Fourth‑year pharmacy student and Portage, Pennsylvania, native Rihanna Benton went to Alaska expecting scenic views and a change of pace. What she didn’t expect was to discover a whole new understanding of what it means to be a pharmacist. During her month‑long ambulatory care rotation at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage, Benton learned lessons that will stay with her long after graduation. These lessons are shaping the kind of clinician, and Mountaineer, she hopes to become.
Why did you choose Alaska for your Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) rotation, and how did it differ from your previous rotations or internships in West Virginia?
I wanted to go to Alaska for an APPE rotation initially for the beauty of the state and the opportunity to travel and experience living in a new area. I was also excited to work with a different patient population.
It was very different from any other rotation I have been on. The population we served was primarily Alaska Natives, and they had different prevalent health concerns due to both the population and the environment. An example would be vitamin D supplementation; this was given much more frequently due to the lack of sunlight in the winter.
What was the most surprising or unique aspect of pharmacy practice in Alaska that you encountered?
The most unique part of the pharmacy practice was the difference in counseling. In every pharmacy, whether hospital discharge or outpatient, the patient would come in and take a number. They were then called to speak directly with a pharmacist where they went over the directions and side effects in a private room. This was done for every single medication.
Can you share a memorable patient interaction or clinical challenge that taught you something valuable during your rotation?
A very memorable interaction I had was when I got to visit the detox house they had on campus. This was a very unique place, and they had pharmacists as a part of their team. I got to see a patient intake, meet the pharmacist, and see what her role was there. It was insightful because it was a setting where pharmacists can help make interventions that I had never seen before.
How did working in a remote setting impact your approach to patient care and resource management?
This was a big barrier in Alaska. It was definitely something I had to keep reminding myself of because many of these patients travel to the medical center via plane. They then stay in patient housing provided by the health system, so they want to get as many appointments in as possible before they go back home. Some of the villages also don’t have an official doctor, just a village appointed person who takes care of health needs, so taking advantage of their time at ANMC is important.
What skills or knowledge do you feel you strengthened the most during this rotation, and how will they help you in your future career?
If another WVU pharmacy student were considering an APPE rotation in Alaska, what advice would you give them?
I would say definitely do it. Everyone is so welcoming, and it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Bring warm clothes, and ask your preceptors for recommendations. They know all the best spots!