April 2024
Hello, New Practitioners!
The emergence of spring always reminds us of how wonderful change and growth can be. For many of you, preparing for the next stage of your journey post-graduation may be in order. For those planning to go into a residency program, the ASHP Match Day Resources has a lot of great information on navigating post-match, Phase II, and/or Scramble. For those currently in a residency, the Pharmacy Resident Resources page offers many project guides and resources which may be helpful as you head towards the finish line of your program this year (e.g., providing constructive feedback to your preceptors, evolving from PGY1 to PGY2 or resident to workforce, facilitating layered learning). For those new practitioners who may be in the midst of job searching or a career transition, the New Practitioners Resource page contains helpful information from CV and interview preparation to finding your niche. This page also includes guides for different phases of career progression (e.g., student to resident, learner to independent practitioner), while job opportunities can be perused on CareerPharm. Additionally, the New Practitioners Forum Career and Leadership Development Advisory Group recently produced a great podcast and checklist on job negotiations. No matter where your journey takes you, my advice is to: stay eager to learn, do not be afraid to seize opportunities that come your way, and embrace the unknown!
Speaking of wonderful opportunities, if you are interested in getting more involved (or continuing your involvement) within ASHP, do not forget to apply to serve on one of the many ASHP New Practitioner Forum (NPF) Advisory Groups by May 1, 2024. Three years ago, I started serving on NPF initially in the role of a workgroup lead, then as an Advisory Group Chair the following year, and now I am wrapping up my experience with NPF on the Executive Committee. My own journey with this professional community has taught me how to organize and collaborate on projects, exercise leadership skills, think big-picture, and most importantly, this experience has introduced me to many wonderful friends and peers. If you are interested in learning more about what it means to serve on an advisory group, join NPF on April 16 for the virtual panel – Transitioning Into and Out of the New Practitioners Forum: Advice from Volunteer Leaders. Hear from members as they highlight their journey with ASHP and opportunities to get involved.
If you would like to connect with NPF, please follow us on Twitter/X, @ASHP_NPF where you can keep current with updates and share clinical pearls, workplace and residency tips, wellbeing advice, and more! If you are seeking insights from the larger NPF community, the NPF Connect page is a great place to post. Lastly, if you have any ideas, questions, or comments, feel free to send NPF an email at [email protected]. Best of luck to everyone who may be going through changes or embarking on new endeavors this spring!
Sincerely,
Kay Yamamoto, PharmD, DPLA
Member, New Practitioners Forum Executive Committee
