The year 2020. Need I say more? The last calendar year challenged APhA–ASP Chapters in unforeseen ways. Game plans that we had successfully implemented in the past were no longer an option. Mainstay events had to be scratched entirely. Any plans of incoming chapter executive boards needed a rethink.

Legendary NCAA basketball coach John Wooden said, “If we fail to adapt, we fail to move forward.” The success of chapters all over the country this fall embodied these words. At the Albany 
College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS), we adapted and we conquered. 

In 2020, Martin Bailey was on the other side of the patient care experience. He persevered through the pandemic and is ready for a brighter 2021.

If you’ve ever seen a commercial about Humira, chances are you’ve probably heard of ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD). I was diagnosed with UC at age 11 when I was transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) in the early 2000s. 

What I did not know at the time was that Loma Linda University (LLU) would come back into my life in two big ways: I’d be working for Loma Linda University Hospital (LLUH) and attending the Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy (LLUSP).

Hello again, “Kelsea” here! I am optimistic about my future as a pharmacist as I begin my fifth rotation of the year and start thinking critically about post-graduation career options, but I can’t help feeling uncertain at times. 

For final-year student pharmacists, the fall semester can bring some unanticipated stressors. Mine have included preparing for virtual residency webinars and interviews, making every effort to perform well on clinical rotations, and trying not to get distracted by the overwhelming speed at which life keeps moving forward. During pharmacy school, I seldom had to think past the next therapeutics exam or Friday night out with my friends. This shift in perspective has resulted in mixed emotions, primarily dominated by excitement and a slight fear of making the wrong decision. Over the last few weeks, I have been working to reframe a mindset of ambiguity to one of gratitude for the vast array of opportunities I am blessed to have as I prepare for my next chapter in life. 

Here are two daily reminders that help me along the way.

Advice from Douglas Tam (center): ‘Live in the moment, as learning never ends!’

Hey, Kelsea! I am happy to hear that you are already reflecting on your values and considering what will be important to you in your future career. Transitioning from a student pharmacist to a new practitioner can be filled with uncertainty, but here are a few tips that I have learned along the way that should help with a successful transition. 

Reflect 

One of the most important skills to have is the ability to reflect effectively. Self-reflection is important during your time as a student pharmacist and as a resident, a fellow, or a practitioner. What personal skills set you apart from others? What are your largest areas of interest? Are you able to identify your areas of improvement? Are you willing to seek out wisdom and advice from others to assist in continued personal and professional development? 

Student pharmacists often hear about career options in either the community or hospital/institutional settings. But one option that is often overlooked is pursuing a career within the pharmaceutical industry. There are many opportunities within this industry, including clinical research, pharmacovigilance, regulatory affairs, marketing, and medical affairs. Pharmacists have active roles within the pharmaceutical industry designing and monitoring clinical trials, conducting and assessing pharmacovigilance, participating in regulatory affairs and governing bodies, and creating and evaluating marketing materials and strategies. Within the medical affairs arena, pharmacists are commonly engaged as therapeutic area strategy leads, medical science liaisons, and 
medical information specialists. 

On September 17, representatives from phactMI presented a webinar as part of the APhA Career Opportunities Series. The webinar focused on pharmaceutical industry careers, the role of medical information services, and phactMI. This article will provide further information on this practice setting and detail the many routes to entry into a pharmaceutical industry career.