Fourth year pharmacy student focuses on establishing a new clinical service model
“I am very honored to be the first Campbell student to participate in this special elective as it is the first time the NCAP Opioid Stewardship and Service Development elective has been offered.“
Name: Celena Parks
Program: PharmD/MSPH Dual Degree
Anticipated graduation: May 2024
Undergraduate: East Carolina University
Tell us a little about how amazing your current position is and what you do. How are you making a positive impact? I had a special elective in July: NCAP Opioid Stewardship and Service Development at Wilson Value Drug Store in Wilson, NC. The goal was to establish a new clinical service model centered around harm reduction strategies to address opioid and substance use disorders. The pharmacist, Dr. Ijeoma Uwakew, and I chose to focus on the elderly population and develop a sustainable Naloxone service model to improve the safety of patients on Opioids. To circumvent barriers associated with affordability, I was able to connect with the local health department, explain the pharmacy’s new service model, and establish a partnership with the health department where the pharmacy could obtain a supply of naloxone at no cost to Wilson Value Drug’s uninsured/underinsured patients.
Why did you choose CPHS, and what benefits do you believe you have gained from attending Campbell? Did you connect with the “Campbell family?” I chose CPHS because of its Christian principles. My experience at Campbell aligns with my mission to serve the underserved/uninsured community.
Please summarize your personal, business, and academic journey: I am a non-traditional dual degree PharmD/MSPH student. Before pharmacy school, I worked as a critical care nurse in intensive care units. I am an active member of NCODA (past president), KAPPA EPSILON (past service chair for two years), SNPhA (past Power to End Stroke and Pre-Pharmacy Chairs), and various other organizations. As president of NCODA, our organization won CPHS organization of the year this year. Throughout pharmacy school, I have served the rural community by working in free and mobile clinics.
At Campbell, we believe in purposeful lives and meaningful service. What legacy are you leaving/do you hope to leave? I am very honored to be the first Campbell student to participate in this special elective as it is the first time the NCAP Opioid Stewardship and Service Development elective has been offered. The elective allowed me to use my leadership skills and creativity to develop a service model unique to the rural pharmacy population. I was able to form a relationship between Wilson Value Drug and the Health Department that will be long-lasting. The collaboration will help combat the opioid epidemic.
Potential students should choose Campbell over other Graduate and Professional Schools: Campbell exemplifies the true meaning of support and watering personal growth. Since starting my degrees in MSPH and PharmD, I have witnessed the evolution in my personal growth that will help me advance the pharmacy practice once I begin practicing as a licensed pharmacist. Go Camels!!!!