Reflections for final-year PharmD candidates
ON ROTATION
by “Kelsea”
The season you have been waiting for is finally here—graduation! This past year of APPE rotations has been filled with personal growth, new professional connections, and the anticipation of calling yourself “pharmacist” in a few short months. The wait is over, and soon you will begin the next chapter of your life as you start your professional career. I invite you to take a moment to celebrate, express gratitude, and set goals with me as you reflect on your pharmacy school years.
Celebrate
You did it! After successfully completing several challenging years of PharmD coursework, you have every right to be proud of yourself. Whether your college is hosting an in-person graduation ceremony or you’ll be tuning in virtually, take some time to celebrate your achievements with friends and family. It is easy to get hyperfocused on residency or job planning, but don’t neglect the graduation festivities your loved ones are eager to host for you.
Express gratitude
Pharmacy school can at times feel challenging and isolating. There were definitely days that I felt I was at it alone, but then I remember the late-night study sessions with my closest classmates, the time professors took to help me achieve my goals, and the endless FaceTime calls with my family back home.
I recognize that I could not have made it this far without all the incredible people who have helped me along the way. Make sure the folks who helped you know how grateful you are for their support by sending them a text or an e-mail, writing them a note, or picking up the phone.
Set goals
All throughout school, you have heard about the importance of becoming lifelong learners. While your formal education may be coming to an end, you can always maintain a student’s curiosity and dedication. Ponder what’s next for you in your professional journey and set goals to continue achieving your dreams. You are lucky to be entering a profession with vast and plentiful opportunities for research, advanced credentialing, leadership, and more.
My wish for you is that you will continue engaging and advancing the pharmacy profession. The future for pharmacists is only as bright as we make it, so let’s put pen to paper and make the next chapter of pharmacy one for the history books!
My question for our preceptor feedback author, Sara Massey, PharmD: What can newly minted pharmacists do immediately after graduation to set the foundation for becoming lifelong learners?