Denver Shipman PharmD, BCPP
Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner
Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center
Wichita, KS
Dr. Shipman received a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Newman University and his doctorate of pharmacy degree from the University of Kansas. Following graduation, he completed PGY1 pharmacy practice residency at Via Christi Hospital's, Inc. in Wichita, KS and PGY2 at Hawaii State Hospital in Kaneohe, HI. Dr. Shipman completed a servant-learning based leadership program at Newman University, and offered an elective course “Service and Leadership in Healthcare” at his former position as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Texas at Tyler. Dr. Shipman currently works as a Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner at the Robert J. Dole Veteran Affairs Medical Center’s outpatient behavioral health clinic. In this role, he also precepts PGY1 pharmacy residents and students.
Why I Volunteer
My favorite memories of volunteering are when I have had a direct impact on individuals. Before entering pharmacy school, I volunteered at non-medical organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the Ronald McDonald House. Volunteerism left me with a sense of fulfilment and happiness I had not felt from any other accomplishments. I still find great fulfillment in volunteering with non-medical organizations and always encourage others to do so. These non-medical volunteer opportunities are also beneficial for creating bonding experiences for professional teams, friends, and acquaintances.
While non-medical volunteerism can appeal to those inside and outside of health professions, pharmacists have the opportunity to thrive as medical volunteers while showcasing their clinical and dispensary skills. Rural and unhoused patients have limited access to medical professionals; medical volunteerism makes it possible to reach patients who, otherwise, may go without basic care.
Working with free/income-based medical clinics and patient advocacy and/or medical organizations are often accessible opportunities for medical volunteerism. Free and income-based clinics cater to patients with a variety of medical conditions, making it essential for pharmacist volunteers to be competent in making treatment recommendations across medical fields, not just psychiatry.
During my time as a student, resident, and psychiatric pharmacist, I have found that volunteering has helped me retain my therapeutic knowledge while also helping underserved communities. These opportunities have kept me up to date on treatment guidelines for non-psychiatric conditions, something I don’t get exposure to in my current clinical position. Additionally, free/income-based clinics may be affiliated with teaching institutions. This allows me continued opportunities to find joy in precepting pharmacy and medical students on treatment for – what may be – their first real-life patients. Quite often, during volunteering, I have seen other professions surprised with the breadth of knowledge a pharmacist offers to the treatment team.
If direct patient care is not your ideal volunteering opportunity, patient advocacy organizations and medical organizations are often in need of guest speakers. Involvement in these organizations provides pharmacists with the opportunity to provide their therapeutic skillsets and advocate for our profession, to both the general public and other healthcare personnel. For example, some of the best questions I have ever received on medications for Parkinson's disease came from patients and their caregivers after giving a local presentation. The Medical Reserve Corps unit I am a member of often needs presenters on mental health first-aid and suicide prevention. Working with the Alzheimer's Association has also given me insight into their organization and resources, which is useful when I am talking to patients and caregivers at my own clinic.
When to Volunteer
During my time volunteering at a local free primary care clinic I have witnessed the steady integration of pharmacy technicians, pharmacy students, PGY1-PGY2 residents, and pharmacists into the workflow, to the point where their absence in clinic would be almost unheard of. There is a need for volunteers at all stages of their career and I have never witnessed anybody being turned away from volunteering. There is always a role available for those who wish to help.
Burnout is a very real phenomenon in the medical field, including pharmacy. Although everyone is different, I have found that volunteering has been effective in fighting my own burnout and in reigniting my passion for the profession of pharmacy.
Where to Volunteer
The key to having a positive volunteer experience is selecting an area that you are passionate about so that you, your co-volunteers, and the people you impact have the most enjoyable and impactful experience. Consider finding opportunities through resources listed below:
