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Farmacia con Propósito / Pharmacy with a Purpose
an Independent Pharmacy APPE in Puerto Rico
Farmacia con Propósito / Pharmacy with a Purpose
an Independent Pharmacy APPE in Puerto Rico
Chayenne Salgado, Class of 2026, and the team at Farmacia Lisyai, an independent pharmacy in Gurabo, Puerto Rico
Chayenne Salgado, Clase del 2026
Farmacia Lisyai, Gurabo, Puerto Rico
Durante mi primera experiencia de práctica avanzada (APPE), tuve el privilegio de rotar en una farmacia de comunidad independiente, Farmacia Lisyai, ubicada en Gurabo, Puerto Rico. Esta experiencia no solo fue enriquecedora en términos académicos y profesionales, sino también personalmente significativa. Tuve la oportunidad de integrarme a una comunidad con una cultura y dinámica únicas, lo cual amplió mi perspectiva sobre el papel del farmacéutico en diferentes contextos.
Uno de los aspectos más impactantes de esta rotación fue poder comparar directamente la práctica en una farmacia de comunidad independiente con mi experiencia previa en farmacias de cadena. La diferencia entre ambos entornos es enorme. En la farmacia de comunidad, observé una atención mucho más personalizada, un enfoque centrado en el paciente y una conexión más estrecha con la comunidad. Los farmacéuticos y técnicos demuestran un genuino interés por el bienestar de sus pacientes y, en muchas ocasiones, van más allá de lo esperado para brindarles la mejor atención posible.
Aprendí a utilizar el sistema Rx30, observé de cerca cómo se gestionan los planes médicos locales y participé activamente en el proceso de dispensación, el manejo de inventario y la orientación a los pacientes. La colaboración con el equipo de trabajo fue excelente, ya que todos mostraron un compromiso genuino tanto con mi formación como estudiante como con la atención de cada persona que entraba a la farmacia.
Mi preceptor, el Lcdo. Jonathan De Jesús, fue un mentor ejemplar. Su dedicación al servicio y a la enseñanza fue evidente desde el primer día. Me dio la oportunidad de participar activamente, de hacer preguntas, y de aprender a través de la práctica diaria. Gracias a su orientación, desarrollé una comprensión más profunda del rol del farmacéutico de comunidad más allá del mostrador.
Al reflexionar sobre esta experiencia, puedo decir con certeza que ha sido una excelente introducción al mundo de las rotaciones clínicas. Me ayudó a confirmar mi interés en la farmacia de comunidad y a valorar aún más el impacto que puede tener un farmacéutico independiente en la salud de su comunidad.
Estoy muy agradecida con el equipo de Farmacia Lisyai y con el programa de educación experimental de WNE por brindarme esta oportunidad. Espero que futuras generaciones de estudiantes también puedan tener esta experiencia tan transformadora.
Chayenne Salgado, Class of 2026
Farmacia Lisyai, Gurabo, Puerto Rico
During my first advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE), I had the privilege of rotating at an independent community pharmacy, Farmacia Lisyai, located in Gurabo, Puerto Rico. This experience was not only enriching academically and professionally, but also personally meaningful. I had the opportunity to integrate myself in a community with a unique cultural dynamic, which expanded my perspective on the role of a pharmacist in different contexts.
One of the most impactful aspects of this rotation was directly comparing pharmacy practice in an independent community pharmacy with my previous experience in chain pharmacies. The difference between them is enormous. At Farmacia Lisyai, I observed much more personalized attention to patients, a focus centered on the patient and a closer connection with the community. The pharmacists and technicians showed a genuine interest in the wellbeing of their patients and, on many occasions, they went above and beyond expectations to give them the best care possible.
I learned to use the computer system Rx30, closely observed how local health plans are managed and actively participated in the dispensing process, inventory management, and patient counseling. Collaboration with the team was excellent, as everyone showed a genuine commitment to both my training as a student and the care of each person who entered the pharmacy.
My preceptor, Dr. Jonathan Jonathan De Jesús, PharmD, RPh, was an exemplary mentor. His dedication to service and teaching was evident from day one. He gave me the opportunity to actively participate, ask questions, and learn through daily practice. Thanks to his guidance, I developed a deeper understanding of the community pharmacist's role beyond the counter.
Reflecting on this experience, I can say with certainty that it was an excellent introduction to the world of clinical rotations. It helped me confirm my interest in community pharmacy and further appreciate the impact an independent pharmacist can have on the health of their community.
I am very grateful for the team at Farmacia Lisyai and with the experiential education program at WNE for giving me this opportunity. I hope that future generations of students can also have an experience as transformative as this.
Dr. Jonathan De Jesús, PharmD, preceptor at Farmacia Lisyai,
and Chayenne Salgado, WNE COPHS Class of 2026
Jonathan De Jesús, PharmD
Farmacia Lisyai, Gurabo, Puerto Rico
During the months of May and June, I had the pleasure of being the preceptor for my first APPE student. In these six weeks, my team and I worked alongside the student Chayenne Salgado, a pharmacist candidate for PharmD 2026. My experience as a preceptor was incredible; being present in the growth of a future pharmacist has always been one of my passions. The evolution that my student underwent was remarkable, by the end of the rotation, she mastered all areas of pharmacy.
From my own experience, I can testify how a good rotation can influence how that student views the profession. Knowing this, my team and I made it our goal to ensure that the student felt comfortable asking questions, working at different stations, conducting consultations alongside the pharmacist, and even practicing verification. Chayenne made our job much easier. She was on time, proactive, and very kind. She undoubtedly has great clinical knowledge, but for me as a preceptor, it was essential that her patient care was excellent from an empathetic point of view. The student exceeded all my expectations in this area; she has a gift with people, being kind yet firm in her decisions. Both are very important qualities for being a good pharmacist.
During this rotation, the student was able to be part of a real work environment, where schedule changes had to be made, sometimes working with little staff, working with difficult patients, and in all these situations the student surpassed my expectations. This gives me the certainty that the student loves the profession and that she will be a great pharmacist. As community pharmacists, we have a unique relationship with our patients. We can feel that human warmth by witnessing every stage, and we feel that we are part of their lives. Many times, this gives us a unique opportunity to be able to educate and guide that patient in their treatment.
Since I visited WNE with my wife, who is a graduate of Western New England University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, I knew it was special. I want to thank WNE for the tools they are providing to students in Puerto Rico. Especially the 'WNE experiential team' Melissa, Heather, Dom, and Chantel for guiding me through the process. Doing rotations on the island will be very beneficial for these students as they can learn about pharmacy systems, health plans, and workflow. These are tools they will be able to use as future pharmacists on the island. Here we will continue hand in hand helping to shape the new generation of pharmacists.
Jonathan De Jesús, PharmD
Farmacia Lisyai, Gurabo, Puerto Rico
Durante los meses de mayo y junio tuve el placer de ser preceptor de mi primera estudiante APPE.
En estas seis semanas mi equipo y yo estuvimos trabajando junto a la estudiante Chayenne Salgado candidata a PharmD 2026. Mi experiencia como preceptor fue una increíble, el estar presente en el crecimiento de un futuro farmacéutico siempre ha sido una de mis pasiones. La evolución que tuvo mi estudiante fue una increíble ya que al finalizar la rotación para estudiante dominaba todas las áreas de la farmacia.
Por experiencia propia, puedo testificar como una buena rotación puede influenciar como esa estudiante vera la profesión.
Sabiendo esto, junto a mi equipo de trabajos, nos damos a la tarea de que el estudiante se sienta en confianza de hacer preguntas, trabajar en diferentes estaciones, realizar consultas junto al farmacéutico y hasta practicar la verificación. La estudiante Chayenne hizo nuestro trabajo fácil era puntual, proactiva y muy amable. Sin duda tiene gran conocimiento clínico, pero para mí como preceptor era esencial que el cuidado al paciente fuera excelente desde un punto de vista empático. La estudiante supero todas mis expectativas en esta área, ella tiene un don con las personas siendo amable pero firme con sus decisiones. Ambas son cualidades muy importantes para ser un buen farmacéutico.
Durante esta rotación, la estudiante pudo ser parte un ambiente de trabajo real, donde se tuvieron que realizar cambios de horario, a veces trabajar con poco personal, trabajar con pacientes difíciles y en todas estas situaciones la estudiante sobrepaso mis expectativas. Esto me da la certeza de que la estudiante ama la profesión y de que será una gran farmacéutica.
Siendo farmacéutico de comunidad tenemos una relación única con nuestros pacientes. Podemos sentir ese calor humano viendo cada etapa y sentimos que somos parte de su vida. Muchas veces esto nos da una oportunidad única de poder educar y guiar ese paciente en su tratamiento.
Desde que visité WNE con mi esposa, quien es graduada de la Facultad de Farmacia de Western New England University, supe que era especial. Quiero darle las gracias a WNE por las herramientas que le están dando a los estudiantes en Puerto Rico. Especialmente el ‘‘WNE Experiential Team” Melissa, Heather, Dom y Chantel por guiarme en el proceso.
Realizar las rotaciones en la isla será de mucho beneficio para estos estudiantes ya que pueden aprender de los sistemas de farmacia, planes médicos, flujo de trabajo. Estas son herramientas que podrán utilizar como futuro farmacéutico en la isla.
Aquí seguiremos de la mano ayudando a formar la nueva generación de farmacéuticos.
Sunsets and Scripts:
APPE Life on Martha's Vineyard
Sunsets and Scripts:
APPE Life on Martha's Vineyard
Jordan Baker and Devin Dinh, Class of 2026
Stop & Shop Pharmacy, Edgartown, Massachusetts
In May 2025, we had the opportunity to kick off our advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) at Stop & Shop Pharmacy in Martha’s Vineyard. Both having prior community pharmacy experience, we anticipated a somewhat familiar environment, but what we encountered was a truly unique rotation that provided exposure to a diverse patient population and challenged us to sharpen our clinical skills in a fast-paced environment. Located in Edgartown, MA, Stop & Shop is one of only three pharmacies on the entire island, and the only chain pharmacy available. During the summer months, the population rises from roughly 20,000 to a staggering 100,000 people. As you can imagine, this greatly increases the number of patients that Stop & Shop provides care for.
One of the most eye-opening aspects of this rotation was adapting to a broad spectrum of patient needs. On any given day, we worked with year-round islanders managing chronic conditions, vacationers seeking OTC recommendations, individuals needing emergency refills or prescription transfers, or Brazilian immigrants with limited English proficiency. Each patient interaction strengthened our clinical communication skills and cultural competence, even with a language barrier or difference in cultural background. For example, there were several instances in which a non-English speaking patient came into the pharmacy directly from the hospital with discharge papers, looking to pick up medications. We had to utilize tools such as Google translate to ensure we had the right patient, correct insurance information, and provided proper patient counseling. Other situations that encouraged us to think critically were patients seeking OTC recommendations for various conditions like sunburn, seasonal allergies, allergic reactions, cough/cold, injuries, or heartburn.
One particularly enjoyable part of this experience was administering vaccinations. We were given the opportunity to deliver routine immunizations and educate patients on the importance of staying up to date. Another unique aspect was the prevalence of tick bites and learning more about the treatment and management of tick-borne conditions like Lyme disease and alpha-gal syndrome, especially since we were there during the first half of the summer. We became very accustomed to counseling patients on doxycycline, which is one of the most common medications dispensed at this pharmacy as it is the primary antibiotic used for post-exposure prophylaxis in patients with tick bites.
The pharmacy team at Stop & Shop was incredibly welcoming and supportive. From day one, we immediately meshed with the pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. They were always eager to answer questions, explain the workflow, or help adjudicate insurance issues. Beyond the pharmacy, one of the most memorable parts of this rotation was living only a mile from downtown Oak Bluffs. After the workday was finished, we would walk into town, explore the shops, try different food places, walk the boardwalk/beach, or watch the sunset. We also got the chance to watch a Martha’s Vineyard Sharks baseball game, which was super exciting. This relaxed rhythm of island life was definitely a refreshing contrast to the fast-paced energy of the pharmacy.
Ultimately, this rotation emphasized the importance of pharmacists in community health, especially in areas that are isolated. Patients relied on the Stop & Shop pharmacy team not only for medications, but also for quick clinical recommendations and advice. This was a super rewarding experience and for those looking for a unique rotation, we highly recommend this opportunity.
Jordan Baker (left) and Devin Dinh (right), Class of 2026, pose with a mystery celebrity patient during their APPE rotation on Martha's Vineyard.
Creating a Personalized Elective APPE
in Leadership and Informatics
Creating a Personalized Elective APPE
in Leadership and Informatics
Reilly Stewart, Class of 2026
Western New England University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Springfield, MA
When this advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) began, Dean Kimberly Pesaturo and I didn't fully know what to expect from the rotation. We began with some initial conversation about creating an elective APPE that focused on our combined interests of leadership and informatics and knew that we had many opportunities ahead to create a dynamic experience. Now, in the remaining days of these past six weeks, it is clear how much has been learned, created, and practiced. With the initial hopes of learning some leadership theories and maybe some background in informatics, I am proud to say that Dean Pesaturo and I have worked hard to grow far beyond those barriers; through learning from one another, creating open spaces for opportunities and exploration, and diligent efforts, we have managed to create and implement streamlined processes into Western New England University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (COPHS) workflows, learn and present on topics in pharmacogenomics and pharmacoinformatics, as well as gain practical exposure and experience in leadership possibilities and situations.
In the first week, I sat down in Dean Pesaturo's office and was excited to learn, but worried about whether what I had to offer in terms of a skill set was going to be worth integrating into the APPE Rotation. I had mentioned my interests in Excel, data analysis, and experience in programming, and from that I am so grateful for Dean Pesaturo as she set a rough baseline of what she hoped I could accomplish and left the progression of the APPE into my hands, where I was able to let her know what would and wouldn't be doable within an APPE. Against the backdrop of her current role in assessment and accreditation, I was able to reach further than I had imagined, without over-exhausting myself, giving me the liberty to learn about academic infrastructure, pharmacogenomics, application development and deployment, project integration, leadership theories and how they apply to me and those around me, and so much more.
Kim Pesaturo, PharmD and APPE student Reilly Stewart, Class of 2026
We started by having me create an Excel Visual Basics Application (VBA) program to streamline the process of calculating gap analyses on the COPHS’ annual Learner Satisfaction Survey. I learned not only how to process and analyze this data, but why it is so important for us to complete this data for the school and how it fits into the academic accreditation standards. This alone felt like a great improvement in the workflow, and soon my name spread through the office. I was able to then create another Excel VBA program to splice information and organize data according to the variables, ultimately producing a budget report pivot table at the click of a button.
From the VBA processes, Dean Pesaturo and I were curious of the possibilities in what we could continue to improve. Dean Pesaturo raised the point of our Qualtrics Surveys taking a long time to download one-by-one. This led me to peruse the Qualtrics websites and functionalities, to which I stumbled upon their Application Programmable Interface (API) access. We immediately jumped on this as I saw an opportunity to learn the utilization of APIs through Python Development. We headed to WNE’s Office of Information Technology to access and activate the API. I then used the API to develop an entire downloadable application to batch export selected surveys into a single Excel workbook, with fully functioning Graphical User Interface (GUI). I learned to make this user-friendly, capable of working around limitations, ensuring appropriate steps to maintain data security and confidentiality.
In the last week of this APPE block, we co-hosted and presented a pharmacogenomics continuing education event where I presented the 0.5-hour CE Pharmacogenomics Databases and Clinical Support: An Overview. The event was a great success in that it sparked engaging, open conversation, allowing me to integrate what I was learning about informatics and leadership into the clinical pharmacogenomics environment. I am also tying up the ends of projects, making quality improvement adjustments to cleanly present what I have created, and compiling these into a personal project of mine with case studies on what we have curated and what impact it can have on pharmacy, healthcare, and academia.
Ultimately, this experience was truly one-of-a-kind and one that has greatly influenced me. I encourage more of us to investigate opportunities where we can combine our own specialties, interests, and capabilities into our future APPEs; let preceptors and coworkers know what you can do or learn, as what you want to learn often guides how well you will learn and how much you will learn. Look for opportunities, you will find them, and they will reward you with experiences above and beyond. And once again, a massive thank you to Dean Pesaturo, as none of this would have been possible without her support.
SNPs and Scripts: A Dual-Degree Student's PGx Perspective
SNPs and Scripts: A Dual-Degree Student's PGx Perspective
Pictured from left to right: Dr. Christine Anderson, Dr. Shannon Kinney, Dr. Arin Whitman, and Alisha Ghoussein, Class of 2026, in the center. Dr. Kinney is the MS in PGx program coordinator and is a key faculty member across several courses, including the 6-week applied PGx lab experience.
Dr. Anderson and Dr. Whitman led the 6-week clinical pharmacogenomics experience, providing students with hands-on, real-world application of PGx principles.
Alisha Ghoussein, Class of 2026
Western New England University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Springfield, MA
At Western New England University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, I had the opportunity to enroll in a dual-degree program that allowed me to obtain both a Doctor of Pharmacy and a Master’s in Pharmacogenomics (PGx). I have recently completed the MS in PGx program over the summer and am expected to graduate with both degrees in May 2026.
During my second and third pharmacy professional years, I completed a variety of courses within the master’s program, including Data Analytics and Biostatistics, Advanced Genetics and Genomics, Intro to Gene and Genetic Counseling, Bioinformatics, and an Analytical Techniques Lab. I also had the opportunity to complete a 6-week applied pharmacogenomics experience, where I performed PCR testing on my DNA as well as others to detect a specific gene variant, providing me with hands-on lab experience. I really enjoyed this course because it provided me with an opportunity I wouldn’t typically experience in the pharmacy curriculum. I have also recently completed a 6-week clinical pharmacogenomics course where I was able to apply everything I had learned throughout this program to a real-world setting.
During the clinical experience, I had the opportunity to go to an oncology ambulatory care clinic and experience how genetics and pharmacogenomics are used in patients' daily care. Alongside my fellow classmates, we began creating a pharmacogenomics clinic at WNE, which is expected to open in the summer of 2026. During the rotation, we even created a PGx Podcast, called SNPs and Scripts, where we discuss anything and everything relevant to genetics and pharmacogenomics. Be on the lookout for the podcast to air on Spotify shortly! Finally, I was provided with the opportunity to present at a CE conference focused on pharmacogenomics. Topics varied from pediatrics, psychiatry, and oncology. My presentation was on the “Representation, Risk and the Reality of PGx in Oncology".
Overall, this dual degree program has provided students like me, the chance to expand on my PGx knowledge beyond what is taught in the pharmacy curriculum, and receive firsthand insight into how PGx can be used to personalize medication therapy and make treatment truly patient-centered. Pharmacogenomics is the future of precision medicine, and the WNEU Master’s in PGx program is equipping students with the tools to explore this new era of medicine.
Where are they now?
Where are they now?
At Western New England University's College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, we're committed to developing residency programs that truly prepare and inspire the next generation of advanced pharmacy practitioners. Our goal is to help our graduates grow into lifelong learners, dedicated leaders, and compassionate professionals who are ready to make a real difference. Hear from past residents of the Walgreens and Big Y programs and how their experience prepared them for after graduation!
Click here to view the full feature on WNE's Residency Website
Ten years worth of residents and preceptors at the WNE Residency 10 year celebration
Experiential Lunch & Learns
Experiential Lunch & Learns
The Western New England Office of Experiential Affairs is continuing our Lunch & Learn series.
These are 30-minute presentations, presented live via Zoom on the third Wednesday of the month
at 12:00 PM EST, and recorded for later access. If you would like to browse through our past Lunch & Learns, click here to view the playlist on YouTube.
Recent Lunch & Learns Include:
Updates to ACPE Guidelines <--- Please check this out!
It includes important changes to precepting set by the new 2025 ACPE guidelinesSupporting Access in Pharmacy Experiential Education:
Navigating Disability Accommodations
Our next Lunch & Learn will be on Wednesday, September 17th at 12:00 PM EST
We hope to see you there!
We have more Lunch & Learns to Come!
Join us at 12:00 PM EST for the following dates:
Wednesday, November 19th
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