Vinita Mehta

University of Illinois at Chicago

I never thought of pursuing my pharmacy career in a prison until I discovered the Public Health Service. My name is Vinita Mehta, and I was assigned at a low-security correctional facility located at Seagoville, TX right outside of Dallas. Before coming here I wasn't sure what to expect. After my arrival, I realized that some of the same activities that take place in any pharmacy are seen in prisons. We processed new prescriptions and refills which were then picked up by the patients. Of course, we didn't have to ask for an insurance card in a prison. The patients had the usual illnesses that you would see in the general population such as hypertension, diabetes, athlete's foot, and so forth. We also had some of the more rarer treatments such as hormone therapy for sex changes, which also can be seen elsewhere.

However, this COSTEP assignment provides experiences that are unique to the BOP. For example, the inmates on psychotropic and TB medications, insulin, and injections receive each of their doses at the pill line. This requires us to hand them the appropriate medications and confirm that they have taken them by looking in their open mouths. You definitely will not see that on the outside.

Some situations that are normally considered harmless are viewed as dangerous in a prison setting. This is due to the fact that we are dealing with convicts, many of whom have been arrested for drug use and trafficking. Precautions are taken with cortisporin otic suspension even though it is not a narcotic or psychotropic drug, but because it has a dropper which can be altered and used as a syringe.

Working as a pharmacy COSTEP in a prison was a great experience that I would recommend to anyone. This was an opportunity to observe an integrated health system and see its positive effects on therapy outcome. It was a place where I was able to improve my patient counseling skills. Most importantly, I learned so much more working here than I did in my classes.

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