I am a hospital pharmacist, and my specialty is oncology. I provide pharmacy services to patients within the pediatric oncology units of the hospital as a member of the patient care team that includes physicians, nurses, dietitians, social workers, and others.
A patient care team functions like a sports team—everyone has a unique job to do. But, instead of trying to win a game, our goal is to work together to win over the diseases and help patients recover.
My specific duties on the team include ensuring that the medications prescribed to patients are the correct ones and confirming that they’re being given in the correct doses at the proper times. When the patient care team is making care plans for patients, it’s also my responsibility to make medication recommendations.
In addition to reviewing medication charts and providing medication education, I also work with doctors and nurses to develop treatment plans for children with cancer. I provide input on the medications that should be used, the doses that should be given, and the side effects that should be monitored.
I love my job because I get to make a difference in the lives of children with cancer. I know that the work I do helps to improve their quality of life and gives them a better chance of survival.
I also provide medication education to patients and families. I teach them about the medications their child is taking, how to administer them, and what to watch for. I also answer any questions they have.
I have a lot of real-life stories to share based on my experience that can explain the need of hospital pharmacist in healthcare system in Pakistan.
On a regular day during my duty hours, I was reviewing a chemotherapy order for a young child who was being treated for Ewing’s sarcoma. I noticed that the Ifosfamide was mentioned before pre and post Mesna hydration, it was first day of Ifosfamide and both pre and post Mesna hydration was very crucial for the patient to protect him from hematuria (blood in urine) and kidney damage. I immediately contacted the doctor who had ordered the medication.
The doctor was surprised to hear from me, but he listened carefully to what I had to say. When I explained the problem, it occurred that it was a human error and being new oncology department, he didn’t know, and he agreed that it was a serious problem. He immediately changed the medication order and thanked me for saving a child.
I was relieved that I was able to catch this issue. It's a reminder that pediatric oncology pharmacists play a vital role in the care of our patients. We are the last line of defense before a medication is given to a child, and we have a responsibility to make sure that it is safe. I'm proud of the work that I do, and I'm glad that I was able to make a difference.
If you are also a pharmacist and making significant difference/impact in patient’s and other health care providers daily life, you can share your story with me @
We will share your story on our website highlighting your significant contributions in healthcare system in Pakistan.
Rukh
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