ENS Ritu Chandel

I spent June 2 - August 15, 2000 at FCI Butner, a medium-security, all-male institution outside of Durham, North Carolina. The institution serves approximately 1200 inmates, 200 of whom are mental health patients. The pharmacy also fills prescriptions for two prison camps within the state.

During my time at Butner, I met some wonderful people and was immersed in a variety of experiences, both on and off the job. At work, I took part in the daily pharmacy routines, namely prescription filling and dispensing medications at pill line. I helped out, weekly, with drug orders; and I learned about the policies and procedure followed by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP).

My summer project involved a drug-utilization evaluation of ciprofloxacin, lansoprazole, and simvastatin. It called for extensive research, and culminated in a presentation to the staff. Several times during the summer I also had exposure to a number of programs outside of the field of pharmacy. The institution has an excellent Drug Abuse Program and I was able to sit in on several of the offered classes. This allowed me to observe the inmates in an environment that was conducive to their personal growth. It was quite inspiring to see some of the men really trying to make a change, for the better, in their lives.

I also observed a Psychiatrist, joined a Forensics Team for its weekly meeting, sat in on several seminars, and enjoyed a luncheon hosted by the Commissioned Officers Association at a nearby restaurant. During an Arts & Crafts workshop, I joined a group of inmates working on such projects as belt-making, painting, and building.

The FCI is part of a complex (this includes a low-security prison, a prison camp, and a new medical center), so I was able to spend time at the other institutions, which allowed me to gain a broader perspective of the BOP.

Outside of the institution, I was fortunate enough to have a nice place to stay, and plenty to do with my free time. I often frequented the beautiful Duke University campus to get some exercise. I familiarized myself with the Research Triangle, and used my annual leave to make trips to Fort Bragg and the Outer Banks.

To list all of the places I went and things I did this summer would be a book in itself! There were so many things to take in and to learn, from the job, the staff, and the inmates. Life is what you make of it, and this job was no exception. Some advise for future interns: Ask lots of questions. Take advantage of every opportunity. Don't always wait for directions - forge ahead on your own. Start the job with an open mind and an eagerness to learn, and you will not come out disappointed. Actually, if you are like me, when your time with the BOP comes to an end, you will be sad to turn in your radio, belt, and keys, and walk out the doors for the last time.

I recommend a Public Health Service JRCOSTEP to any pharmacy student, regardless of whether or not he (or she) knows what he wants to do upon graduation. A BOP-JRCOSTEP position offers new experiences unattainable in any other area of pharmacy; it will only help you to become a better person and pharmacist. I chose to enter the BOP as a challenge to myself to try something new. I embarked on my own little adventure this summer, and through it, learned a little more about myself, others, and of a field which I will be proud to be a part of someday.

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to e-mail me at
chander@wilkes.edu.