Students from the class of 2022 are celebrating the next step in their professional journey. Here they share what has inspired them along the way and what advice they would give to new students.
Where did you match?Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy - New Orleans, Louisiana
Due to the growing market of ambulatory care pharmacy, most positions are now requiring applicants complete a PGY-1 residency or have five years of clinical experience. As someone who wants to pursue ambulatory care pharmacy and academia, I knew a residency was required in order to make my dream career come true.
I felt overwhelmed with excitement and relief. It's a great feeling to know your dedicated hard work has paid off, but the greatest feeling is knowing that you get to continue the journey at your number one ranked choice.
Get Involved! P1 year is all about remembering the basics from prerequisites and learning drug names, so this is the perfect time to get your face out on campus and get involved in school pharmacy organizations. These groups not only help you streamline what type of pharmacy you want to pursue, but it also allows you to build your network and make lasting connections with people who have similar interests. Grades are important, yes, but being a well-rounded individual is what will make you an ideal residency candidate. Can you work in a team setting? How do you prefer to be led? How do you handle conflict? These are all things asked on interviews and can only be answered through experience in pharmacy organizations.
I am so thankful for all of my Pharmily (friends, mentors, and professors) for helping me get to this point. When it comes to pursuing residency, make sure you utilize all resources and get in contact with people whose practice is what you want to pursue. Ask them their goals and steps to how they got to where they are and it will help you figure out how you want to pursue your own path.
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