 Students practice in a similar setting found in retail pharmacies such as Walgreens. |
MEDIA CONTACT: Tory Olson, 515-271-1834, tory.olson@drake.edu
The transition from classroom to work force will be easier
for Drake University pharmacy graduates thanks to a number of up-to-date
resources in the Donald F. Davidson Pharmacy Practice Laboratory in Fitch Hall.
In 2007, Drake Trustee and College of Pharmacy and Health
Sciences alumnus Don Davidson made a $300,000 gift to renovate the lab that was
named in his honor in 1997.
The lab is newly equipped with state-of-the art laboratory
space and technology to ensure students are learning and working with resources
they will utilize in their future careers.
Students benefit from state-of-the-art technology and tools
The lab offers students
the opportunity to work with resources that are available in retail pharmacy
settings such as those at Walgreens, Dahl’s and Medicap, among others.
“This environment is the same as real-life pharmacies
— the same equipment, software and process — eliminating the worries about
technology and allowing the students to focus on patient care,” said Heidi
Price, instructor of pharmacy practice, who instructs students at all levels in
the lab.
A six-semester pharmacy skills and applications course
allows students in Drake’s Doctor of Pharmacy program to work in the lab
throughout the three-year program.
“Students who haven’t
even touched the lab or software before can learn to fill prescriptions in just
10 minutes,” Price added. “Each of the new tools will allow students
to focus more time on patient care.”
The lab also has four flat
screen TVs, computers with video recording and playback functions for
critiquing sessions, signature pads and vitals equipment for checking blood
pressure and temperature.
In addition to the gift from Don Davidson, Walgreens, Inc.
contributed to the space by providing support for the creation of an
over-the-counter pharmacy within the laboratory. The addition of
non-prescription medications will enable students to learn about drug
interactions and non-prescription drug counseling.
Contributions enhance students’ experience
Drake’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences secured
additional contributions to support equipping the lab with the latest
technology.
Parata Systems Inc. made an in-kind contribution toward
the purchase of a Parata Max automated dispensing unit. Currently one of only
three in Iowa, this unit will provide students the opportunity to work with
automated technology alongside traditional dispensing techniques, as they would
in many retail pharmacy environments.
The college also received an in-kind gift from PDX to
install pharmacy management software in the laboratory. This software, found in
many pharmacies, will allow students to learn about pharmacy workflow
management, check for drug interactions while filling prescriptions and file
practice insurance claims.
A celebration to honor generous donors
On Thursday, April 23, Drake will recognize Davidson and
other contributors that made the new laboratory space possible a special lab
dedication ceremony. The celebration will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the Davidson
Lab in room 102 of Fitch Hall, 2720 Forest Ave.
For more information on the event or gifts, contact Emily
Hamilton at emily.hamilton@drake.edu.
For more information on Don Davidson’s original gift to the
college, visit the Web site.