My Journey to Learn About Reproductive Health – Birth Control Pharmacist
Growing up in a conservative Catholic environment, discussions about reproductive health were often shrouded in secrecy and limited to Church teachings. However, my curiosity and a deep desire to understand the complexities of reproductive health led me on a transformative journey from a Catholic school to pharmacy school.
My early education was deeply rooted in Catholic principles, where discussions of reproductive health were often reserved for religious contexts. While my school instilled strong moral values, I could not ignore the gaps in my understanding of important health matters. This realization sparked my quest to learn more.
As I progressed through high school, I began to question the limited information provided about reproductive health. We were taught about sexual health but we were told not to have sex because it was only allowed for married men and women. At 16, I didn’t even know what a condom looked like. We do not have access to male and female condoms in the school nurse’s office. This started my quest to understand the science behind it, the different methods of contraception, and the broader spectrum of sexual health. It was this curiosity that drove me to explore beyond the confines of my traditional education.
As I studied my pharmacy school curriculum, I encountered a diverse set of topics, one of which was Contraception Pharmacology and Counseling. I remember feeling a little uncomfortable hearing abortion talked about so openly. However, this topic opened my eyes to the complexities surrounding this area of health care and ignited a curiosity to understand it deeply.
As I delved deeper into the world of healthcare in clinical rotations, I discovered the important role that pharmacists play in reproductive health. Pharmacists serve as important resources for individuals seeking information about contraceptives, family planning, and sexual health. Recognizing the importance of this role, I decided to pursue a career in pharmacy to bridge the gap between religious beliefs and evidence-based reproductive health knowledge.
Pharmacy school proved to be both challenging and enlightening. I tackled coursework that required a comprehensive understanding of reproductive health, including pharmacological interventions. Additionally, I engaged in open discussions that challenged my preconceived notions and allowed me to grow both personally and professionally.
Through my journey, I discovered that faith and science go hand in hand. Instead of seeing them as opposing entities, I learned to integrate my Catholic beliefs with evidence-based knowledge. This newfound perspective has empowered me to contribute positively to conversations about reproductive health, fostering understanding and compassion within diverse communities.
My journey from Catholic school to pharmacy school was an in-depth exploration of not only the pharmaceutical sciences but also the intricacies of reproductive health. Embracing challenges, questioning preconceived notions, and actively participating in the discourse surrounding this important aspect of health care defined my transformative journey. As I continue to learn and advocate, I hope to inspire others to approach reproductive health with an open mind, to promote a compassionate and informed approach to health care.
About the Author
Rebecca ExantusPharm.D candidate, is a 4th-year student pharmacist in the Class of 2024 at Shenandoah University Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy. Rebecca completed an elective APPE rotation with the Birth Control Pharmacist.
