Thirty-two students, most of whom are members of TCOP’s chapter of SNPhA (the Student National Pharmaceutical Association), performed free health screenings for approximately 120 community members, under the supervision of clinical faculty proctors Dr. Natalia Shinkazh and Dr. Catherine A. Millares-Sipin. The students administered blood pressure readings, BMI calculations, diabetic foot exams, smoking cessation counseling, Medication Therapy Management (MTM) services, and nutrition and lifestyle counseling.

"The ADA Diabetes EXPO was a great opportunity to practice various assessments on patients firsthand, which strengthened my techniques and instilled a greater sense of confidence in me,” said Katherine Joseph, P3. “I especially enjoyed performing BMI calculations and counseling patients on nutrition while listening to their unique stories.”

Rima Jani, SNPhA's Diabetes Initiative Chair, organized TCOP’s SNPhA's participation at the EXPO.  “It was eye-opening to see how many patients truly appreciated the services we were able to provide,” said Jani, adding that a handful of patients came with no idea that they were experiencing signs and symptoms of diabetes.  

“I was truly amazed by seeing the impact that pharmacists can have on a community,” she said. “Pharmacists play a crucial role on interdisciplinary healthcare teams, and I hope that we, in the medical profession, continue to expand the services we are able to provide to communities.”