We are proud to announce that our pharmacist, Dr. Scott R. Larson BS Pharm-Pharm D, is also recognized as a Certified Geriatric Pharmacist. What does
this mean to you? It means the highest level of pharmaceutical care for seniors
in our community who seek healthcare at St. Joseph's.
When medications are prescribed, the intent is to improve the patient's quality
of life by curing a disease, reducing, or eliminating the symptoms from
appearing in the first place. Medication is a two-edged sword; the same dose of
medication given to two different people may help one and harm the other. This
is especially true with elderly patients. Even if medications are taken as
intended, some adverse reactions occur that are severe enough to cause
disability and even death.
The Journal of the American Medical Association recently stated that if adverse
reactions to medications were classified as a distinct disease, it would rank as
the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. The economic cost rivals that of
cancer, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and other major diseases and conditions
commonly affecting the elderly populations. People over age 65 are especially
vulnerable to biologic changes of aging and disease. Medical experts believe
that many medication-related problems are predictable and thus preventable. Dr.
Larson has demonstrated knowledge and skill in geriatric pharmaceutical care and
is prepared to advise you on your drug therapy needs.
Dr. Scott Larson is a key player on our internal team of experts at St.
Joseph's. His additional training and education lends a unique avenue of
support toward managing complicated medication regimens and disease state
medication interactions. He attends Grand Rounds with all of the physicians
and physicians’ assistants every morning in the hospital; this allows each
patient to benefit from the experience and expertise of each medical staff
member, including our pharmacist. St. Joseph's Nursing Home patients also
receive the benefit of having a pharmacist in-house to work with their nurses
and physicians to optimize their medication plan.
Dr. Larson has been a member of St.
Joseph's Medical Staff Team since 1997. For information regarding Geriatric
Pharmacy, please call 489-8000.
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St. Joseph's Community Health
Services, Inc.