Meet Sydney Fields ('23), from Jacksboro, Tennessee, who experienced a rotation in infectious disease at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center in Johnson City, Tennessee.
What does your day look like on rotation?
Each day begins with a thorough assessment of each patient on the ID service where we assess for optimization or de-escalation of antimicrobial therapy based on patient specific parameters. Once the pharmacy team has adequately assessed each patient, we collaborate with the infectious disease providers during patient care rounds where treatment plans and drug therapies are implemented. Throughout the day we continue to trend labs, follow cultures, work up new consults, and adjust accordingly in order to provide pharmacotherapy optimization while ensuring appropriate antimicrobial stewardship.
What is something unique about this rotation you might not experience elsewhere?
During this rotation I was able to shadow in the hospital's microbiology lab. Tasks
included culturing and identifying microorganisms using various techniques and specimens
followed by testing for antibiotic susceptibilities. This experience shed a unique
perspective in that I was able to better understand the intricate process regarding
microorganism identification required before pharmacotherapy recommendations can be
made.
What did you learn from this experience?
Throughout this rotation, I developed a diverse set of skills and gained invaluable
knowledge in a dynamic healthcare environment. By contributing to the management of
complex disease states, I had the privilege of improving patient outcomes. Working
alongside other healthcare professionals in an interprofessional team, I provided
comprehensive patient care. The honor of serving veterans, who have previously served
our country, made this experience particularly meaningful.
Why did you choose ETSU Pharmacy?
I decided to attend ETSU Gatton College of Pharmacy because of its strong focus on
community and the opportunity to serve a diverse patient population. Having grown
up in a rural area and worked in community pharmacy, I felt a strong connection to
the values of community and service emphasized at the college allowing me to make
a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and in the community as a whole.