Tidelands Waccamaw Oncology at Georgetown-Ms. Sarah Justice(Elective)
A rotation I would like to write about was an elective rotation, down in South Carolina. The rotation was Tidelands Waccamaw Oncology in Georgetown SC, with preceptor Ms. Sarah Justice. Overall this was a fantastic APPE rotation, that I highly recommend. The rotation is a fantastic opportunity for students interested in gaining more “hood” time or simply wanting to explore some of the more unique types of pharmacies.
The first part I would like to mention is housing. The reason being is, this is a top priority for students. In this category, housing options are abundant. I suggest USC Baruch Marine Lab, the individual to contact is Kim Powers, email address is kim@belle.baruch.sc.edu. This is the location I stayed at and am highly satisfied. The rate was very cheap (less than $20/day), and you only paid for the days you actually stayed in the dorm. I do have to suggest to reserve your spot early as spaces fill up fast. Regardless of where you stay there are multiple options throughout the area.
Now onto the rotation, Ms. Justice (preceptor) is absolutely phenomenal. She has over forty years experience as a pharmacist, ACP preceptor of the year winner, and all around wonderful person to be around, and extremely competent. The rotation is primarily based upon mixing chemo & sterile medications. Depending on your comfortability with compounding Ms. Justice will allow you to do as much or a little as you feel comfortable with. Personally for me, I preferred to have as much hands on experience as possible, and that has worked out fantastic for me. During the time, I had hundreds of opportunities to compound hazardous and sterile compounds. At this point compounding is second nature and walk in the park, more importantly it is very impressive when you can speak/do USP 797 & 800 with ease. This really helps impress preceptors and future employers. Aside from the abundant opportunities in compounding, Ms. Justice allowed me to shadow physicians, converse with drug representatives, travel to other facilities, present/ educate to physicians, and go to very nice sponsored diners, and so much more. If you express interest in any type of pharmacy, Ms. Justice will go out of her way to allow you to experience it. She has connections with professionals throughout the tri-states, and will help you in anyway possible.
Lastly, I have to mention the location of this rotation is dead center between Myrtle Beach and Charleston. On your weekends a quick trip is less than an hour away from absolutely beautiful vacation areas. One my free time I was fishing and hanging at the beach and all around having a great time. I do suggest summer is an excellent time to go, especially prior getting your RX Prep book. All in all, this is rotation was a blast. The preceptor is fantastic, location phenomenal, and the experience second to none, to anyone reading this I highly recommend this rotation.
