Student Pharmacists Diversity Council brings health care screenings to Midwest Buddhist Center
Submitted by SPDC
Last weekend, WSU's Student Pharmacists Diversity Council (SPDC) held a health fair at Warren's Midwest Buddhist Meditation Center. Hosted in partnership with APhA-ASP and the DWC, this free health care services event served the local Buddhist community.
"The mission of SPDC promotes the value of diversity in the health care field by promoting unity and creating a culturally inclusive environment among health care professionals and patients alike," said SPDC President Linh Pham. "Our organization served the temple community, which allowed our student pharmacists to interact with a different community outside of Wayne State. As the health fair's attendees were mostly of Thai culture, it was a great opportunity for our members to learn more about their culture while providing health care services. Through outreach events like these, SPDC works to create culturally competent providers and while addressing health disparities in various communities."
SPDC Director of Community Outreach Mirna Eshaya added, "Our student pharmacist volunteers provided patients with A1c testing and blood pressure monitoring. We also provided patients with flu shots, thanks to Warriors Pharmacy. SPDC plans to continue focusing on events like our health fair at the Midwest Buddhist Center. We want to engage different populations around Detroit and give our members more opportunities to give back to the community."
Aside from the services mentioned above, SPDC student pharmacists also counseled patients on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines and the importance of staying up to date on their immunizations.
"My experience at the Buddhist Temple was amazing. I loved being able to help the people at MBC and educate them on the Pfizer bivalent vaccine," said SPDC SPIN Co-Director Lorden Kassab. "It is important to go out into the community and offer these services because some patients don't have the means or benefits to receive them. Being part of SPDC and participating in our organization's initiatives is such a fulfilling experience."
SPDC seeks student pharmacist mentors for SPIN
The Student Pharmacists Inclusion Network (SPIN) is a student-run peer mentoring program designed to inspire Wayne State undergrads from diverse backgrounds to pursue PharmD degrees and serve their communities as health care professionals. Founded in 2018, SPIN is in its fifth year supporting the long-range goal of reducing health care disparities and is looking for 10 student pharmacists to apply for this year's program. Chosen applicants will be paired with WSU pre-pharmacy mentees and the SPIN program will run through April 2023. Start by completing the SPIN Mentor Application Form.
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The Doctor of Pharmacy program at Wayne State University is a four-year curriculum in the heart of Detroit. Approximately 100 students are enrolled in each year of the program. WSU Applebaum information meetings for prospective students take place at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. The application process for the Doctor of Pharmacy program begins each July.
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The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels - from undergraduates to veteran faculty members - translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.
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