A Day in the Life of a Postgraduate Trainee: COVID Clinic
Today is Saturday, January 9, and my weekend to staff. Since early December, my coresidents and I have been working in the COVID vaccination clinic on our staffing weekends. The clinic opens at 8 a.m., and I like to be there early to get everything ready. This usually means getting a vial of Pfizer vaccine reconstituted and placing a carton of 10 Moderna vials into a cooler with an ice pack. This typically takes only a few minutes; then, I grab my white coat and head upstairs.
Today seems different from other days; there’s already a line of people and it’s not even 8 a.m. I walk past all the patients lined up 6 feet apart with their consent forms in hand and give the staff a “what happened” look. Originally, only 99 people were scheduled for the day. Apparently, however, it was announced on Twitter that New York State would be opening vaccine administration to people in phase 1b. This phase includes teachers, first responders, public transit workers, and public safety workers. I get to work immediately, drawing up syringes for the patients who have already registered and checked in.
I try to keep track of the number of patients coming in to make sure I draw up enough doses. While keeping busy with that task, I answer questions from patients, nurses, and staff regarding allergies, concomitant medications, mRNA vaccine mechanisms and efficacy, and timing of second doses. Simultaneously, I’m monitoring patients in the observation area to make sure no one is having a reaction. There is no question that the pharmacist’s role is essential.
A carton of Moderna vials gets me 110 doses. I start running low about 10 a.m. and have to go to the pharmacy for more. On my way out, I pass a line of about 10 patients, and I think to myself, Traffic must be slowing down. Then I see three hospital security guards stationed at regular intervals down Main Street. I approach the first security guard, who is directing traffic for the next 20 patients queued for the vaccine. All guards have their own section of about 20 patients, and they tell me more are waiting to be let into the main entrance. I had better grab two cartons of Moderna. At the end of the day, we have vaccinated over 300 teachers, other phase 1b candidates, and health care workers. Everyone is grateful to receive the vaccine.
Then, guess what – the process will start again at 8 a.m. on Sunday. We will call in reinforcements because we are expecting over 400 tomorrow.
About the Author:
Elizabeth DeBell is a PGY1 pharmacy resident at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, New York. Elizabeth is originally from Waterford, New York. Her practice areas of interest include oncology, pediatrics, and anticoagulation. Upon completion of her PGY1 residency, she plans to work in a hospital setting while earning her board certification as a clinical pharmacist. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, gaming, and baking.