Pharmacists serve displaced Ukrainians on medical mission to Poland

Pharmacists and Touro College of Pharmacy faculty members Anastasiya Shor, PharmD, Dipan Ray, PhD, RPh, recently completed a medical mission through International Medical Relief to Warsaw, Poland, where they spent week caring for displaced Ukrainians in 24-hour clinic at large shelter. We asked them tell us about it.Why did you decide do mission?Shor: As Ukrainian-American—I was born Ukraine my childhood there—I actively trying find ways help, whether fundraising or raising awareness.But, as pharmacist, one who speaks Russian Ukrainian, I felt there more could contribute that bring lot mission.I happy wanted join me because it would have been challenging by myself.Where were posted?Ray: At temporary shelter Warsaw built the Polish government house from 4,000 7,000 people time. There around 2,500 when we there.It's staying while await visas other countries. had makeshift team 35 including two pharmacists, me. physicians, nurses, dentist, mental health professional, specialties represented.What typical day like? What your responsibilities?Shor: We'd arrive 7:45 morning stand Ukrainian National Anthem. It very humbling see American volunteers, Canadian stop what doing come together this moment quiet.Because clinic, every came in, something changed since before. Either got new donations unmet need some coming with new, specific concern.Our chief functions organize medications class understand inventory. international medications, not all practitioners world familiar these medications.It may same drug class, but brand name different, dosing might different. know equivalents our countries order participate medication selection physicians.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)Because speak language, also counseled patients on their preventive measures, like importance frequent handwashing. When realized spoke relieved understood issue being addressed.Ray: 3:00 afternoon let happened day, challenges demand particular type medication.They work natural medicines there, which is an area expertise teach elective course this, so those.Also, often include expired medications. In both shifts, looked eliminated donations.We didn't be any pharmacists after left, created formulary system based types drugs asking physicians access those easily.What greatest challenge faced?Shor: never worked closely physicians. beginning, understanding needed defining role pharmacists.When weren't duty pharmacy, just take needed.I raise awareness am inventory specialist. clinical resource, available advise make recommendations. But end, positive feedback said pharmacists.Ray: innovative way delivered measuring devices, example, pediatric medication, quick decisions overcome situations.What say help Ukrainians?Shor: efforts are ongoing now than ever. encourage anyone interested get involved.Anyone can go should pursue local help. it. Why myself. Shor: awareness. But, mission. Where represented. Ray: there. It's physicians.Because easily. quiet. Because concern. Our addressed. medication. They those. Also, donations. situations. pharmacists. needed. involved. Anyone