Wilkes University Student Justin Balint of Drums, Pa., Blogs About Internship in Chicago

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Justin Balint works in Guatemala with Bernard Graham, dean of the Nesbitt College of Pharmacy and Nursing.

WILKES-BARRE, PA (07/16/2010)(readMedia)-- Wilkes University pharmacy student Justin Balint of Drums, Pa., has the perfect prescription for a summer internship: He's interning with the pharmacy services department at the Chicago corporate headquarters for Walgreens. The doctor of pharmacy student, entering his third professional year at Wilkes, is keeping track of his adventures in the Windy City through an online blog. The account of his experience is available at http://justinpharmblog.wordpress.com.

"The internship consists of three four-week rotations throughout pharmacy services," says Balint. "Currently my job consists of helping with updating company policy involving pharmacy regulations and looking at how new pharmacy technology complies with various state statutes and regulations."

A recent New York City ordinance requires all chain pharmacies to provide written language translations of medication directions and warning labels in the seven most common languages that New Yorkers speak, one of which is Spanish. Balint – who also is earning degrees in Spanish and international studies -- is working closely with the manager of Pharmacy Affairs on this project.

"The great thing about this internship is they really customize it to what we want to experience," explains Balint. "I am considering law school after pharmacy school, so I got to set up meetings with many of the company's pharmacy-attorneys that have both a pharmacy and law degree and learn about their various career paths."

Balint was one of four applicants to be awarded a spot in Walgreens' competitive nation-wide paid pharmacy internship at corporate headquarters. He was one of only two third-year students accepted, and the only accepted applicant that did not work for Walgreens when he was chosen. He now lives in a company-provided apartment just outside of Chicago.

Rather than resting before his trip, Balint joined Bernard Graham, dean of the Nesbitt College of Pharmacy and Nursing, on a Glenn Falls Medical Mission trip to Guatemala April 23 to May 2. About 50 doctors, nurses, and volunteers went on the trip, setting up a clinic for underprivileged Guatemalans to get much needed medical treatment.

"Mostly all of the patients did not speak English, so I was in the pharmacy to communicate with patients in Spanish on how to take their medications," recounts Balint. "When I wasn't in the pharmacy, I got to shadow some physicians and assist with some minor surgical activities."

Balint performed teeth extractions under the direction of a dentist, and assisted a physician with the re-attachment of a man's thumb, which he had accidently cut off with an axe while chopping wood.

"It was definitely an interesting and educational week," says Balint.

Balint may not be performing surgery in Chicago, but he is participating in a case study competition among the interns while still finding time to attend concerts, company outings, and baseball games. Balint is the son of Lisa Balint of Drums, Pa.

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