The ASHP New Practitioners Forum recognizes that the best advice comes from those who have been there, done that. These tips are offered by your colleagues as a guide to help you get the most out of your residency experience.

If you have a tip you would like to share, please submit it to us. Good luck and best wishes for a great residency experience!

Tip 1

Identifying a problem is only the first part of a two part process. Learn not only to identify problems, but also to develop and suggest solutions to the problem. Never approach administrators, preceptors, or patients with only problems. You will gain more respect and develop into a successful practitioner the more you look into the solution rather than only identifying the problem. Problem resolution is a two-step process.

John Hertig
Health-System Pharmacy Administration Resident
The Ohio State University Medical Center

Tip 2

Get to know and understand the entire hospital infrastructure and avoid the temptation to just focus on pharmacy.  Understanding the role everyone plays in caring for patients will provide you a greater understanding on how to successfully interface with them to successfully provide patient care.  One way to actively engage in this type of activity is to shadow a nurse for a day.

David R. Witmer
Vice President, Member Relations
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists

Tip 3

Pay attention to yourself – what you do / don't find most rewarding about your residency – and speak up!  No matter how far along you are in your program, try to tailoring it so that you can maximize the things you love.  Is it oncology?  Then do another oncology rotation.  Love project management?  Try taking on more management work.  Love collaborative teamwork?  Try joining more committees.  Remember, a big part of your residency is figuring out what you excel at – so spend the time figuring out what that is, and then pursue it.

Michelle Abalos, Pharm.D.
Director, Educational Programs
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists

Tip 4

Although you may be a clinically-oriented pharmacist, take the time to pay attention to administrative / management issues. It's good to talk-the-talk. Learn how to justify your services.

Sandra Oh Clarke
Director, Section of Clinical Specialists and Scientists
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists

Tip 5

Don't be afraid to ask questions and question those around you - think critically!

Joshua Howell
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist - Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy
The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center

Tip 6

Think of residency as a one to two-year interview. Don’t forget you are being evaluated for a future job.

Majid Tanas
Operations Manager for Ambulatory Pharmacy Services
Oregon Health & Science University

Tip 7

Be the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of your career, which means taking responsibility and being in charge of ensuring how it plays out. Have a Board of Directors (BOD) of mentors who will assist you. You must have at least one mentor if you want to be successful.

Sara White
Pharmacy Leadership Coach