The Peel — Fall Edition

Hey everyone — checking in! Midterms are on the horizon, and caffeine consumption is probably at an all-time high. But there’s good news: fall is here in full force, and with it comes your excuse for pumpkin-flavored everything. Take a minute this week to step outside, breathe some cool air, and remember that studying feels a little easier with something warm in your hands.

👉 Grapefruit Health is hiring Patient Champions. Flexible, paid roles that build your counseling and communication skills — all from home and on your own schedule.

NAPLEX Preparation

Question of the Week 📚

Fall Study Advice 📖

Pharmacology becomes clearer when you approach it as a system rather than a list of isolated facts. Drugs can be easier to remember when you organize them by their purpose and physiological effect instead of by name alone. For example, ACE inhibitors lower afterload by relaxing blood vessels, beta-blockers slow heart rate and reduce cardiac workload, and statins help stabilize lipid levels to prevent plaque buildup. Grouping medications this way helps your brain recognize logical patterns and relationships. When you understand why a drug is used, the mechanism and side effects follow naturally. This approach turns pharmacology from memorization into reasoning—you start thinking like a clinician rather than a test-taker.

One study strategy you can apply to achieve this is the “teach-back” method. Picture yourself counseling a patient who has just been prescribed one of these medications. Explain, in clear and simple language, what the drug does, when to take it, and what side effects to monitor. If you can do this without hesitation, you’ve achieved true understanding. Speaking concepts aloud strengthens memory and exposes areas that still need review. Recording yourself and listening later—on a walk, commute, or study break—adds another layer of reinforcement. Over time, this habit trains your brain to recall information in complete, practical thoughts. It turns pharmacology from something you study to something you can confidently communicate.

Career Tips 🏥

Think beyond your next exam — start shaping your professional presence now. Create or update your LinkedIn profile with your program, certifications, and a short description of your interests (pediatrics, ambulatory care, research — whatever excites you). Follow hospital systems, pharmacy associations, and public health pages to keep your feed informative instead of overwhelming.

And during rotations, treat every interaction as a preview of practice. Be punctual, volunteer to counsel, and ask questions that show curiosity — “Why was that dosing interval chosen?” not just “What dose is it?” These small behaviors leave lasting impressions and make preceptors remember you as teachable and motivated — the two traits every pharmacist values.

Meal Prep Corner 🧑‍🍳

🍜 Recipe Corner — 10-Minute Garlic Ramen Remix

Perfect for late-night study breaks, post-clinical hunger, or when your fridge looks like a crime scene. Fast, cozy, and better than another energy drink.

Ingredients

• 1 pack instant ramen (any flavor, discard or save seasoning packet)

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional but highly encouraged)

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• ½ cup fresh spinach or a handful of frozen edamame

• Optional toppings: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha

Directions

1. Cook the noodles according to package directions, then drain most of the broth — leave just a spoonful to keep it saucy.

2. In a small pan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic and chili flakes; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add noodles and soy sauce to the pan. Toss well until coated and lightly glossy.

4. Stir in spinach or edamame and cook for 1–2 more minutes until warmed through.

5. Top and serve hot. Garnish with green onions, sesame, or sriracha if you’re extra.

Freshly Squeezed Jokes 🍊

/

One Last Thing 💡

Fall’s in full swing — the leaves are changing, your flashcards are multiplying, and somehow the semester’s already halfway gone. But look at you: calculating doses faster, catching interactions before your preceptor can, and starting to sound like the professional you’re becoming.

So this week, celebrate the little victories: a perfect calculation, a smooth counseling session, or simply remembering to eat between labs. You’re doing more than learning pharmacy — you’re practicing balance, empathy, and the art of precision. Keep showing up, keep asking questions, and keep your coffee spiced. You’re exactly where you need to be. 🍁

—
The Grapefruit Health Team