Thrive with April

From Foreign Pharmacy Grad to U.S. Pharmacist | Rheya’s Inspiring Journey

🎧 About My Guest Rheya is a U.S.-based pharmacist who began her journey as a foreign pharmacy graduate. In this episode, she shares her honest experiences, struggles, and mindset shifts that helped her succeed and grow. Takeaways * Rheya faced significant challenges in passing the TOEFL exam. * Resilience is key in the journey to becoming a pharmacist, as setbacks are part of the process. * Training for the pharmacy exams is akin to preparing for a marathon; it requires stamina and dedication. * It's important to focus on your own journey rather than comparing yourself to others. * Building a network and maintaining relationships in the pharmacy field is crucial for success. * Rheya enjoys working in MTM (Medication Therapy Management) and values patient interactions. * Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential, especially when working from home. * Rheya emphasizes the importance of being teachable and open to constructive criticism. * Personal habits, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, contribute to overall well-being. * Aspiring pharmacists should plan ahead and be prepared for a long journey in their careers. Time stamps 00:00 Journey of a Foreign Pharmacy Graduate 10:12 Navigating the U.S. Pharmacy Landscape 19:55 Work-Life Balance and Personal Growth 28:05 Advice for Aspiring Pharmacists 📱 Follow Rheya:Instagram: @_rheyyyaaa Subscribe for more stories like this! If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share it with someone who needs it. And don’t forget to subscribe for more real stories from pharmacists around the world. Follow me on Instagram and TikTok: @pharmacistapril; @spiceandscripts Contact/Collaborations: aprilfortinoliveros@gmail.com Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/aprilfortinoliveros

The Path to Becoming a Licensed Pharmacist in the USA for Foreign Graduates

In this episode, I break down the step-by-step process of becoming a licensed pharmacist in the United States as a foreign pharmacy graduate. From passing the TOEFL and FPGEE exams to obtaining your FPGEC certification and applying for your license, I’ll guide you through each stage of this journey. Drawing from my personal experience, I also share key tips and insights to help you succeed. Are you a foreign pharmacy graduate eligible to take the FPGEE and need guidance on your next steps to becoming a licensed pharmacist in the USA? I’m here to help! 🚀 👩🏻‍⚕️Book a free 30-minute discovery call with me, and let’s discuss how I can support you in your journey: https://calendly.com/aprilfortinoliveros/30min Let’s work together to make your pharmacy dream in the USA a reality! 📬 Also, don’t forget to sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter where I share insights, tips on pharmacy practice, health, life, personal finance, and travel: https://aprils-newsletter-bf07dc.beehiiv.com/subscribe Connect with me on social media and book a coaching call: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aprilfortinoliveros If you're preparing for a board certification exam or know someone who is, I highly recommend High-Yield Med Reviews. They offer courses for NAPLEX, MPJE, pharmacy certifications, as well as for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) I have a $50 off coupon for any course ($279 minimum). Just email customerservice@highyieldmedreviews.com and mention that Pharmacist April referred you to get the coupon. I used their BCPS course and passed within a month and a half—especially loved the question banks They also offer excellent resources for physicians and nursing professionals, so spread the word!

What’s new series: endocrinology and diabetes mellitus

In this episode of TransplantRPh, April discusses the latest updates in endocrinology and diabetes mellitus, including advancements in treatments for primary aldosteronism, diabetic retinopathy, chronic kidney disease, diabetic macular edema, polycystic ovary syndrome, obesity, osteoporosis, Cushing disease, thyroid storm, and Graves' hyperthyroidism. Connect with April on LinkedIn at April Oliveros, YouTube at Pharmacist April, Instagram at PharmacistApril, or via email at aprilfortinoliveros@gmail.com. Don’t miss her new e-book providing a step-by-step guide for foreign pharmacy graduates on becoming pharmacists in the USA! https://stan.store/pharmacistapril Detailed Notes: Monitoring After Negative Confirmatory Testing for Primary Aldosteronism:Repeat testing recommended after at least two years; 20% diagnosed with primary aldosteronism over five years. -No Reduction in Diabetic Retinopathy Incidence with Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation:Omega-3 supplementation does not provide additional benefits for retinopathy prevention. - Subcutaneous Semaglutide and Risk of Kidney Disease Progression:** Significantly reduces major kidney events in patients with type 2 diabetes and CKD. - Extended-Interval Intravitreal Aflibercept Dosing: Higher doses at extended intervals effective for diabetic macular edema. - Continuous Glucose Monitoring: Modestly reduces A1C levels and helps identify glycemic patterns for behavior and pharmacologic therapy adjustments. - Noninsulin Antidiabetic Medications and Pregnancy: No increased frequency of congenital anomalies, but still avoided due to lack of comprehensive safety data. - Inositol Ineffective for PCOS: No significant improvements in metabolic or hormonal measurements. - Risk of Suicide Attempts in PCOS: Higher rate of suicide attempts compared to controls; mental health support needed. - Premature Ovarian Insufficiency and Impaired Sexual Function: Lower sexual function scores; systemic estrogen therapy not effective. - Bariatric Surgery and PCOS: Increases spontaneous ovulatory events and improves cardiometabolic profiles. - Effects of Tirzepatide Discontinuation on Weight: Partial weight regain after discontinuation; long-term treatment may be necessary. - Severe Hypocalcemia with Denosumab Therapy: Higher incidence in dialysis patients; increased monitoring needed. - Risk of Autoimmune Disease After Surgical Cure of Cushing Disease: Higher rate of new-onset autoimmune diseases; long-term monitoring recommended. - Potassium Iodide for Thyroid Storm: Reduces hospital stay and costs; supports use in acute management. - AI Decision Support for Thyroid Nodule Classification: Improves accuracy and consistency; reduces unnecessary biopsies. - Selection of Therapy for Graves' Hyperthyroidism: Shift towards antithyroid drugs; patient preferences and radiation concerns influence treatment choice.

What’s new series: neurology

In this episode of TransplantRPh, April discusses the latest updates in neurology, including advancements in treatments for cerebrovascular disease, epilepsy, headache, movement disorders, neuromuscular disease, and neurooncology. Connect with April on LinkedIn at April Oliveros, YouTube at Pharmacist April, Instagram at PharmacistApril, or via email at aprilfortinoliveros@gmail.com. Don’t miss her new e-book providing a step-by-step guide for foreign pharmacy graduates on becoming pharmacists in the USA! https://stan.store/pharmacistapril Detailed Notes: Surgical Decompression for Severe Cerebral Venous Thrombosis:Hemicraniectomy shows promise in selected cases, particularly younger patients with less severe preoperative findings. - Mechanical Thrombectomy for Extremely Large Core Infarcts: May benefit patients with ASPECTS of 0 to 2, challenging existing selection criteria. - Reversal Strategy for Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Andexanet alfa demonstrates higher hemostasis rates but increased thrombotic events. - Risk of Epilepsy After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: 12% of patients develop epilepsy within seven months, with several identified risk factors. - CGRP Antagonists for Migraine Prevention: Now considered first-line therapy based on efficacy and safety. - GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Parkinson Disease: Mixed results in trials; larger studies needed. - Suicidality in Parkinson Disease: 22% prevalence of suicidal ideation; importance of depression screening and treatment. - Efgartigimod Alfa-Hyaluronidase in CIDP: Shows significant improvement and reduced clinical deterioration. - Behavioral Therapy in ALS: ACT improves quality of life in ALS patients. - Tovorafenib in Pediatric Low-Grade Gliomas: Shows promising response rates and duration in BRAF-altered gliomas. - ONC201 in H3 K27M-Mutant Diffuse Midline Glioma: Promising activity with a 20% response rate and median duration of 11.2 months.

What’s new series: Drug Therapy Updates

In this episode of TransplantRPh, April discusses the latest updates in drug therapy, including advancements in treatments for hepatitis C, intracerebral hemorrhage, food allergies, eosinophilic esophagitis, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Connect with April on LinkedIn at April Oliveros, YouTube at Pharmacist April, Instagram at PharmacistApril, or via email at aprilfortinoliveros@gmail.com. Don’t miss her new e-book providing a step-by-step guide for foreign pharmacy graduates on becoming pharmacists in the USA! Detailed Notes: - Cost-Effectiveness of Treating Hepatitis C Virus Infection During Childhood: Early intervention saves nearly $50,000 in lifetime healthcare costs. - Reversal Strategy for Intracerebral Hemorrhage:Andexanet alfa shows higher rates of hemostasis but with increased thrombotic risk. - Omalizumab for Food Allergy: Approved for reducing allergic reactions to multiple foods, requires regular injections. - Benralizumab for Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Achieves higher rates of histologic remission, need for more biomarkers. - Iptacopan for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria: Reduces transfusion needs, risk of serious infections. - CAR-T Cell Therapy for Multiply Relapsed CLL: Approved for patients after two or more lines of therapy. - Efgartigimod Alfa-Hyaluronidase in CIDP: Shows significant improvement in symptoms and lower rates of clinical deterioration. - Givinostat for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Slows disease progression, particularly in the four-stair climb test.