Pharmacy Student Receives Praise from Patient and Preceptor

NSU Palm Beach pharmacy student Melissa Wagner.

NSU’s College of Pharmacy received a warm, heartfelt letter of praise from a patient treated by one of its pharmacy students at Cleveland Clinic Florida in Weston.  The letter highlighted NSU Palm Beach student Melissa Wagner (c/o 2014).  The patient stated that “Melissa was very informative and caring during her visits with me.”  Melissa remembers this patient quite well, and said that the patient was very happy to speak with a pharmacist so she could have a better understanding of the medications she was receiving in the hospital.

Melissa truly enjoyed her two rotation experiences at Cleveland Clinic during her P4 year. She had an anticoagulation rotation with Espinoza Friedman, Pharm.D., B.C.P.S., and a critical care rotation with Lori Milicevic, Pharm.D., B.C.N.S.P.  Melissa said that she was very lucky to have these rotations, and that she recommends this site to P3’s when they are asking for Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience suggestions.  She said being a “pharmacist extender” gives her the time to listen to patients and help them with their fears, questions and understanding of their medications.  Melissa said that the preceptors at Cleveland Clinic teach in a way that makes students feel comfortable to approach, educate and help patients.  She said that on her two rotations at Cleveland Clinic Florida, she had an opportunity to participate in grand rounds, lectures, and daily communications with her preceptors.  She feels that these rotations have helped enable her to go out and practice her skills and training after graduation.

“Melissa always had a caring demeanor and genuine concern for the patient’s well-being,” said Milicevic. “During critical care rounds she would always be cognizant of the patients’ feelings and emotions, as well as the medical and pharmaceutical care that was being provided to them. During her medication reconciliations and discharge counseling sessions, she always took the time to make sure the patients felt comfortable with all the medications they were receiving and provided additional drug information to them when she felt it was necessary. Being a preceptor for a student like Melissa Wagner validates the rewarding experiences that I have as a preceptor and my continued commitment to my future students.”

Melissa Wagner is ranked 13 in the College of Pharmacy Class of 2014 overall.  She is a member of Rho Chi and she is the top student in her class at the college’s Palm Beach Campus.  Melissa is one of those rare individuals that is a high academic achiever, but also very caring and helpful with her peers. She always has a smile and a positive attitude.  She also worked hard to tutor her peers as well as take advantage of opportunities that were offered to interact with patients whenever possible.  Her passion and professionalism have always shown through during her time at the College of Pharmacy.  Melissa is planning to work for CVS in Boynton Beach once she receives her license.  We will miss her very much at NSU’s College of Pharmacy when she graduates, but she will make us very proud representing our college, NSU, and the pharmacy profession.