Harrison Ferro, a student in Wilkes University’s Nesbitt School of Pharmacy, was the 2020 winner of the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association “Know Pain Know Gain” competition. Ferro, a resident of Berwick, Pa., is in his third professional year in pharmacy school. The competition took place at the association’s annual conference in January 2020.
The competition included two rounds: a rapid-fire question-and-answer session on pain management and a simulated patient counseling scenario. The participants interact with a mock patient for seven minutes. In this time, their pharmacy knowledge, communication skills and bedside manner are tested. The winner received $75, while the two other finalists received $25.
Dylan Fox, a fourth-year Wilkes University pharmacy student, also was a finalist. The other finalist was Kaitlyn Gayner of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. This year is the fourth consecutive year that a Wilkes pharmacy student has been a finalist.
The Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association was created in 1878, with 22 pharmacists. It’s present day headquarters are located in Harrisburg. In January or February of every year, the organization hosts its Mid-Year Conference. Events include student competitions, student poster presentations, Foundation Sunnyside Up breakfast, as well as the Know Pain Know Gain competition.
