Libby Hearin

On May 12, I walked into the Federal Prison Camp at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and into the world of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP). This experience has satisfied my expectations of exploring various agencies within the PHS, roles of pharmacists and other health care providers, and aspects of the Federal prison system. From the beginning, the Seymour Johnson staff made it clear that I was invited to work in each area in health services and each compound department. Little did they know how often I would bug them with questions and "pop-in" visits.

I initially focused on the elements within health services by tagging along with the doctor, physician assistants, nurse, dental hygienist, and dentist. Anytime anything exciting happened, such as the removal of a sebaceous cyst or tooth extraction, I helped. Instead of simply spending a day or two with each practitioner, I continually interacted with the entire staff. The Health Services Administrator (HSA) also introduced me to the business and administrative aspects of the department. By understanding the other functions of health services, I walked into the pharmacy with a well-defined idea of the pharmacist's role.

Of course, I appropriately spent the majority of my time in the pharmacy, or should I say, with the pharmacist. My preceptor showed me other responsibilities pharmacists have, particularly in government settings. Our dispensing services consisted of providing two, day-time pill lines for about 450 inmates by filling medication orders. We counseled all in-coming inmates, as well as those inmates that requested our attention, on their conditions and medications. I found that patients tended to feel comfortable talking to pharmacists about their health in general and not simply their medications. In addition to these duties, we coordinated staff wellness activities, departmental quality assurance, and pharmacy therapeutics committee meetings. We made an impact on the health care services team in and outside of the pharmacy.

In addition to helping with health care needs, I experienced shake-downs, rounds with detail officers, inmate team meetings, and activities of every other department. Some educational field trips included tours of Federal Correctional Institution Butner, Butner-Low, and Cherokee Indian Reservation.

Overall, this summer provided a well-rounded introduction to the Public Health Service and the BOP. I know there is more to explore and there always will be, but I now have a better grasp on the realities of pharmaceutical opportunities. I also enjoyed learning from various professionals who helped me discover more about my likes and dislikes. I look forward to more challenges and adventures with the PHS.

Please e-mail questions and comments to potter@fred.net Last Updated: January 26, 1998.