Pharmacists Serving the Community
Partners in D draws on the unique skills and strengths of California student pharmacists, their pharmacy school faculties, and community pharmacists. Pharmacists have a unique vantage point on patient populations because they generally have more frequent and informal contact with those they serve. Because they are already integral members of their communities, pharmacists are able to readily see how patient needs are changing, and when patients need additional help.
It was through the real-world experiences of pharmacists that the Partners in D program was conceived and continues to grow. In late 2005, pharmacy school faculty members noticed that the seniors with whom they worked – particularly seniors from underserved communities – lacked access to the expert advice they needed to make informed decisions about the newly offered Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage program, commonly known as Medicare Part D. Student pharmacists, whose passion was public service, saw Medicare Part D as a unique and timely opportunity to advocate for patients. Thus, a group of student pharmacists and faculty members from the University of California, San Francisco, School of Pharmacy came together to help meet the Part D needs of underserved seniors in their community, and subsequently inspired the idea of Partners in D.
Partners in D leverages pharmacists’ deep knowledge of both drugs and drug plans. Distinct from other healthcare providers, pharmacists are qualified to perform a comprehensive and detailed assessment of a patient’s drug needs and match that with the most suitable Part D plan.
Through this program, pharmacists are able to expand the expertise they are already providing to communities throughout California. Partners in D prepares student pharmacists to serve seniors most in need and advocate for their health, even before students graduate from pharmacy school.
Nobody receives more training in the safe and effective use of medications than pharmacists. Whether you are taking one medication or a dozen, pharmacists can answer questions about potential drug interactions, appropriate dosage, and the safe use of individual medications.