- Joined
- Apr 23, 2006
- Messages
- 2,812
- Reaction score
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- Points
- 4,661
- Age
- 45
- Location
- San Antonio, TX
- Pharmacist
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Around this time, three years ago, I was finishing up my last rotation as a student. These are some random thoughts from an RPh three years on.
On how to get your dream job... Pursue your interest with passion and vigor. Definitely develop your resilience. If you are talented enough to get into school, you are talented enough to do this job. The great jobs however, go to those willing to work harder and smarter. Be one of them.
On the importance of residency... It helps open the door. No one will give you a clinical practice to develop. You have to seek it. However you get the door to open, you will need the following:
1. Networking and Friends. I can't tell you how many mentors have shown me the way. I've met several on this forum. Whether it be navigating the complex corporation or highlighting your mis-steps, they are invaluable. Say thank you with sincerity and frequency. Never, and I mean never, burn bridges.
2. Develop your plan for continuous growth and training. Whether you call it life long learning or some other program, you have to make a plan and stick with it. Once beyond school and residency, its up to you to grow and remain relevant. Skills out of residency will land you a role, your development will determine what happens to it.
3. Develop your business plan. Healthcare is driven by reimbursement for services. Whether you work in a 'System of Health' or a 'Health based System', you must identify your currency. Some practices focus on expanding safety, others on implementation of evidence based medicine. If you do not bring in money, you are simply an irrelevant cog in the wheel. One that can be eliminated at the first necessary downsize.
4. Market yourself and your practice. Doing great things means if the important people don't know you do it. Get in front of people and talk about what you do. Give presentations at grand rounds, safety meetings, monthly training, nursing homes, schools of pharmacy, etc... Once people know you do great work, find new ways to promote the practice.
5. Have fun. Life isn't long enough to waste. If retail sucks (and let's be honest, it does), make a plan to fix it. I don't want to make it sound like my job doesn't suck sometimes. It does. I never dread going to work, though. That is saying something.
For background, I completed my PGY1 residency at a teaching hospital system. After residency, I became a "number 2" pharmacist at a small clinic filling 100-300 RXs per day. Not being the person in charge, I was given a great deal of flexibility. I was challenged to develop programs to meet instituition strategic goals. Out of the planning process, a small-scale clinical practice was born.
I spend 40-50% of my time working on clinical services that include: MTM for chronic conditions, behavioral health screening for high risk patients, and poly pharmacy. I also act as the local POC for formulary issues, drug info questions, and as needed consults.
Just a collection of thoughts...
On how to get your dream job... Pursue your interest with passion and vigor. Definitely develop your resilience. If you are talented enough to get into school, you are talented enough to do this job. The great jobs however, go to those willing to work harder and smarter. Be one of them.
On the importance of residency... It helps open the door. No one will give you a clinical practice to develop. You have to seek it. However you get the door to open, you will need the following:
1. Networking and Friends. I can't tell you how many mentors have shown me the way. I've met several on this forum. Whether it be navigating the complex corporation or highlighting your mis-steps, they are invaluable. Say thank you with sincerity and frequency. Never, and I mean never, burn bridges.
2. Develop your plan for continuous growth and training. Whether you call it life long learning or some other program, you have to make a plan and stick with it. Once beyond school and residency, its up to you to grow and remain relevant. Skills out of residency will land you a role, your development will determine what happens to it.
3. Develop your business plan. Healthcare is driven by reimbursement for services. Whether you work in a 'System of Health' or a 'Health based System', you must identify your currency. Some practices focus on expanding safety, others on implementation of evidence based medicine. If you do not bring in money, you are simply an irrelevant cog in the wheel. One that can be eliminated at the first necessary downsize.
4. Market yourself and your practice. Doing great things means if the important people don't know you do it. Get in front of people and talk about what you do. Give presentations at grand rounds, safety meetings, monthly training, nursing homes, schools of pharmacy, etc... Once people know you do great work, find new ways to promote the practice.
5. Have fun. Life isn't long enough to waste. If retail sucks (and let's be honest, it does), make a plan to fix it. I don't want to make it sound like my job doesn't suck sometimes. It does. I never dread going to work, though. That is saying something.
For background, I completed my PGY1 residency at a teaching hospital system. After residency, I became a "number 2" pharmacist at a small clinic filling 100-300 RXs per day. Not being the person in charge, I was given a great deal of flexibility. I was challenged to develop programs to meet instituition strategic goals. Out of the planning process, a small-scale clinical practice was born.
I spend 40-50% of my time working on clinical services that include: MTM for chronic conditions, behavioral health screening for high risk patients, and poly pharmacy. I also act as the local POC for formulary issues, drug info questions, and as needed consults.
Just a collection of thoughts...
