September 2016 OPA Extern Profile: Katie Elsass

Katie Elsass

E-mail: k-elsass.1@onu.edu

Pharmacy School: Ohio Northern University

Undergraduate degree/institution: N/A, however I have two business minors: Business and Administration and Entrepreneurship

Rotation Month at OPA:  September 2016

How did you get interested in the profession of pharmacy?

I always knew that I wanted to be involved in a healthcare profession. I have always enjoyed helping others, but I knew that I wouldn’t be able to handle “blood and guts” that physicians and nurses often see on a daily basis. Growing up, I had a great independent pharmacy in my hometown, and my family always went there. The pharmacist was always caring and I could tell that my mother trusted her. This interaction with independent pharmacy as well as my desire to enter into the healthcare field, truly inspired me to become a pharmacist.

Why did you choose OPA as a rotation site?

I chose OPA as a rotation site because I have been active in the Business Plan Competition, Legislative Day and the OPA Annual Conference while in pharmacy school. At these events, I was able to see the positive impact that OPA has on pharmacy, and I wanted to be a part of that. I wanted to see the interworking of pharmacy from a legislative view point, and be able to drive change in the profession and for the health of patients for the better. I wanted to see what was on the fore-front of pharmacy practice in Ohio, because of the impact on my future career as a pharmacist. I believe that OPA is the glue that holds the profession together, and I have enjoyed my rotation here very much!

What was the most significant or surprising experience at OPA?

One of the best things about having a rotation at OPA is that each day is different. I like coming to work and not knowing what project I will be working on or what legislative hearing I will be attending for the day. It is difficult to pinpoint the most significant or surprising event that I have experienced this month, because I have been able to experience a lot of significant events that are unique to this rotation. However, if I had to narrow down the options, I think the most significant event at OPA for me was being able to write for the OPA journal that is published each month. I was able to create stories about what I thought was important. At first I was nervous about writing, but OPA provides positive, constructive feedback. I believe this was significant for me because I do enjoy writing and I was able to accomplish writing and becoming published this month! One of my favorite experience was getting to see Senate Bill 332 infant mortality bill that included pharmacists injecting contraception as well as testosterone, opiod antagonists, B12, and antipsychotics pass in the senate. I had never seen a pharmacy bill be passed up close and personal, so I really enjoyed that experience that the OPA rotation allowed me to gain!

What other pharmacy associations/organizations do you belong to?

Ohio Pharmacists Association (OPA)
National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA)
American Pharmacists Association – Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP)
Kappa Epsilon Professional Pharmacy Fraternity (KE)

Hobbies: Running, dancing, cooking for family and friends, trying to win tickets on the radio (no matter what the tickets are for), spending time with my friends and family