As a clinical pharmacist, every day is centered around ensuring patients receive the best possible care through safe and effective medication management. Unlike traditional pharmacists, who may spend their day filling prescriptions, clinical pharmacists are deeply involved in patient care teams, working closely with doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to optimize treatment plans. Clinical Pharmacists spend more time meeting with patients and discussing their medication, building connections to better understand their patients and working very closely with Primary Care Providers. Each day is filled with opportunities to make a real difference in patients’ lives.
In this blog, we’ll take you through a typical day as a clinical pharmacist, offering a glimpse into the critical work behind the scenes in a clinic and pharmacy.
At GHC-SCW, Clinical Pharmacists and Retail Pharmacists rotate between roles. Retail Pharmacists are the people you’d typically see behind the pharmacy counter, filling prescriptions and having quick discussions with patients about their prescriptions. Clinical Pharmacists, on the other hand, meet directly with patients in a clinic setting.
Each day begins with a team huddle to discuss who is on staff that day, go through any changes, and ensure everyone is on the same page.
Then the day begins.
No day is the same for Clinical Pharmacists. Still, the work is consistently filled with responding to messages, reaching out to patients with new medications, scheduling appointments and meeting with patients face to face.
The heart of a clinical pharmacist’s role lies in these interactions—listening to patients and ensuring that the prescribed treatments are effective and safe. Appointments throughout the day consist of teaching patients how to use blood pressure monitors, Diabetes Focus Visits, appropriate monitoring and dosage of Lipids Statin medication and educating patients about their medications.
Diabetes Focus Visits
These two-hour appointments are for patients with type 2 diabetes. This is where the clinical pharmacist ensures they get the preventative care they need, including regular exams, making any necessary lifestyle changes, educating patients on injectable medications, and teaching them how to use their glucose monitors. These visits are crucial to these patients, and give them the one-on-one time they need to ask questions and get acquainted with their treatment plans.
GHC-SCW has been staffing Clinical pharmacists for 10 years and was the first healthcare organization in the area to move Pharmacists to a clinical setting. The benefits have been significant, improving patient care with more time to educate patients on health care treatments such as hypertension and diabetes management. Having in-clinic pharmacists has also freed up access to Primary Care Providers, giving them more time to see patients for other healthcare appointments.
GHC-SCW has one clinical pharmacist staffed at each clinic location, Monday – Friday, times varying at each clinic, with one Pharmacy tech working at each location.
Visit the Pharmacy page on our website for more information about our clinics, Pharmacists and to schedule an appointment.
Achieving your New Year’s resolutions can feel overwhelming, especially when the new year’s excitement starts to fade and the reality of change sets in. However, with a clear plan, realistic goals and a focus on building positive habits, you can set yourself up for success. Here are some tips to help you stay motivated and on track toward achieving your goals:
- Set Specific and Achievable Goals
Make sure your resolutions are clear and realistic. Instead of vague goals like “exercise more,” try something specific, such as “exercise 3 times a week for 30 minutes.” Laying out goals this way makes them easier to track and attain.
- Break Goals into Smaller Steps
Large goals can be daunting. Break them into smaller, actionable steps. For example, if your goal is to save money, start by setting a monthly savings target.
- Track Your Progress
Keep a journal or app to track your progress. Writing down your achievements helps keep you motivated and lets you see how far you’ve come.
- Take Your Time
Some goals are easier to achieve than others. Don’t get too hard on yourself if one of your goals takes all year to work towards. With work commitments and plans constantly changing and life being busy, you may need to space your goals out more and that’s okay!
The new year brings hope, renewal and a chance to start fresh. Resolutions are a great way to start something new and lay out goals and plans for your future. We hope these tips help you stay motivated and excited to achieve your goals throughout the new year.
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity describes the variety of ways in which human brains can function and process information. It includes neurological and developmental conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and more[1]. Neurodiversity promotes the idea that neurological differences should be recognized and respected as a natural form of human diversity.
Neurodivergent people often experience the world differently from neurotypical people. These differences include unique ways of thinking, learning and interacting with others. Neurodivergence can present challenges, bringing strengths and perspectives that can be incredibly valuable to society.
Celebrating Neurodiversity
The neurodiversity movement advocates for the accepting and including neurodivergent people in all areas of society. It challenges the idea that neurodivergent traits are negative or need to be cured or fixed. Instead, it emphasizes the value of diverse ways of thinking and the importance of creating environments that accommodate different needs. GHC-SCW’s beliefs and values [3] align easily with the neurodiversity movement. We believe that embracing and valuing our differences will make everyone stronger.
The Group Health Cooperative Autism Spectrum Program
The Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) offers a specialized Autism Spectrum Treatment Program to support Autistic children and their families. This program is for children aged 6 to 16 who need support in social interactions and emotional regulation. Further, this program continuously expands, so look for additional services soon.
Home-Based Program Overview
The Autism Spectrum Treatment Home-Based Program at GHC-SCW is built on evidence-based techniques and focuses on providing support to Autistic children. This approach ensures that children can learn and practice new skills in a familiar and supportive environment.
Key Features of the Program:
- Home-Based Treatment: Sessions are conducted in the child’s home, which helps create a comfortable and conducive learning environment.
- Weekly Appointments: The program includes appointments for several months, allowing for consistent support and progress tracking.
- Skill Development: Each session focuses on teaching children new strategies and providing opportunities for practice with the guidance of trained staff.
- Parental Involvement: Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in the program. They receive guidance on supporting their child’s development and are involved in coaching their children as they practice new strategies.
- Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach: The GHC-SCW Autism Spectrum Treatment Program embraces neurodiversity. Input from neurodivergent staff and community members helps ensure the program represents neurodivergent individuals. The program strives to support individuals through their challenges, make accommodations for their needs and build on their strengths.
PEERS® for Social Skills Group
GHC-SCW also offers the PEERS® for Social Skills Group, a 14-week in-person class designed for Autistic children and adolescents who are motivated to improve their social relationships. This program is held at the GHC-SCW Capitol Clinic and is led by trained PEERS® providers.
Program Highlights:
- Social Strategies: Children learn strategies for navigating social situations to assist them in creating positive friendships and addressing negative interpersonal dynamics.
- Group Activities: The program includes group socialization activities where children can practice their new skills in a supportive setting.
- Caregiver Participation: Parents/caregivers attend separate sessions at the same time to learn how to support their children’s efforts to expand their social networks.
Getting Started
To join the Autism Spectrum Treatment Program, families must meet certain requirements:
- The child must have a medical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- The child must be able to communicate in complete sentences (augmentative and alternative communication included).
- For in-home services, the family must reside in Dane County
- An active GHC-SCW HMO insurance plan is required.
Parents/caregivers interested in enrolling their child in the program should speak with their child’s primary care provider to get a referral and make sure they meet the requirements to participate.
[1]: Understood [2]: Group Health Cooperative Autism Program [3]: About Us – Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin
The holiday season is often called “the most wonderful time of the year,” but it can also be the most stressful for many. Between shopping for gifts, balancing a healthy diet, managing family dynamics and meeting work deadlines, the pressure to create the “perfect” holiday experience can quickly overwhelm us. Amid the celebrations, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most—finding joy and connection in the present moment.
In this blog, we’ll explore simple but effective strategies to help you find balance, manage your stress, and create a holiday season that feels both meaningful and manageable.
- Plan ahead
Ensure you give yourself enough time to finish your to-do lists and goals. Use a calendar to track all your celebrations and gatherings with friends and family. Go grocery shopping early to beat the rush, and make sure you have enough time to return if you forget any items. Planning can be a great way to reduce stress.
- Portion control and balancing your plate
It’s important to manage a healthy diet during the holidays while still enjoying all your favorite holiday treats. Start with a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables, and balance the rest of your plate with grains and proteins before adding your favorite treats. Be mindful of your portion sizes and drink plenty of water. Enjoy your treats in moderation, but know that it’s okay if you eat a few more than planned!
- Plan workouts and stay consistent.
Exercise is not only good for your body but great for your mental health. Take a break from holiday preparation to get in some movement. Find the best type of exercise for you, whether going on walks, doing online workout routines or visiting a gym. Staying active will help manage stress, help you sleep better and stay on track with your health goals during the holiday season.
- Create relaxing surroundings
Light some candles, play music and create a relaxing environment to help relieve some stress. Let some sunlight in and take some breaks outside when it’s not too cold to get some vitamin D. This will help boost your mood and increase your energy levels, making it easier to manage stress and stay balanced throughout the day.
- Make time for yourself.
Remember, taking a break and spending some time with yourself is okay! Read a book, nap, watch a movie or any other activity you enjoy. It’s also all right to say no if things are piling up and a break is needed. Prioritize yourself amidst all the celebrations and preparations.
- Be kind to yourself!
Remember, the holidays should be an exciting, enjoyable time! Balancing responsibilities and relaxation is essential during this season. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t accomplish everything or if you need to ask for help.
With a mindful approach, you can find that balance and make this a season of fulfillment rather than stress. Focus on what truly matters and enjoy this stress-free holiday season!
When it comes to your pelvic floor, not holding your breath is important! Many people develop a habit of holding their breath when lifting objects in day-to-day life and while working out. When you hold your breath, you increase your abdominal pressure putting more pressure on your bladder and your pelvic floor. This increase in pressure can lead to bladder incontinence for everyone and vaginal prolapse for those with a vagina.
Tips to help:
- Pursed lip exhale: Instead of holding your breath, do a pursed exhale during the movements. This can be when picking up an object off the floor or when lifting weights in the gym. Purse your lips like you have then around a small coffee straw and slowly blow out. You should feel your abdominal muscles turn on to help you lift.
- Count out loud: When working out count your reps out loud. If you are counting, you are breathing and not holding your breath.
- Breath normally: Do you hold your breath when you are stressed, plucking your eyebrows or watching a scary scene on TV? If you catch yourself holding your breath during the day, cue yourself to breath to put less pressure on your pelvic floor.
- Diaphragmatic breathing: Diaphragmatic breathing is using your diaphragm, the muscle that separates your lungs and heart above from the digestive system and other internal organs below. When the diaphragm contracts, it changes the volume of the chest cavity and helps bring air into your lower lungs. You will notice your lower rib cage expands forwards and out to the sides. A cue that can help is pull the air in deep and low. Here is a video that demos diaphragmatic breathing: Diaphragmatic Breathing | UCLA Integrative Digestive Health and Wellness Program
Diaphragmatic breathing can help with many things:
- Improve Digestion
- Decrease acid reflux
- Decrease constipation
- Muscle relaxation
- Decrease anxiety
- Improve sleep quality
Resource:
Natural breath control during lifting tasks: effect of load – PubMed (nih.gov)
Pelvic Organ Prolapse – PubMed (nih.gov)