Students from the class of 2022 are celebrating the next step in their professional journey. Here they share what has inspired them along the way and what advice they would give to new students.
Where did you match?PCOM School of Pharmacy/WellStar North Fulton, Roswell, Georgia
Prior to starting pharmacy school, I knew what a residency was and the opportunities it created if you completed one. However, at the time, I did not know any pharmacists who had completed a pharmacy residency. Nonetheless, I made sure to keep my grades above average so I would have the option of pursuing a residency program after my fourth year.
What solidified me pursuing a residency is when unfortunately during my second year of pharmacy school, my mom ended up in the emergency room. She was diagnosed with cardiomegaly. At the time, I was learning hypertension and heart failure in my pharmacotherapy course.
Rewind two years prior to me starting pharmacy school, my mother broke her right femur bone. After two surgeries, she ended up in rehab. While in rehab she went back to the emergency room, now diagnosed with hypertension. The cardiologist at the time prescribed a medication which is not first line therapy for treatment of hypertension, and at the time, I did not know this and did not object to his recommendation.
Now fast-forward two years in my second year of pharmacy school, I learned what first line therapies for treatment of hypertension were; and when blood pressure is not controlled, it could lead to heart failure. I quickly researched a medication, consulted with my professor, and he reconfirmed my choice.
I went back home and told the cardiologist I wanted my mother on a different medication. Two years later my mom's blood pressure has been adequately controlled, and she has had no emergency room visits.
After successfully treating my first patient, my mom, I knew right away I wanted to use my baseline clinical skills I had acquired and take them to the next level. I know completing a PGY-1 pharmacy residency will not only help me master my clinical knowledge but also help me to become a board certified clinical pharmacist.
I was enthusiastic! I could not wait to finish my day at my rotation site to tell all my family members and friends who have vigorously supported me throughout my entire journey of not only applying to pharmacy school and getting in but also supporting me unconditionally these past four years. Without them, especially my mother, I would not have made it through successfully by passing all my courses, assessments, and examinations without repeating a course, failing an assessment, and/or not making anything less than a B.
My advice would be to make sure you take pharmacy school seriously. You cannot utilize the same study habits you did while in undergrad. Be sure to be comfortable with change which includes being able to change your study habits. Also be willingly to sacrifice a lot; pharmacy school is anything but easy, however if you sacrifice, I guarantee it will pay off in the end.
Also, if you have the slightest indication you may want to do a fellowship and/or residency, grades matter! Lastly, be sure to get involved, not only in organizations but also in leadership positions. I believe that is important when institutions review your application.
It does not matter the road you take to get to where you would like to go; all that matters is that you get there. Do not look at others with envy and jealously. Make your own way, put in the work, and it will pay off. Remember that on any day of the week, hard work beats talent every time.
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