Prioritizing well-being as a new practitioner: A sustainable approach
By Zachary Curren, PharmD, MPH
Well-being has become one of the most important conversations in pharmacy. Workforce well-being and workplace conditions continue to be among the most pressing concerns across the profession. For new practitioners, the transition into practice often brings increased responsibility, evolving expectations, and a pace that can make it difficult to step back and prioritize personal well-being. If you want to build a sustainable career, you must be intentional about how you address these challenges from the very beginning.
The APhA Well-Being Advisory Committee was created to help move this conversation forward in meaningful ways. The committee focuses on promoting the holistic well-being of pharmacists and student pharmacists by identifying key workforce challenges and developing strategies to improve workplace culture, job satisfaction, and access to support. This work is informed by tools such as the Well-Being Index (WBI) and broader workplace reporting efforts.
Bringing the new practitioner perspective
As a member of the committee, my role has centered on contributing to these efforts while bringing a new practitioner perspective to the table. That perspective is important because many pharmacists enter the workforce without a clear framework for managing stress, navigating difficult experiences, or prioritizing their own well-being. Helping shape resources and conversations that address those gaps is a key part of the work the committee is doing.
A major focus of both APhA and the committee is ensuring pharmacists have access to practical resources. This includes initiatives that support professional development while emphasizing long-term sustainability, along with broader resources that address burnout, stress, and workplace challenges. These efforts reflect a shift in the profession toward recognizing that clinical excellence and personal well-being are not separate but closely connected.
One resource that stands out is the WBI. The WBI is a validated self-assessment tool designed to help health care professionals better understand their level of distress, burnout risk, and overall well-being. It provides individualized feedback and connects users with relevant resources based on their responses. In a profession where pushing through stress is often normalized, tools like the WBI create an opportunity for awareness, reflection, and early intervention.
Shaped by experience
While these tools are important, well-being is not supported through resources alone. It is also shaped by experience. Over time, I have come to recognize how personal and professional challenges can influence the way we show up in our work and in our lives. Early in my career, I was exposed to difficult moments within the profession that highlighted how unprepared many of us are to navigate stress, burnout, and the emotional demands of health care. Those experiences reinforced for me the need for stronger support systems and more open conversations about well-being.
Outside of work, maintaining well-being requires intentional effort. For me, that includes spending time with those closest to me, focusing on fitness, and engaging in creative outlets like music. These are not just hobbies, they are important ways to reset, maintain balance, and ensure that I can continue to show up fully both personally and professionally.
Well-being evolves over time
One of the most important lessons I have learned is that well-being is not static. It evolves over time. There are seasons when you can give more, and others when simply getting through the day is enough. During periods of increased workload or stress, I have had to learn to step back and accept that I can only do what I can in that moment.
That shift in mindset has been essential. Well-being is not about doing everything perfectly. It is about adapting without guilt, allowing yourself grace, setting boundaries when needed, and recognizing that your capacity will change over time. For new practitioners, this is especially important. Your approach to well-being will not look the same at every stage of your career, and it should not have to.
Prioritizing well-being is not a one-time decision, but an ongoing process. By taking advantage of available resources, engaging in supportive communities, and giving yourself the flexibility to adapt, you can build a career that is not only successful, but sustainable.
Zac Curren, PharmD, MPH, CACP, is a clinical pharmacist at Heartland Community Health Center in Lawrence, KS. His expertise lies in medication safety, drug information, and chronic care management. Outside of pharmacy, Zac is passionate about music and creates under the name “CXRRXNT.” He also enjoys cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs.