Reflection

This rotation has taught me an incredible amount about the differences and similarities in pharmacy/healthcare practice in other countries, as well as the cultural differences. It was an experience to see health care in action for a country that operates under a universal healthcare coverage system. Patients are able to go to the doctors for a mere $1 under this coverage system, something almost unheard of in the US. This seems to have such a dramatic impact on access to HIV/AIDs care, TB treatment, and much more. The Thai government also encourages the use of herbal and traditional medicines alongside western medicine, recognizing how beneficial massage and acupuncture can be in disease state treatment. Community pharmacies are also allowed to sell many medications over the counter such as antibiotics, blood pressure, and cholesterol medications without a prescription. This poses problems just as we would expect, patient's taking multiple medications that could interact, having incomplete medication lists, etc. Above all, the Thai people are so welcoming and there was never a place we visited that we weren't warmly welcomed. It was such an eye opening experience to see people give all that they had, even if they had so little themselves. Even our bus drivers did everything they could for us without being asked, from bringing cold water after a hot day, to playing music and DVDs on long rides. After our month long journey in Thailand, I hope that I am at least able to pay forward the kindness and love that everyone showed us along the way. I am also honored to walk away with so many new friendships that I know will last a lifetime.

Thanks!
Tiffany