Olivia Terrell- Completed a Summer Internship (5 points)

Over the summer, I interned at the College of Pharmacy at Harding University.  Here, I completed hands-on rotations in community, ambulatory, cardiac, critical care, and family medicine settings.  These rotations sharpened my clinical judgment and deepened my understanding of patient care while also challenging me to grow as a Black woman navigating spaces where representation is limited.  In the city of Searcy, Arkansas, Black people in healthcare roles weren’t something I often saw.   Being able to exist and contribute in those spaces assured me of the truly impactful role I play in healthcare and the significance of others seeing that representation. 

In addition to my clinical rotations, I conducted research applying the NABP Decision-Making Framework to the Dallas Rhipoplasty Case, proposing a “Star Step” model to assess potential knowledge-deficient individuals within pharmacists.  This was my first experience conducting and presenting research, which became an incredible opportunity to strengthen my public speaking skills as I presented my findings to licensed pharmacists across multiple practice areas. 

In addition to research, I had the opportunity to attend the Arkansas Board of Pharmacy meetings and the Arkansas Pharmacists Association Convention.  These experiences exposed me to the policy side of pharmacy and expanded my professional network.  Through seminars and case studies, I refined my critical thinking, professionalism, and patient communication skills, which will serve me well throughout my career.

Additionally, I successfully earned my pharmacy technician license in the state of Arkansas and completed American Heart Association training during this internship.

Overall, this opportunity marked significant steps in my growth and reminded me of how far I’ve come professionally and personally.

Olivia Terrell