Doctor of Pharmacy Students Collaborate with Healthcare Professionals to Help Senior Citizens

More than 22 Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students collaborated with healthcare professionals at a Brown Bag Event on October 15, 2022, at Mt. San Antonio Gardens, a nursing and retirement home. View the photo album.

At the event, which was held for the first time since 2019, first-, second-, and third-year PharmD students interacted with residents who came for medication review and reconciliation. Students engaged in counseling and provided recommendations, ensuring that the residents understood their medications and how to take them appropriately.

Third-year PharmD students Kristian Marc Refuerzo, Rizza Anabelle De Luna, and Steven Doan were the main student facilitators of the event.

“Being able to collaborate with other professions and interact with residents was a very special and unique experience that we can all remember,” said Doan.

“It was meaningful and reminded me how important our profession is. This event wouldn’t have been possible without everyone’s support, and I’m grateful for that.”

Mt. San Antonio Gardens physician Dr. Craig Endo provided the most current medication profiles of each resident to the PharmD students. KGI faculty Dr. Daniel Kudo, Dr. Gail Orum, and Dr. Angela Davis served as pharmacist preceptors to help with the preparation and materials for the students to use. Finally, San Gabriel Valley Society of Health-System Pharmacists (SGVSHP) Dr. Grace Chen, Dr. Vanessa Tran, and Dr. Cynthia Fu were pharmacist preceptors overseeing the students.

“It was a very enlightening experience being able to listen to the residents of Mt. San Antonio Gardens and hear about their awe-inspiring personal stories,” said Refuerzo. “I felt a great sense of fulfillment after being able to provide them with medication counseling and recommendations towards treating their chronic conditions.”

While working with the residents, KGI students gathered information to update Endo on patient profiles. The SGVSHP preceptors helped and supported the students during their interactions with the residents—as needed—when some residents came in with complex scenarios (i.e., 10+ medications, dietary supplements, etc.).

Residents also went to physical therapy, where they could have their balance and stability in movement assessed. There were also two informative posters the residents could read in the meantime. Additionally, there was a table where residents could speak with a dietician for any questions about their diet and current conditions.

“I think it was extremely important that our students connected with the residents at Mt. San Antonio Gardens,” said De Luna. “You can tell that they enjoyed sharing their stories, and I loved that we were able to listen to their experiences while also providing student counseling. It was wonderful!”