Whitney J. Ly, PharmD, BCCCP
Title
Critical Care Clinical Specialist, Surgery/Trauma
Residency Associated Title and Involvement
Critical Care Elective Course Coordinator at UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy
Education
Pharmacy School: Philadelphia College of Pharmacy
PGY1: UNC Medical Center – Acute Care
PGY2: UNC Medical Center – Critical Care
Rotation Title
Surgical Trauma Critical Care Unit
Rotation Description
The Surgical Trauma Critical Care Unit (STCCU) is an exciting rotation that provides pharmacy residents and students with hands-on experience in managing the complex pharmaceutical needs of critically ill patients. During this rotation, residents will work closely with an interdisciplinary team including surgeons, intensivists, nurses, respiratory therapists, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals to optimize medical therapy for patients with severe trauma, post-surgical complications, and other life threatening conditions. Residents will develop expertise in selecting, dosing, monitoring, and adjusting medications used in critical care including analgesics, sedatives, anticoagulants, antibiotics, and vasopressors. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking and customizing pharmacy plans to the individual patient. This rotation includes active participation in emergency situations, such as trauma resuscitation and code blues. Residents will gain experience in the rapid assessment and administration of these emergency medications.
Residents will also have a component of nutrition support built into this rotation. They will work closely with the registered dieticians to understand the management of parenteral and enteral nutrition in critically ill patients. They will be able to assess nutritional needs, recommend appropriate formulations, and monitor for complications.
Overall, the STCCU pharmacy rotation is designed to build the clinical skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary for pharmacy residents to excel in the high-pressure environments.
