I chose pharmacy—or pharmacy chose me—because it offers the opportunity to make a difference, care for those around me, and continue learning and growing. 

Pharmacists are on the front line of fighting the opioid epidemic and have unique roles in optimizing opioid prescribing, increasing awareness of opioid use disorder and associated treatments, and improving naloxone access across the nation. That being said, addressing the opioid epidemic as a New Practitioner can seem daunting.

Let me give you some insights into my experience with selecting our new puppy.

Perhaps the remaining number of days as a learner is etched into the whiteboard on the residents’ office or written as a reminder of the impending transition to independent practitioner in your personal planner.

If you can explain the “why” to the decision you made in that moment, chances are it’s the right one.