Ramathibodi Hospital Day 2

(Chemotherapy Pharmacists)

Today we rounded up day two at Ramathibodi Hospital. Our first stop was in the chemotherapy unit, where we discussed chemotherapy regimens all morning with two of the clinical chemotherapy pharmacists at Ramathibodi Hospital. We were able to sit in on patient visits and observe what the pharmacists discussed with their patients about different regimens. Most of the visits conducted were to ensure the patient knew how to take their medications, to discuss if they were experiencing any side effects related to the medications and to just be an extra support for the patient. One of the chemotherapy pharmacists we talked to is actually the only pharmacist in Thailand to be licensed in both Thailand and the United States. She discussed some of the research she has done throughout her years as a pharmacist, one of them being ginger studied in patients undergoing chemotherapy regimens to help reduce nausea. The ginger capsule she created is currently in Phase III clinical trials and it is bringing so much attention to the U.S. that a drug company from the U.S. offered her a contract so they can reproduce the drug in the states. However, she declined because she wanted to stay true to her culture and use the drug to help the people of Thailand specifically affected by this. Another fun fact about herself is she found that banana extract helps with patients who experience a rash from their chemotherapy regimens. This research is also undergoing clinical trials currently and she even got the King of Thailand to fund her research!

In the afternoon we mostly spent our time visiting various pediatric units at Ramathibodi Hospital with many of the pediatric pharmacists. We were able to see a number of patient charts and review drug regimens pediatric patients were on for different disease states.

Pictured below are some pharmacy students on rotation at Ramathibodi Hospital. We had lunch with them this afternoon. They are on week 3 of their 6 week rotation at Ramthibodi Hospital. Very similar to us, each of their rotations last 6 weeks but they are required to complete 7 blocks with 1 block off instead of our traditional 6 blocks.