Patricia Lorquet looks to empower patients through pharmacy

Binghamton University and Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) continue to strengthen their relationship by co-funding a pharmacy residency.

Patricia Lorquet, PharmD '23, has joined HMH as part of a nationwide program that matches graduating medical students with residency programs. It's the latest example of Binghamton's growing connections with HMH and a new adventure Lorquet is eager to embark on.

"One thing unique about the program at HMH is that it's paired with Binghamton University," Lorquet said. "Binghamton helped me develop as a pharmacist and build that foundational knowledge. Now, I can put those skills to work and really hit the ground running by serving our communities. That's one of the things that drew me to the program."

In partnership with the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the PGY-2 residency program includes teaching at SOPPS and HMH ambulatory rotations. The 12-month, multisite rotational program prepares residents with the skills, knowledge and responsibilities of a pharmacist as a medical expert, drug information resource and patient advocate.

Lorquet has experience in ambulatory care and a strong passion for patient care and counseling.

"One of the things that I love about being a pharmacist is connecting with patients. That's one thing that drew me to ambulatory care, because it's very much more patient-facing," she said. "One thing I believe pharmacists can do more is spend time with patients to help them understand why they're on these complex regimens and how it's helping to better their health outcomes."

Members from HMH, including Devang Shah, the PGY-2 ambulatory care residency program director at HMH, spoke about the excitement surrounding Lorquet's match with Hackensack.

"We are thrilled about Patricia's role at HMH and confident that her presence as our first PGY-2 ambulatory care resident will inspire excellence and growth within our team," Shah said. "Her arrival marks a significant milestone, and we are excited about the innovative care she will provide."

"Patricia is an incredibly gifted pharmacist who sets the standard for what it means to be a dedicated ambulatory care pharmacist," said Lucrecia Campisi, PGY-2 ambulatory care pharmacy residency program coordinator at HMH Population Health.

Sarah Spinler, co-chair and professor of pharmacy practice at SOPPS, shared more about Lorquet's role and the impact she'll have: "The school is excited that an alum was selected as the inaugural resident for our partnership with HMH. Patricia enjoys an adjunct volunteer faculty appointment at SOPPS and will teach here on campus in a P2 and P3 course. This PGY-2 Ambulatory Care Residency is unique in its public health focus, which aligns with our school's mission."

Spinler added that the partnership between SOPPS and HMH will only get stronger.

"We are also working to build additional research partnerships between SOPPS's departments of pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical sciences and the HMH pharmacy department and medical school," she said. "This collaboration with the University strengthens our relationship with HMH to expand opportunities for experiential rotations for our current pharmacy students as well as other post-graduate residency training in the HMH network of hospitals."

Lorquet looks forward to helping patients and teaching them about their care.

"The most rewarding thing is seeing the lightbulb go off within them. When patients understand why they're taking so many medications and how it's improving their health, it's really gratifying," she said. "I've had many instances with patients where they say no one has ever explained it to them like that before. Helping them understand their treatment and seeing them feel motivated about taking care of themselves is the most rewarding part of being a pharmacist."

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