Everyday Heroes: Pharmacists' Gifts to Patients

Holiday season is here, and many people are shopping in stores and online in search of the perfect gift, but the best gifts are the many day-to-day gifts we all take for granted. It is important to pause and take a little time to reflect on the blessings of life that often go unrecognized or underappreciated. Daily, pharmacists across the country provide quality health care to the patients they serve and often endure nonstop, long days that involve counseling patients, dispensing prescriptions, administering vaccinations, answering phones, and more. In conversations with many pharmacists this year, many have felt stressed and overworked; some have expressed fatigue or “burnout.” Pharmacists must know that they are appreciated and make a difference in the patients' lives.

This commentary highlights responses from patients about their appreciation for pharmacists.

Patient with diabetes stated, “I really appreciate the time that all of the pharmacists at my local grocery store pharmacy take to show me how to safely take my medications. One pharmacist took the time to teach me how to properly use my blood glucose machine and how to self-inject my medication. I live alone and that meant the world to me."

Patient recently diagnosed with hypertension stated, “I came in the pharmacy to ask the pharmacist about an OTC medication for continuing headaches and dizziness and the pharmacists asked me a few questions about my health and suggested that I use the blood pressure machine near the pharmacy. My pressure was really high, and the pharmacist suggested that I see my doctor. I had not seen the doctor in about 2 years and found out that I have hypertension. I am so thankful to the pharmacist for encouraging me to see my doctor. Now my blood pressure is under control and my headaches and dizziness are gone.

Patient with CVD, an autoimmune disease, and diabetes stated, “The pharmacy team where I get my medications filled are so friendly and always take great care of me. I used to forget to take one medication because I had to take it several times a day and the pharmacists called the doctor and told him about a once a day medication that was the same and now, I never forget a dose. When I get my prescriptions, I see how busy the pharmacy is and I appreciate that the team is still kind and caring even when I see how rude some customers can be.”

Mother with infant stated, “One time, I needed to get prescriptions filled for my daughter who had an ear infection and I got to the pharmacy just as the pharmacy was set to close. The pharmacist was kind enough to stay and fill the prescriptions for my sick baby. She said she was a mom too and would always want to treat others the way she would want someone to treat her loved ones. I appreciated her professionalism and kindness.” Post transplant patient stated, “Due to the transplant, I take several medications and the pharmacist always takes the time to answer my questions no matter how busy he is. He made suggestions about setting up refill reminders, automatic refills and using a daily pill container to help me remember and organize my medications better so I can remember to take them.”

Conclusion

The above statements are some examples of the positive impact that pharmacists have on patients every day, which is worth celebrating. The contributions of pharmacists across the country often go unrecognized and pharmacists across all spectrums of practice are treasures indeed. Pharmacists are "the gifts that keep on giving.” To my fellow pharmacists, you deserve a standing ovation. Always remember, you are appreciated.