The Charger Blog
As part of the University’s Bergami Summer Internship Program, I am completing an internship at Walgreens, where I am learning about cultural competency and communication.
August 18, 2023
I chose this internship because I was a regular employee at Walgreens, and I always wondered what skills working in the pharmacy would contribute to my future career. My health sciences classes have made me think about what medical professionals could do better by being more culturally competent, which can be achieved through communicating and interacting with patients from different backgrounds.
The town I live in is small, so a busy pharmacy has about six patients waiting in line. The neighborhood is quiet and friendly, and so is the atmosphere in Walgreens. This matches my personality greatly because I am a warm and inviting person. Many of the workers are also this way, so the culture in Walgreens is always upbeat.
Communication is very important at my internship site because without it many things can go wrong. I have noticed that the pharmacist has to verify many substances that are controlled and without effective communication, a patient can suffer the consequences of receiving the wrong medication. Good communication helps to build trust and establish rapport, improve patient education, and ensure medication safety.
By actively listening to patients' concerns and questions, pharmacists can develop a comprehensive understanding of their unique healthcare needs. Patient education is improved when workers effectively communicate information to patients, empowering them to make informed decisions.
A well-informed patient is better equipped to manage their health conditions and actively participate in shared decision-making with their healthcare team. The most effective tactic I’ve seen thus far is each team member communicating when they are unsure about a situation.
Effective communication plays a pivotal role in our lives, and it becomes more pronounced in the pharmacy setting. Pharmacists and other pharmacy professionals are responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of medications to patients. To achieve this, clear and concise communication between pharmacy staff, patients, and healthcare providers is crucial.
Health Communication and Cultural Competency in Healthcare are two classes that contributed to my growth as a future medical professional and at my internship in the pharmacy. These experiences have made working at Walgreens enjoyable.
Simoy Dinnall ’25 is a health sciences major at the University of New Haven who is completing an internship with Walgreens as part of the Bergami Summer Internship Fellowship program.
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