Consumer Health Information Corporation - McLean, VA

Patient Education and Adherence Programs Since 1983

Because of its specialized expertise, Consumer Health Information Corporation is affiliated with several schools of medicine and pharmacy across the United States. The company offers a unique clinical clerkship rotation for doctoral-level pharmacy students.

The company develops a wide range of evidence-based patient adherence programs that health professionals use in their patient counseling. The goal is to help patients better understand how to take their medications safely and wisely and reduce medication errors made by patients and consumers. You will work directly with the founder of the company, Dorothy L. Smith, Pharm.D., who is an expert in all areas of patient education.

This is a unique clerkship and space is limited to three students at each rotation. Click here to learn more about this program or email our Clerkship Rotation Coordinator at clerkship@consumer-health.com.

Some of Our Recent Students

Edward McDonald will graduate from the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy at Shenandoah University in May 2010 with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. In May 2005, Edward graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biochemistry. He has worked in the pharmacy department at Kaiser Permanente in Falls Church, Virginia since May 2004. He is a member of the American Pharmacists Association and the American Society of Health System Pharmacists. After graduation, Edward intends to pursue a one-year hospital residency with the ultimate goal of becoming a clinical pharmacist.

"My rotation at CHIC has taught me the importance of patient education when it comes to taking medicine. The general public typically reads at a 6th to 8th grade level and I did not realize how difficult it is to write at that level. CHIC puts a tremendous amount of work into making patient education materials that the patient can understand, which allows patients to comprehend the importance of their health and medicine. As a future pharmacist, the skills I have acquired at CHIC will allow me to counsel patients on a level they can understand leading to healthier patient lives."
Read Edward's article: "Not Taking Your Meds? The Ripple Effect"

Giang Nguyen will graduate in May 2010 with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia School of Pharmacy. She is a member of the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists and the American Society of Health System Pharmacists. As an intern, she has worked in a community pharmacy where she learned that there is a need to communicate effectively with patients so that they can get the most benefit from their medications. After graduation, she hopes to work well with her colleagues and patients in order to provide excellent pharmaceutical care wherever she may find herself.

"My rotation at Consumer Health Information Corporation was unlike any other clinical experience. I have learned to always ask the question "How will the patient see this?"At school, we are bombarded with medical terminology that, though it is exact and makes perfect sense to us, may as well be an utterly baffling language for patients. I have learned the importance of breaking down medical wording into everyday language. Patient education is an essential part of the treatment plan. If patients cannot understand what we tell them, then what is the point? CHIC provides patients with the tools they need to be an equal partner in their own care. It has been a unique experience for me to participate in the process of developing such tools."
Read Giang's article: "H1N1 Flu? Get All the Facts "

Meagan Brown will graduate with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Albany College of Pharmacy in May 2009. During college, Meagan was an active participant of APhA completing projects for both Operation Diabetes and Operation Immunizations. She also participated in ASHP, Rho Chi and Colleges against Cancer. She has worked in both community and hospital pharmacy during college. Her activities throughout college have contributed to her interest in working directly with patients during her career as a pharmacist. After graduation, Meagan plans to participate in health-related volunteer work and to continue working in the community to counsel patients about their medication therapy.

"Readability and Comprehension. During my rotation experience at Consumer Health Information Corporation, I learned that these are two of the most essential components to consider when developing educational material for patients. The material could be very well written and important for the patient's health but it will be of no use if the patient cannot understand what they are being given. It is crucial that patients understand the handouts they are reading so they will be more likely to take their medications properly to provide them the most benefit while decreasing their risk of side effects. I have learned that in whatever setting a pharmacist chooses to practice, it is important that they take a few minutes to talk to patients about their medication to be certain the patient knows how and why they are taking their medication. Since pharmacists are the "medication experts", I have learned that it is necessary to provide our expertise using both verbal and written communication in a manner that patients can understand. "Read Meagan's article: "Vitamin D: The 'Sunshine' Vitamin "

Dorothy L. Smith, PharmD

Dr. Smith is an internationally published author, patient advocate, clinical educator and expert in patient compliance with medications. She has held academic appointments in schools of pharmacy and medicine throughout her career, started one of the first ambulatory pharmacies providing one-on-one counseling to every patient in a private room; wrote 23 books translating complicated medical terminology into easy-to-understand language on how to take prescription drugs safely, and served as Director of Clinical Affairs of the American Pharmacists Association. She has served on many national professional committees, several elected terms to the Board of Directors of the National Council on Patient Information and Education, National Board of Advisors for the University of Arizona, College of Pharmacy; Dean's Advisory Council, College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati; and is a founding member of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP). She was inducted into the National Academies of Practice as a distinguished practitioner-member of pharmacy. She is the author of over 200 publications and has given 150 presentations. She has been involved in the development of more than 1000 patient education programs used in the United States, Canada and Europe.

Consumer Health Information Corporation
Experts in Patient Adherence Programs Since 1983
(703) 734-0650
www.consumer-health.com

Copyright 2009 Consumer Health Information Corporation. All rights reserved.