Ellie Balken is a third-year PharmD candidate at the South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy & Allied Health Professions.
1. As you reflect on your student pharmacist experience thus far, what are some of your favorite memories?
Throughout my student pharmacist experience thus far, I’ve felt blessed to have participated in opportunities that broadened my appreciation for the profession and helped me form incredible connections and friendships along the way.
One of the core experiences that has shaped my student pharmacist experience has been my involvement with APhA–ASP. I’ve enjoyed growing student involvement and reframing the culture of our local chapter in a manner that maintains professionalism while incorporating an inclusive environment for all student pharmacists.
In addition, attending regional and national conferences has been a highlight, especially because of the lifelong friendships made along the way.
Along with APhA–ASP, another favorite experience of mine is being a peer educator for both pre-health and pre-pharmacy students, and developing a deeper appreciation for watching student pharmacists realize their academic potential and grow personally and academically. I’ve also loved the unique opportunity to learn and develop cultural awareness through studying abroad in Kumasi, Ghana and Amsterdam, The Netherlands. It was incredible witnessing the level of patient care provided, the unique challenges faced by professionals in other countries, and the impact pharmacists can have on health worldwide.
Last, youth mentoring was one of the most rewarding experiences because I was able to introduce my mentee to new experiences and people to show her the limitless possibilities for her future. One message I always told her was to never be afraid to be her authentic self, and this is what inspired me to develop our local chapter theme for the year, “Fearlessly You.”
2. Pharmacy school is demanding, especially when you add on additional activities. How do you manage all of your responsibilities?
Managing responsibilities is a challenge all student pharmacists and professionals face daily. The most impactful advice I have received thus far has been to invest time into organizations that bring you joy. When you align your passions with activities and involvement, you’ll want to put time and effort into the responsibilities that come with them.
Another lesson I’ve learned is the importance of establishing a routine while also not being hesitant to put something new in the mix if it will help you grow. I have relied heavily on organization strategies and always carry my planner with me to take notes and create lists, and I always have my schedule readily available. With a routine in place, I also have found it is easier to schedule in times to focus on my mental health and prevent becoming too overwhelmed. Learning to recognize early signs of burnout in both yourself and your peers is something I have found extremely valuable and hope to continue as I move into my career. Organization is crucial for maintaining a balance with your personal and professional life. My advice would be to find a system that works for your current lifestyle, follow through on each part, and make adjustments when necessary.
3. What are some of your favorite leadership tools and/or resources?
Throughout my leadership journey thus far, the advice I’ve chosen to follow is that there is always something to be learned from every interaction and experience, whether positive or negative. When you know your leadership styles and the leadership styles of those alongside you, you can be more productive and maximize impact.
Some of my favorite readings and activities surrounding leadership have been related to emotional intelligence. Being emotionally intelligent trickles into all areas of your life, both personally and professionally, allowing you to achieve greater connections, improved communication, and self-awareness. Discussing The Healing of America by T. R. Reid with fellow students and professional mentors while studying abroad sparked many meaningful conversations about emotional intelligence, particularly while being immersed in exploring health care and culture within Ghana alongside future physicians.
Also, the biggest leadership lesson I have learned has been to approach each opportunity you are given to learn about leadership, whether inside or outside of the classroom, with a growth mindset. In that way, you are sure to learn and develop along the way.
4. What does being a leader mean, and what does being selected for this award mean, to you?
The definition of being a leader and what it looks like differs drastically from individual to individual; however, I believe there are a few shared central concepts of being a leader, regardless of personal perspective.
One of the most valuable qualities a leader should possess is the ability to engage fellow team members to use and build upon their personal strengths. Using this skill as a leader helps reinforce the concept that we should strive to build well-rounded teams rather than sole well-rounded individuals.
Second, being a leader means you and your team are sustainable in your practices, ultimately thinking of the future. This applies to constantly considering the impact various outcomes will have on future years, including pushing for proactive advancements and progress.
Being selected for this award is an incredibly rewarding and humbling honor. It means my peers appreciate and recognize my commitment, dedication, and passion for all things APhA–ASP and even more importantly, our impact on the local community and the individuals within it. It also is a representation of the message I have been aiming to instill in younger student pharmacists throughout my local chapter: you are capable and will create proactive changes within your communities when you are fearlessly true to your core values and authentic in your conversations and actions.
5. What’s next for you?
In the coming months I will begin my APPE rotations, and I intend to use these experiences to explore potential career paths and determine which is most aligned with my goals. I am excited for this time to figure out which practice areas spark my interest the most, allow me to be courageous, and use the skills and lessons from the past years to advance the health of my patients.
I cannot wait to work alongside incredible clinical pharmacist leaders in their fields and connect with peers and residents who are also in the exploratory phase of their professional journey during my longitudinal APPE experience at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.
Following graduation, I hope to pursue residency either in ambulatory care or inpatient services. Later in my professional career, I also would love the opportunity to be involved with academia or precept student pharmacists, giving back to an education system that has shaped me into who I am today.