By Sarder Sadid, PharmD
Starting your career as a pharmacist is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. That is why the APhA New Practitioner Community Day of NP LIFE has become such an important event for early career pharmacists. Far more than just a conference, it is an immersive in-person experience designed to equip new practitioners with the tools, insights, and community that they need to thrive.
I attended last year and walked away feeling inspired, informed, and connected. There is something powerful about being surrounded by peers who are navigating the same questions, alongside mentors who are ready to share what really matters.
Real conversations, practical takeaways
Held each year in Washington, DC, the Day of NP LIFE features high-impact sessions that go beyond surface level advice. Last year’s schedule included topics like:
• Setting Boundaries Without Guilt
• Making Your Voice Heard in the Profession
• Financially Fit: Your First Five Years
• What I Wish I Knew as a New Practitioner
The sessions are tailored for new practitioners, covering everything from burnout prevention and leadership to finances and self-advocacy. What stood out most to me was honesty. Speakers did not just highlight their successes; they shared their mistakes, their pivots, and the things they wish someone had told them sooner.
A true community of support
One of the best parts of this event is the sense of community. Throughout the day, there are organic opportunities to connect, whether during breakout discussions, the networking lunch, or informal conversations in between sessions. It is a space where you do not have to explain what you are going through because everyone has been there or is right there with you.
You will meet pharmacists from across the country who are at similar stages in their careers, and many attendees walk away with new friendships, accountability partners, and professional connections that last well beyond the event. You will also meet APhA leaders and learn about ways to get more involved in shaping the future of the profession. These relationships do not end with the event; they continue to grow through mentorship, collaboration, and national engagement.
Day of NP LIFE 2025
This year’s Day of NP LIFE will be held October 24–25, 2025, and promises even more value, with fresh speakers, new content, and an updated agenda that reflects the evolving realities of pharmacy practice. Whether you are a recent graduate, in your residency, navigating your first full- time role, or starting to settle into your career, this is your chance to reset, refocus, and reignite your passion for the work you do.
Invest in yourself and your future. Join a community of new practitioners who are ready to lead, learn, and grow together. APhA’s Day of NP LIFE is where that journey begins. Stay tuned to the APhA New Practitioner Community, APhA social media, and your email for more information!
Sarder Sadid, PharmD, is a consultant at Molekule Consulting and lives in Charlotte, NC. He serves on the 2025–2026 APhA New Practitioner Community Education Work Group. A strong advocate for both pharmacists and patients, he is passionate about advancing the profession through education and collaboration. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, reading, practicing meditation, and cheering on his favorite sports teams.