Cedarville Magazine, Fall 2013

10 | Cedarville Magazine WHEN I WAS IN full-time pharmacy practice, a patient’s husband came to talk with me about his wife’s medications and challenging health concerns. She had seen several physicians and specialists, been through multiple diagnostic tests, and had been hospitalized for “heart problems.” The couple was so discouraged because they could not figure out why nothing seemed to work. After spending some time with the husband and going through all of his wife’s medications, the problem became apparent. The wife had confused her medications and was taking her heart medication incorrectly, resulting in all of her health issues. Ultimately, we prevented further unnecessary medical visits and hospitalizations. The husband could not stop weeping as he thanked me for taking time with him and for the insight about his by Marc Sweeney Cedarville is intentional about preparing Christ-centered pharmacists to influence the profession for Christ. From its earliest days, this purpose has informed everything about how the School of Pharmacywas built and how it operates. But does it matter, really, if your pharmacist is a Christian? Dr. Marc Sweeney, Dean of the School of Pharmacy and Professor of Pharmacy Practice, shares why it matters to him and why it should matter to you. wife’s care. That experience opened a door for a new relationship with that family. Another woman, diagnosed with depression, was prescribed medication to treat her disorder. She was suicidal and desired to end her life before even trying her medication. When her pharmacist, who happened to be my wife, read what was behind the woman’s emotional state, she engaged the woman in conversation and ultimately prayed with her. That time of conversation and prayer created a brand- new trust relationship that deepened with time. The health care system is full of knowledgeable pharmacists. But when those pharmacists are followers of Christ — known for their compassion, integrity, and discernment — interactions with patients can be eternally significant. A IN THE PHARMACY