should be appreciated.

Get a 2nd opinion at another school?

 

[PharmDstudent]

(I wasn't sure if this was more pharm or pre-pharm, so feel free to move it if needed, mods!)

A few months ago, I posted a thread about motor skills and the pharmd cirriculum. On the advice of the pharm school at my uni, I shadowed a variety of pharmacists, both at a general hospital IV center and at speciality clinics (optho, psych, and ortho). The pharmacists all said they did very little compounding, but the IV compounding looked like it could pose a problem for me. I loved the shadowing, and it really made me excited about going in the pharmacy. Over the summer, I talked to people at another pharm. school, and they seemed far less concerned about potential difficulties with compounding but did mention physical assessment classes as a possible issue.

Back at my uni, I took a skills "test" where I had the opportunity to see whether or not pharm. school would be physically possible for me within the realm of reasonable accomodations. I could do the blood pressure assessment with an electronic cuff and did fine mixing a basic lactose/water solution but really strugged at sterile IV compounding and especially topical cream making. After this assesment, I spoke to the pharm. school rep. and "proctor," and she said that it seemed unlikely that I could get through the compounding cirriculum and licensing practical exam with reasonable accomodations, and I don't think she was being unfair-- I think compounding may just be too physical/fine motor-y for me.

The thing is, I'm still loath to give up my dream of pham. school, but I also don't want to get into school only to fail ot, be unlicensable, or (God forbid) be a medical danger to someone.

Thanks for reading and any thoughts should be appreciated.

This is a cop out, but just say you're allergic to everything under the sun. They can't tell you to compound stuff that you're allergic to. It would be hazardous to your health.
Seriously though, I don't think you would have any problems in practice so long as you can answer three phone calls at the same time and type all the while 😀.

 

[biogirl215]

The funny thing is, it isn't practice that worries me as I know there are many pharmacists and pharmacy jobs that involve little if any compounding. I'm just worried about curriculum/licensure, i.e., the stuff I'll have to learn how to do in order to get a job where I never use it.🙄

 

[sdn1977]

The funny thing is, it isn't practice that worries me as I know there are many pharmacists and pharmacy jobs that involve little if any compounding. I'm just worried about curriculum/licensure, i.e., the stuff I'll have to learn how to do in order to get a job where I never use it.🙄

I'd do what another poster recommended - get another opinion.

In CA, there is no compounding required for licensure, altho there still is in other states.

The issue is going to be getting thru the classes which will require some fine motor skills. However, none of these classes is any more difficult than a university undergrad lab class, for fine motor skill requirements.

I'd advise looking into schools outside your state, but all the schools around you. Many private schools decide to be just as diverse as they want, but public schools are all about diversity right now. Look at yourself just adding to the mix.🙂

What have you got to lose? Yep - applying, traveling for interviews, all thats involved is $$$, time, energy & hope. But, years down the road, would you have traded that $2000, $3000 or whatever it might cost to have tried & seen if you could make it? If no.....then its not all that important right now & may not be a regret later. If yes.....then it is important & its one regret you'll know you'll never have.

Good luck & best wishes, no matter what path you choose to take!

 

[Mags]

Do you have a physical disability that will limit you? Or are you just a little shaky when you performed these skills?

All these things take practice, just like anything else. I was so nervous the first time I was scheduled to give flu shots. (my partner in the class was a bleeder and I felt so bad). But after about the first 10 people, it was flying after that.

To limit yourself now before you're even starting, for something that yes is a part of pharmacy, but definitely not all of it, would be slightly sad. Get a second opinion. For sure

 

[lotsazing]

Some private schools (usually accelerated programs) leave out labs altogether from their curriculum and you don't learn any compounding at all.

Don't give up on your dream because of one person's opinion!! Good luck. 😀

 

[biogirl215]

Some private schools (usually accelerated programs) leave out labs altogether from their curriculum and you don't learn any compounding at all.

Really? Which ones? I looked up the accelerated programs, and it looked like USN was the only one without labs. I might have missed something, though...

Do you have a physical disability that will limit you? Or are you just a little shaky when you performed these skills?

Physical disability. I have quadripalegic CP, affecting my balance (use a walker) and motor skills in my hands.

Good luck. 😀

Thanks!!🙂

 

[cycloketocaine]

Some private schools (usually accelerated programs) leave out labs altogether from their curriculum and you don't learn any compounding at all.

Don't give up on your dream because of one person's opinion!! Good luck. 😀

Ive never heard of this. At OU, we do SEVERAL compounding labs, including nuclear

 

[DrugDealer]

Ive never heard of this. At OU, we do SEVERAL compounding labs, including nuclear

Ooh, nuclear would be fun.

I attend a private, 3-year school (MCPHS-Worcester) and we have 2 lab classes where we compound--the full-fledged compounding lab, plus we make IVs in our Professional Pharmacy Practice (PPP) lab. I believe we are also required to make IVs during either our institutional or internal med rotation.

There are a lot of new schools popping up...maybe some of them don't have labs?

 

[lotsazing]

Yes, the one I was referring to is USN... I just assumed there are other schools out there that leave out compounding too...? Maybe not. But USN is definitely an option.. and they have 2 campuses! 🙂

 

[rxlynn]

Mercer has one lab where we do compounding. Unless we do something I've not heard about in the practice classes, I think that's it unless you had a rotation site in the 4th year that does it. On the other hand, state of Georgia does require a wet practical for licensure.

 

[Old Timer]

DO NOT give up on your dream. Birth is a beginning and Death is a destination. Life is a journey. This is the path you have chosen (Pharmacy). pursue with with all of your heart. There is a company called excelleRX and this would be an excellent choice for you.

As for getting through school, compounding would be a challenge but one I am sure you could surmount. There are many states where there is no compounding exam required for licensure.


Go for your dream..........

 

[Hels2007]

Actually, only a handful of states require practical compounding exam. You can always work where it is not required. Getting through school may be tough, but professors are generally accomodating (once you convince the admissions committee to accept you, pharmacy school has a lot of vested interest in you and will do just about anything to get you through). Do not be discouraged, one of my best friends has a mild form of cerebral palsy, and she was one of the smartest people in my class. She is now a pharmacist and has no problems whatsoever. 🙂

 

[alwaystired]

Some private schools (usually accelerated programs) leave out labs altogether from their curriculum and you don't learn any compounding at all.

Don't give up on your dream because of one person's opinion!! Good luck. 😀

no compounding at USN (unless they add it in the future, but none now)

 

[no-see-um]

Firstly, I want to thank you for the post and this really is something that I have some strong feelings about. It concerns me that you would even entertain the notion that you will not succeed with a motor problem. Do not give up on your dream to be a pharmacist. A motor problem that may complicate compounding practice is NOT enough to keep a bright student pharmacist from being a member of the pharmacy profession. I know of many pharmacists in many areas of the profession who are disabled and are at the top (literally the top) of the profession.

Every pharmacy school in the USA MUST have an office of disabilities and services that comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act. You used the term "reasonable accommodation", and you are right in asking for those. You must be given the chance to compete fairly. This is not just a rule, but a Civil Right, and don't allow professors who may be ignorant of these educational duties towards those with disabilities, to push you out of your profession.

Some important steps (and please forgive me if I am telling you what you may already know):

1) Contact the Student disability office advocate. And get information with regards to what you need to do to document your disability.

2) Provide that office with proper documentation of your disability. Get a letter from your physician specifically stating the reasonable accommodations that are needed for you to compete fairly. (ie: extra time when compounding such as double-time or time-and-a-half, extra practice, a setup where your materials are within reach, extra syringes, needles, swabs, etc.)

3) Present any letters from the office to your professor and discuss the matter. My guess is they will try VERY hard to help you succeed.

My opinion is that you should think about what exactly is hindering you from succeeding in IV compounding, and with your doctor (neurologist or even PCP, I would assume), discuss reasonable accommodations.

Speak to the disabilities director and get to know him or her well. This person will be your advocate.

LASTLY, AND THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT... DO NOT TAKE THAT "skills test" to heart. It was done WITHOUT reasonable accomodations made and they have no right to tell you that you 'would not succeed even with them'. Take that with a major grain of salt and go through the process necessary at your school to compete fairly. Do not listen to such demeaning 'advice' at this point from someone who may seem to be acting 'fairly', but actually knows nothing about such issues.

Now, a few questions for you: (and we could even talk on PM if you would like. I know a lot about this area)

Did they make only you, specifically and individually, take that 'skills' test? Or is that something everyone at your school does? How did that come about?

What year are you in with regards to your studies? Are you currently enrolled in a compounding course? Are you currently in pharmacy school or is this a pre-pharm question out of foresight concerning your motor impairment?

I'd have written you individually, but I think this is an important topic to address in the pharmacy forums since there may be folks who have very similar concerns. Remember that MOST of the 50 states in the Union do NOT require compounding practicals for licensing. If it not integral to the practice of pharmacy. There are many avenues of pharmacy do not necessitate that any compounding be done.

Thanks a lot for posting and I wish you the best. Please make sure you do what I just outlined and at least go in that direction to your disabilities office. I really hope that what I posted will be helpful for you, because it would pain me if you left pharmacy school because of this.

Goodluck.

(I wasn't sure if this was more pharm or pre-pharm, so feel free to move it if needed, mods!)

A few months ago, I posted a thread about motor skills and the pharmd cirriculum. On the advice of the pharm school at my uni, I shadowed a variety of pharmacists, both at a general hospital IV center and at speciality clinics (optho, psych, and ortho). The pharmacists all said they did very little compounding, but the IV compounding looked like it could pose a problem for me. I loved the shadowing, and it really made me excited about going in the pharmacy. Over the summer, I talked to people at another pharm. school, and they seemed far less concerned about potential difficulties with compounding but did mention physical assessment classes as a possible issue.

Back at my uni, I took a skills "test" where I had the opportunity to see whether or not pharm. school would be physically possible for me within the realm of reasonable accomodations. I could do the blood pressure assessment with an electronic cuff and did fine mixing a basic lactose/water solution but really strugged at sterile IV compounding and especially topical cream making. After this assesment, I spoke to the pharm. school rep. and "proctor," and she said that it seemed unlikely that I could get through the compounding cirriculum and licensing practical exam with reasonable accomodations, and I don't think she was being unfair-- I think compounding may just be too physical/fine motor-y for me.

The thing is, I'm still loath to give up my dream of pham. school, but I also don't want to get into school only to fail ot, be unlicensable, or (God forbid) be a medical danger to someone.

Thanks for reading and any thoughts should be appreciated.

 

[biogirl215]

I've decided to consult with a lawyer in regards to the extent of "reasonable accommodations" both in school and in practice (Looking through pharmacy job postings, many seem to require a lot of heavy lifting, bending, carrying, and so on) and then consult with a doctor, etc., on what accommodations I might need, if necessary.

Thanks for all your advice and encouragement!

 

[pharmtard]

As far as compounding required for licensure and most job tasks I believe it is the ability to do the calculations and knowledge of formulas and and pharmacology type stuff that you'll generally be tested on.
I would recommend you didn't specialize in compounding, however, after gaining the knowledge from school I think there would be no problem in you supervising a technician who actually performs the compounding, which is often what happens anyway.

I'm pretty sure that your physical limitations will have very little effect on your ability to practice most areas of pharmacy. I don't think it would take very many accommodations for you to practice if you are an intelligent caring person with good communication skills (and it sounds as though you are).

Good luck! I think we all hope to see you in roll call soon.

 

[bananaface]

There is a paraplegic pharmacist practicing in the Seattle area that spoke to a class at UW about her experiences. pharmtard, do you remember what class that was in? Maybe we can scare up some contact info for the OP. I'm sure she'd be willing to share her experiences with the OP.