Erin L. Albert, MBA, PharmD, JD, DASPL 💊

Start by understanding how the current industry "works." Who are the players, and how does the system currently operate? Where are the gaps? Where are the frustrations? Then and only then can you start to see the need for disruptions, and where. First seek to understand.

I personally don't use writing centers and tutors much. You have a writing voice, much like a speaking voice. If you have too many cooks in your writing kitchen, you may lose your writing voice. Your voice is valuable. Trust your gut and perhaps seek input from a peer or mentor who has actually published the type of writing you want to produce, not a mere critic who has not actually walked in your steps...

During my 10+ years in academia, the very best resource of all was just mere practice. Practice writing. Read books too, and journal articles. It really depends upon your particular discipline as to what writing style guides and books you utilize. For example, academic writing in a law review is different than writing for a medical or pharmacy journal.

From a pharmacy point of view, it's always really important to begin with the patients' medication lists--prescription and over-the-counter, and even illict drug use. And, when any patient begins chronic or long term therapy, educating on medications that can cause weight loss or weight gain. Some medications for chronic conditions can cause either weight loss or gain, so it is important to educate the patient on what medication(s) they might be on long term first.

Before you leave, and if your provider gives you a prescription - repeat it back to them - the name of the drug, the strength and how often you should be taking it, especially if they e-prescribe it to your pharmacy. When you pick up the prescription, make sure it matches what the provider told you at the visit.

Bring your drug list - the medications you take, the strength, the time of day you take them - both OTCs or over-the-counter meds as well as prescription drugs. If you take antihypertensives, bring in a list of your blood pressure readings from home for the previous weeks or month as well. I also would recommend any pharmacogenomic test results to be added to your chart. Pharmacogenomic labs can help determine in the future which drugs might be best for you based upon your genetic makeup.