Archive for February, 2014

Sports fan or not, the Winter Olympics are here! It seems only fitting that as the Olympics are about to start, we get into the winter spirit with cold weather and snow. Aside from shoveling my driveway, I am really enjoying all of the snow that has recently arrived here in Ohio. It serves as a reminder of all the great activities and sports the winter months can provide.

As a kid, I loved going outside and sledding, ice skating, snow shoeing, playing hockey or skiing. If it’s a nice day, don’t be afraid to go out and enjoy the beauty that winter can bring. Just make sure to be safe and wear enough clothing to keep warm.

As I mentioned, this snow comes just in time to celebrate the opening ceremonies of the 2014 Winter Olympics, being hosted in Sochi, Russia. The opening ceremony will have the Parade of Nations, where each country competing can have its athletes march as representation. Many recent Olympic opening ceremonies have included the host nation presenting aspects of its culture and history. And finally, the most notable event of the opening ceremony is the torch relay leading to the lighting of the cauldron within the chosen Olympic stadium.

The Olympic events will then begin on Saturday, February 8th. Team USA will be competing in 15 different and exciting sports–it can sometimes be hard to pick a favorite.

The entire schedule of events and information about the Sochi Olympics can be accessed through the website, www.Sochi2014.com.

As a former (recreational) curler, I will be sitting down to watch the curling events. I also always enjoy watching the figure skating and ski jumping events. So take some time in the next two weeks to cheer and support the amazing athletes from the US!

Earlier in the week, we introduced you to Ericka Panek one of our two student pharmacists for February. Today, we’d like you to meet Jin Kim, who, like Ericka, is a fourth year student finishing his pharmacy degree at The Ohio State University. Please make Jin and Ericka feel the warmth of our small community during this very cold month.

Here is what Jin has to say about himself:

“Hello, my name is Jin and I am thankful to God that I get to do my February rotation here at Plain City Druggist. I’m a Korean who was born and raised in South Korea until the age of 11. At that time, my family moved to America and we made our home in Washington State. Since then, and still today, my home is in Washington State.

“I went to the University of Washington in Seattle for my undergraduate education. Originally, my major was in mathematics simply because that was my strength in high school. However, during my third year in college I decided to change my major to chemistry in order to pursue a career in pharmacy. The reason why I chose pharmacy as a career is because I can be a member of the healthcare team to help people get well. Pharmacy seemed like a valuable career and I knew I would enjoy being a pharmacist for the rest of my life.

“Although I chose pharmacy as a career, my ultimate goal in my life is to spread the Gospel. I am a Christian and I was born into a Presbyterian family. I love spending my time at church and all of my best friends come from church. I am excited and curious to see where God will lead me in my life and how my pharmacy education will be used as the Lord’s will. This does not mean I’m going to start preaching at the pharmacy so don’t worry. : )”

We want to introduce you to our student pharmacist for February, Ericka. We actually have two students this month and will introduce Jin later in the week. Both Ericka and Jin are fourth year students from The Ohio State University’s College of Pharmacy. Please make them feel very welcome this month.

Here is what Ericka has to say about herself:

“Hi! My name is Ericka Panek. I am from Cottage Grove, Minnesota. I grew up in Minnesota loving the outdoors, hiking, camping, and just exploring. In my free time, I enjoy reading, playing volleyball, and trying out new restaurants.

“I became interested in pharmacy after a few shadowing experiences in high school, so I decided to follow that path with a degree in biochemistry from the University of Minnesota – Duluth. After graduating, I moved to Columbus, Ohio to start my Doctor of pharmacy work at The Ohio State University. Throughout my time in pharmacy school, I have learned about all of the different roles a pharmacist can have. I enjoy working closely with patients and other healthcare professionals.

“As a future pharmacist, I want to pursue a career in hospital pharmacy. Next year I hope to complete a one-year general residency in hospital pharmacy. My interests in hospital pharmacy expand to smaller clinics, as well, and I hope to help patients transition from their inpatient hospital stays back into their community.

“I hope my time at Plain City Druggist will teach me more about pharmacy management and all about the great things community pharmacies can do for their patients. I look forward to meeting everyone throughout my month in Plain City!”