Wow. My first co-op experience is almost half way done. It has been an amazing opportunity to work at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Working with great pharmacist's, great technicians, and my fellow classmates has been a great way to learn about hospital pharmacy. I have been working on Dana 1 specialty for about six weeks, and this week I have moved to the tenth floor. The flow at this clinic is much different, and there are more complex IV solutions to mix. In my first two days on my new floor I have already learned how to make two new solutions (to me) and have had the chance to mix a variety of different drugs I am not accustomed to. I have also had the opportunity to work with different pharmacists. The knowledge I have gained about cancer and the various therapies involved will prove very helpful when I am back in the classroom in the fall. The curriculum at NU for pharmacy is demanding, and makes you ready for any type of job you might encounter upon graduation. Leaving school with a PharmD degree, 12 months of work experience, and also 36 weeks of specific rotation experience will all make the transition to a full time job much easier.

Besides work, summer has been very relaxing. I have been able to enjoy the beach with friends, dining out in Boston, and also just taking it easy. Living in the city has its perks. I am a stones throw away from Fenway Park, the Museum of Fine Arts, and also the Prudential Center. I have also found myself running much more lately, and taking a jog around the Charles River at night is a beautiful sight to take in.

I have also noticed that freshmen orientation has begun. Seeing all the excited/nervous incoming students brings me back two years. I have come so far in just two years and could not be happier with my decision in choosing NU as my college. For now I am just enjoying my college experience in Boston, which has been unreal thus far.

Posted by Neil Labak at 7:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The last few weeks have been really busy. Work has been great and consumes most of my time during the week, and many various activities keep me busy on the weekends. This past weekend I attended the Brazil vs. Paraguay exhibition game at Gillette with a bunch of friends from high school. It was a great game and I had a blast hanging out with my friends. Recollecting on our college life brought back many memories from high school. I also went to Hampton Beach on Sunday with my friend.

Work has been a tremendous experience thus far. I cannot say enough good things about Dana Farber and all the great staff members. My preceptor is awesome and he is teaching me a lot. Learning about different drugs and the various regimes in real life situations is much more interactive than just reading about it in a book. Knowing about the basics of various drugs and then preparing them is a full circle way to learn about the drug. I am able to ask many questions and understand many different things about various drug therapies which has helped me understand the background behind the medications I am preparing.
Working during the summer months is a great break from classes and from studying while keeping your mind sharp. I am learning a lot while putting minimal effort into studying. The relaxation feels great and the extra time on the weekends is also very enjoyable. I like to go out into the city and enjoy various venues with my friends.

Today I had a very fun time at Revere Beach. It is a stop on the Blue line on the MBTA railway system. I went with some friends and had a great day in the sun. The subway system that runs in Boston is such a great and convenient way to travel around the city and experience everything that Boston has to offer. As for now, I am going to relax and enjoy this beautiful day.

Posted by Neil Labak at 12:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)