Why I Became A Pharmacist

During my interpreting rounds in the ER, I ran into a gentleman who was suffering from excruciating pain due to a foot infection. He was a Vietnamese veteran I had helped interpret for him in the past. The patient soon found out he had methicillin-resistant Staphyloccus aureus (MRSA). I didn't know what the disease nor did I know anything about his treatment plan. However, I knew it sparked a strong interest in pharmacy because I was especially curious on how they would treat him and how he became that way.

I moved to U.S from Vietnam five years ago with limited English proficiency. I encountered both cultural and language difficulties in every aspect of my life. I focused overcoming these challenges by studying English and learning everything I could to help myself and my family navigate American society. After I graduated high school, I became a medical interpreter devoting my time to serving the Vietnamese community. I learned language barriers really challenge healthcare experiences and patient's overall health.

He did not understand American medical treatment and could not communicate with the doctors. He failed to notify his doctor during his military service, he was intensively treated with antibiotics to fight against different infections. Unfortunately, interpreter services were not offered at the pharmacy. He was not privileged to receive medication counseling from pharmacists. He was not taking his medications properly. His immune system was compromised with inadequate control of his blood sugars. Because of this his body was susceptible to MRSA. I felt horribly sorry for the gentleman, and I wished he had someone who could've helped him understand his disease and medications better. If I became a pharmacist, I could use both by drug knowledge and communication skills to improve the health of other patients like