When The Who released the song "My Generation" as a single on November 5, 1965, they were talkin' 'bout my generation as the British Mods of the 1960's. Today, we have so many different generations out there. Baby boomers are getting older and even Generation X has lost some of the headlines to Generation Y. Now, there is a growing new generation where more than 20 million people are caught in what is called the Sandwich Generation.More »

In Michigan, the Annual Convention and Exposition of the Michigan Pharmacists Association is this weekend. Sue and I will be attending the convention because both of us feel that we should support our state association. It is also a good opportunity to obtain some continuing education credits for current topics of interest. At the convention, they offer more than 60 continuing education programs, including pain and live continuing education credits that are now required in the State of Michigan. There are many networking opportunities, social events, and an annual banquet to celebrate Michigan's leaders in pharmacy. In addition, there is an exhibit hall that offers an excellent opportunity to meet with representatives from many pharmacy companies.More »

Pharmacy is a great profession. There are many different aspects that one may make as a career. In so many ways, it all depends upon what you put into it. If you give the effort, you can get a lot of satisfaction out of it. You get a chance to be on the front lines of patient care. If you make the effort and communicate with physicians and other health care professionals, you just might be rewarded with a higher level of career satisfaction. The networking and interaction with other pharmacists is a valuable aspect of your career. You must go out and seek opportunities. Although some may want to, you can't sit back and wait for others to bring it to you. It does not work that way. In addition, professionalism is important, but that is one area in which I have noticed a change.More »

Have you ever seen a movie where something that was said by one of the characters made you really think about their line in the movie? Often screenwriters can play a very influential role whereby the script can make actors and moviegoers think about certain aspects of life. At times, many great movie quotes become part of our society and culture. Screenwriters put those lines in a movie for a reason. It may turn out to be pure Hollywood, but it could also make for great dialogue.More »

Recently one Sunday morning, Sue, my fiancée, and I were at a local restaurant for breakfast. Both of us are pharmacists, and when we were enjoying the buffet, we noticed the hostess of the restaurant. She may have been well trained, but she was doing an excellent job of providing great service. Each time a group would approach the front door, the hostess would gather the correct number of menus and be ready and waiting at the entrance for the next guest. We also noticed that as soon as anyone got up and prepared to leave the restaurant, the hostess immediately went to the register to be ready in position to provide prompt service without any delay. It did not matter what task she was working on because the hostess would always keep an eye on her station and make sure excellent service was always provided.

The hostess was most likely a young college student, and when we went to the register, the hostess was once again in position to provide a positive impression. I complemented her on the high level of service she provided and I also sent in a positive comment on the corporate website of the restaurant.More »

On the calendar of National Health Observances, one of the more important events is fast approaching. Now is the time to look towards February, which every year is the observance of National Heart Month. This is the best time of the year to educate the public about heart health. It is a great opportunity to organize a successful health promotion and often it will bring about great appreciation from patients that visit your pharmacy.

Pharmacists today are an important provider of health information. It is a role that many don’t think about. In many respects, the public is so hungry for health information and often they will look to the one member of the health care team that is readily available. Pharmacists are an important provider of health information for patients in order to avoid many of the misconceptions that are out there that can influence public opinion.More »

The start of a new year. It is even the start of a new decade. For some, it can be a new beginning. Looking back, it is hard to believe that another year has gone by so fast. Many will remember all of the talk about Y2K, but now we are looking at 2K10. It is a new start for many and a time for New Year’s resolutions. This is a time to pause and reflect on the changes that we want to make and resolve to follow through on a new beginning.More »

A lot has been said of recent note in regards to pharmacy errors. Some of these have been tragic and it always makes you think when you may hear of the news of a mistake that took place at a pharmacy. It could be at a hospital. It could be within a community pharmacy. It happens. Errors of misfeasance whereby an act was performed improperly. Something went wrong in the dispensing process. What we try to accomplish is to have systems in place to possibly prevent certain situations.More »

It is the holiday season. Times are busy. It always seems like there is too much to do this time of the year, but don't forget, there are some patients that need your help.

The Medicare Part D enrollment and re-enrollment period has started once again. This is the time of year when many seniors need to check their prescription drug benefit. They need your help. It can be very confusing for a senior to examine the available plans, but it is not that difficult to provide some advice on how to make a better choice for an appropriate plan.

Some seniors may not know who they can ask for help, or they just might be too uncomfortable in asking for your advice. It is easy to see some common mistakes in a plan selection and helping a senior avoid these can make a real difference.More »

Years fly. Moments last forever.

I recently read this ad line in a promotion for the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. After thinking about it, many times this is so true in our lives and professional careers. A chance encounter takes place, it may be for just a moment, but the thanks that you may receive from a patient seem to last forever. In my case, twenty-nine years have seemed to just fly by, but some moments have helped to make it worthwhile.More »