Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy

Meet Hanna Sigmund

 

Hanna Sigmund Spotlight

Learn more about Hanna Sigmund ('23), from San Antonio, Texas, and her rotation at ETSU Charitable Clinic in Johnson City. 

What does your day look like on rotation?

Prior to the pharmacy opening, we go through holds and refill requests that came in overnight and do any prep work that we need to. Most of the day is spent filling and checking prescriptions and counseling patients. On occasion, we will walk over to the clinic side to talk to a provider. We do not deal with controlled substances or insurance, and we have to transfer any prescriptions we don't have the medicine for out to another pharmacy. A large percentage of the medications are free for patients and are ordered through Dispensary of Hope. Some medications are through 340B, a program that allows for some medications to be priced very cheaply for covered health centers, though only patients that see the providers at the clinic are eligible. The remaining medications are samples from Novolog or are ordered from Cardinal and have a cost for the patient. There have been a few meetings on implementing new policies for sound alike and look alike medications, dispensing samples, as well as an IOU system.

What is something unique about this rotation you might not experience elsewhere?

The charitable pharmacy operates a bit differently than a typical pharmacy in many aspects. They serve uninsured patients that make less than 200% of the federal poverty line. Many patients are homeless, come straight from Woodridge, are facing hard times, and would have to pay much more money for their prescriptions if not for the charitable pharmacy. The pharmacy is connected to the community health center, so we are able to work closely with providers and can walk over there any time with questions. We are able to request samples of some insulins and diabetic supplies due to this relationship as well. The clinic also has an interpreter on staff which is very helpful as a large number of patients who do not know English very well. Due to the nature of the patient population, sometimes patients cannot afford their medications. There is an IOU system in place to help these patients so that they don't have to go without their medications. Other patients also donate to the a fund to help those in need that cannot cover the cost of their medications. 

What did you learn from this experience?

I was able to learn about different resources to help those with financial burdens and difficult life situations. 

Why did you choose Gatton?

Everyone at Gatton seemed incredibly friendly and nice, and Johnson City is a beautiful town in a wonderful area. 

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