Episodes
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This episode is all about our breakdown and opinions of the 2024 ASHP residency match statistics. Match statistics have stayed relatively the same from 2023 with little difference in number of applicants and match rate. This could mean good things! Your chance of matching to a program should stay relatively the same this year meaning an 80-90% chance to match to a program as long as you get an interview with one program.
This is our last episode of the preparation podcast episode. We will continue to be the post-graduate pharmacist, but we are making the transition to a podcast for current graduates and current practicing post-graduate pharmacist. Stay tuned for updates and insights into our new series that we hope to release by the end of 2024.
This episode's take-aways:
Match rates have leveled off at around 82% match rates for those participating in the match. Higher number of early commitments to PGY2 programs from current PGY1 residentsCheck out our website and sign-up to join the SASO (separate and stand out) squad. Check out our blog. If you like the show, support us by telling your friends or colleagues about it. You can also support us by clicking the coffee button on the website and buying us a cup of coffee or getting yourself some of our premium merch.
Follow us on twitter @PGPharmacist or on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ThePostGraduatePharmacist. What questions did we not answer? What did you think of the show?
Music | "Sweet" by LiQWYD
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This episode is all about securing reference writers for letters of recommendation for pharmacy residency applications. Joining us is Dr. Brandi Bowers, a faculty member at UMKC School of Pharmacy at MSU.
Questions we discuss:
What is contained in the reference letter.Who to ask to writer your reference letter.When to ask for a reference letter.How to communicate and best inform your reference writer to improve your chances of obtaining a pharmacy residency interview.References from the episode:
Article we discuss: https://accpjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jac5.1929Letter of Recommendation template form (as of 11.24.23): https://www.ashp.org/-/media/assets/professional-development/residencies/docs/11-14-23-PhORCAS-New-Evaluation-Form.pdfCheck out our website and sign-up to join the SASO (separate and stand out) squad. Check out our blog. If you like the show, support us by telling your friends or colleagues about it. You can also support us by clicking the coffee button on the website and buying us a cup of coffee or getting yourself some of our premium merch.
Follow us on twitter @PGPharmacist or on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ThePostGraduatePharmacist. What questions did we not answer? What did you think of the show?
Music | "Sweet" by LiQWYD
Watch: https://youtu.be/eIYlaVPdNYM
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Missing episodes?
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This episode is all about all about Residency Showcases and Open Houses. Joining us is Dr. Katie Knight, a former PGY1 resident at Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola, Florida and current clinical pharmacist. At the time of the recording, Dr. Knight was still completing her residency and the episode is being released 6 months later.
Questions we discuss:
What recruiting mechanisms programs are currently using, including virtual and in-person showcases and open houses.Differences and similarities between showcases and open houses.Benefits of showcases and open housesIf the Midyear showcase attendance necessary to get a residencyThis episode's take-aways:
Showcases are generally held systematically at large meetings or conferences and can happen locally or nationally.Open houses are generally virtually and occur at various times depending on program availability Some open houses are joint if under a large health system How to find out about open houses: School/College of Pharmacy faculty and administrators (if they are contacted by programs); Listservs from professional organizations; Social media accounts from programs If planning to stay local and apply only to local program, consider only attending local showcases (state and surrounding states) instead of going to Midyear as well to save financially. Benefit of attending a showcase or open house is to create a comprehensive understanding of a program and obtain insight that is not included on the program website, but also get a sense of community of what it would be like to train at a given program.What should you do now?
Identify programs you are interested in.Determine if you would benefit from attending a regional or local showcase or if a national showcase is more feasible (depending on your geographic limitations)Determine if the program is holding an open house if travel to a national meeting is not feasible.What should you do later?
Develop a list of questions to ask programs at a showcase or open house. Continue to research and monitor program social media accounts to determine when/if they will hold open houses.Check out our website and sign-up to join the SASO (separate and stand out) squad. Check out our blog. If you like the show, support us by telling your friends or colleagues about it. You can also support us by clicking the coffee button on the website and buying us a cup of coffee or getting yourself some of our premium merch.
Follow us on twitter @PGPharmacist or on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ThePostGraduatePharmacist. What questions did we not answer? What did you think of the show?
Music | "Sweet" by LiQWYD
Watch: https://youtu.be/eIYlaVPdNYM
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This episode is about new changes to PhORCAS.
Questions we discuss:
Purpose of PhORCAS and what it is.When applicants can sign up and when they should.What has changed this year in PhORCAS.Components of the PhORCAS application.Cost and resources involved in the application.This episode's take-aways:
PhORCAS is more user-friendly than previous years.Sign up and make an account as soon as you get the chance.Make sure to fill out all parts of PhORCAS, even if they are on your CV.Plan for the cost associated with PhORCAS.Check out our website and sign-up to join the SASO (separate and stand out) squad. Check out our blog. If you like the show, support us by telling your friends or colleagues about it. You can also support us by clicking the coffee button on the website and buying us a cup of coffee or getting yourself some of our premium merch.
Follow us on twitter @PGPharmacist or on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ThePostGraduatePharmacist. What questions did we not answer? What did you think of the show?
Music | "Sweet" by LiQWYD
Watch: https://youtu.be/eIYlaVPdNYM
License: https://www.liqwydmusic.com/how-to-use
Download/Stream: https://hypeddit.com/link/un7fp7
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We break down the new letter of recommendation and give our thoughts on what this means for you!
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This episode is all about all about Being a Standout Candidate: Part 2. If you haven't already, go back and listen to Part 1 to discover how to shine as a candidate leading up to residency application deadlines. Here, we discuss being a standout candidate during the interview process and beyond.
Joining us is Dr. Elizabeth Hearn, an assistant professor at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth and the creator/host of the Pharm Five podcast.
Questions we discuss:
What elements from the pre-interview still maintain importance through interviewsWhich elements are less important or become obsoleteHow branding or selling yourself change during in-person interviews or Zoom callsThis episode's take-aways:
Organization and professionalism remain crucial during the chaotic interview season.Reflect on past experiences, showing a growth mindset and resilience.Be prepared to discuss every aspect of your application materials, including potential weaknesses.Finding the balance between professionalism and personality is key.What should you do now?
Maintain organization and professionalism throughout the interview process.Reflect on your past experiences and be ready to discuss personal and professional growth.What should you do later?
Continue embodying a balance of professionalism and personality in your personal and professional life.Strive for excellence, understanding that being a standout candidate is an ongoing process.Check out our website and sign-up to join the SASO (separate and stand out) squad. Check out our blog. If you like the show, support us by telling your friends or colleagues about it. You can also support us by clicking the coffee button on the website and buying us a cup of coffee or getting yourself some of our premium merch.
Follow us on twitter @PGPharmacist or on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ThePostGraduatePharmacist. What questions did we not answer? What did you think of the show?
Music | "Sweet" by LiQWYD
Watch: https://youtu.be/eIYlaVPdNYM
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This episode is all about becoming a standout candidate for pharmacy residency. Joining us is Dr. Elizabeth Hearn, assistant professor and creator/host of the "Pharm5 Podcast." We'll explore essential strategies to set you apart in the competitive world of post-graduate training.
Questions we discuss:
Key factors that make a candidate stand out.The role of grades in residency applications.Importance of leadership experiences and approaching them strategically.Maximizing the value of work experiences.Significance of research experience for residency applicants.Leveraging extracurricular activities to enhance your profile.Balancing aspects within and beyond a candidate's control.Selecting recommenders who can provide valuable insights.Maintaining professionalism and effective communication.The power of networking and building connections.Authentic ways to stand out in your applications.Final thoughts and advice for aspiring residency candidates.This episode's take-aways:
Aim for a competitive GPA (around 2.75 to 3.0), balancing grades with other experiences.Prioritize quality leadership roles over quantity.Part-time work and small-scale research projects can make a difference.Authenticity matters; be yourself and use social media professionally.Building connections and networking can open unexpected opportunities.Resilience and determination are as important as a perfect application.What should you do now?
Reflect on your experiences and consider areas where you can grow.Start building connections with mentors, peers, and colleagues.Embrace authenticity and showcase your personality on professional platforms.What should you do later?
Gradually build your application, focusing on clear organization and proofreading.Carefully select recommenders who can provide specific insights.Use social media for networking and stay informed about programs.Check out our website and sign-up to join the SASO (separate and stand out) squad. Check out our blog. If you like the show, support us by telling your friends or colleagues about it. You can also support us by clicking the coffee button on the website and buying us a cup of coffee or getting yourself some of our premium merch.
Follow us on twitter @PGPharmacist or on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ThePostGraduatePharmacist. What questions did we not answer? What did you think of the show?
Music | "Sweet" by LiQWYD
Watch: https://youtu.be/eIYlaVPdNYM
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This episode we discuss the overall stats from the 2023 ASHP Residency Match and discuss future implications of these results.
Check out our website and sign-up to join the SASO (separate and stand out) squad. Check out our blog. If you like the show, support us by telling your friends or colleagues about it. You can also support us by clicking the coffee button on the website and buying us a cup of coffee or getting yourself some of our premium merch.
Follow us on twitter @PGPharmacist or on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ThePostGraduatePharmacist. What questions did we not answer? What did you think of the show?
Music | "Sweet" by LiQWYD
Watch: https://youtu.be/eIYlaVPdNYM
License: https://www.liqwydmusic.com/how-to-use
Download/Stream: https://hypeddit.com/link/un7fp7
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PhORCAS is the online application tool for the ASHP residency process. Similar to PhARMCAS for pharmacy school. This is the tool where you will upload all your transcripts, CV, letter of intents, tag reference writers, and put all your info. There's a lot to consider when using this application tool and we break those down in this episode.
Questions we discuss:
Should you copy over all the fields in your letter of intent into the personalized fields in PhORCAS? How does the reference portion work?What are tips to build a successful PhORCAS application?What are the costs? How much will I pay per program?How to budget for PhORCASThis episode's take-aways:
It's going to take a long time to build your PhORCAS application so set aside periodical time to do this.What should you do now? PhORCAS does not open until later in the summer/fall, so right now just focus on your APPE rotations and building those spots in your resume, Listen to our other episodes on how to be successful during APPE's.
What should you do later? Get on PhORCAS and become familiar with it, start building your application
Check out our website and sign-up to join the SASO (separate and stand out) squad. Check out our blog. If you like the show, support us by telling your friends or colleagues about it. You can also support us by clicking the coffee button on the website and buying us a cup of coffee or getting yourself some of our premium merch.
Follow us on twitter @PGPharmacist or on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ThePostGraduatePharmacist. What questions did we not answer? What did you think of the show?
Music | "Sweet" by LiQWYD
Watch: https://youtu.be/eIYlaVPdNYM
License: https://www.liqwydmusic.com/how-to-use
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This episode is all about Match stats from Phase 1 of the 2023 ASHP Match.
This episode's take-aways:
742 less people enrolled in the match this year364 less people participatedMatch rate for phase 1 increased from 71.5% to 74.7% this yearThere are 672 PGY1 positions open in Phase 2498 of these positions are general PGY1 residencies.Check out our website and sign-up to join the SASO (separate and stand out) squad. Check out our blog. If you like the show, support us by telling your friends or colleagues about it. You can also support us by clicking the coffee button on the website and buying us a cup of coffee or getting yourself some of our premium merch.
Follow us on twitter @PGPharmacist or on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ThePostGraduatePharmacist. What questions did we not answer? What did you think of the show?
Music | "Sweet" by LiQWYD
Watch: https://youtu.be/eIYlaVPdNYM
License: https://www.liqwydmusic.com/how-to-use
Download/Stream: https://hypeddit.com/link/un7fp7
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This episode is a bonus episode about match predictions for 2023:
ASHP Match Statistics
Check out our website and sign-up to join the SASO (separate and stand out) squad. Check out our blog. If you like the show, support us by telling your friends or colleagues about it. You can also support us by clicking the coffee button on the website and buying us a cup of coffee or getting yourself some of our premium merch.
Follow us on twitter @PGPharmacist or on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ThePostGraduatePharmacist. What questions did we not answer? What did you think of the show?
Music | "Sweet" by LiQWYD
Watch: https://youtu.be/eIYlaVPdNYM
License: https://www.liqwydmusic.com/how-to-use
Download/Stream: https://hypeddit.com/link/un7fp7
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This episode discuss Phase 2 of the Match and how you should approach it similarly and differently than Phase 1. We also hear a prior conversation with Dr. Legg, who previously navigated Phase 2.
Topics we discuss:
Phase 2 introductions and timelinePrior experience with Phase 2What your mindset should be going into Phase 2How you should approach Phase 2 differently than Phase 1This episode's take-aways:
Phase 2 is a very condensed version of Phase 1 (occurs over the period of ~3 weeks). As such, most interviews will be conducted virtually or over the phone.Get applications in ASAP during Phase 2. The earlier the better.Keep a positive mindset throughout. Check out our episodes of what to do if you don't match in Phase 1 and what to do if you don't match in Phase 2.Hear the approach from Dr. Rachel Legg from a prior conversation we had.Consider expanding your geographical limitations and carefully consider the competition of the programs you are applying toHave backup plans during Phase 2If you plan to pursue Phase 2, early and often communication with your mentor or faculty member, as well as reference is critical to your success as you navigate PhaseCheck out our website and sign-up to join the SASO (separate and stand out) squad. Check out our blog. If you like the show, support us by telling your friends or colleagues about it. You can also support us by clicking the coffee button on the website and buying us a cup of coffee or getting yourself some of our premium merch.
Follow us on twitter @PGPharmacist or on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ThePostGraduatePharmacist. What questions did we not answer? What did you think of the show?
Music | "Sweet" by LiQWYD
Watch: https://youtu.be/eIYlaVPdNYM
License: https://www.liqwydmusic.com/how-to-use
Download/Stream: https://hypeddit.com/link/un7fp7
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This episode is all about Phase 1 of the Match and how to navigate it.
Topics we discuss:
Phase 1 introductions, timeline, statisticsStrategies for ranking programs for Phase 1Red flags you should be looking for during your interview during Phase 1 that you should consider during rankingHow many programs you should rankWhat you should do while awaiting Phase 1 match resultsThis episode's take-aways:
Phase 1 of the Match may include virtual interviews, on-site interviews, open houses, showcases, or both. It lasts over the course of months. Deadlines are typically early March for Phase I rank lists being due for applicants and programs. Mid-March is when Match Day results are available and when Phase 2 applications begin. See more information here.The Match algorithm is set up in your favor so rank programs by which ones you like the most (not by how you think they may have viewed you), but don't rank programs you don't see yourself going to. Rank as many programs as you could see yourself going to.Find out more about it in Episode 3 or watch this video on how The Match works.The Match statistics from this past year indicate a trend that favors candidates, but it is still competitive. See more information here.Keep yourself busy after submitting Phase 1 rank lists and talk to your preceptor about potentially being off that day and working out a mutual agreement for make-up work. Be prepared and know if you would want to pursue Phase 2 if you don't match.Check out our website and sign-up to join the SASO (separate and stand out) squad. Check out our blog. If you like the show, support us by telling your friends or colleagues about it. You can also support us by clicking the coffee button on the website and buying us a cup of coffee or getting yourself some of our premium merch.
Follow us on twitter @PGPharmacist or on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ThePostGraduatePharmacist. What questions did we not answer? What did you think of the show?
Music | "Sweet" by LiQWYD
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This episode is all about Interview Science. Joining us is Our guest today has experience in all aspects of hiring as a Talent Leader and award winning principal recruiter. He has experience as a Job interview coach, Howleader developer and advisor, executive interviewer and he developed the REAP RICH interview science, which I’m excited to know more about. He has a national presence in media and speaking events, he’s been featured on places like CBS broadcasting and Harvard. He’s the author of multiple books including The Interview Science and Cracking the Code To A Successful Interview: 15 insider secretes from a top-level recruiter.
Check out Evan's Howleader website
Check out Evans book Cracking he Code To A Successful Interview here
We only discuss one major question:
What is the REAP RICH acronym stand for and how is it used in interview science?With this question we explore the following:
What is unique about health care professionals interview prep?What are the "questions behind the questions"?What are ways to turn around an interview?How personal is too personal?What questions can you ask during an interview?We also discuss a lot about closing the interview which is not as important for those going through the Match, but can be very important for those looking for positions outside the match.
This episode's take-aways:
Remember the REAP RICH acronym which stands for Results, Energy, Attitude, Process, Relationships, Interview the Interviewer, Close the Interviewer, and Humanity. Results: 6-10 results delivered very quicklyEnergy: Say it with enthusiasm and blow people away, "polished passion"Attitude: Don't be negative or say negative things that the interviewer can latch ontoProcesses: describe how you were able to achieve the accomplishments Relationships: Show that you make connections and you are someone they will want to work with as a colleagueInterview the interviewer: Ask great questionsClose the interview: See where you stand, address any concernsHumanity: Build rapportCheck out our other episodes on Interviewing:
https://www.postgraduatepharmacist.com/interview-preparation-part-1-perspectives-of-past-residents/
https://www.postgraduatepharmacist.com/interview-preparation-part-2-perspectives-of-a-residency-program-director/#show-notes
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This episode is all about letters of intent and how to develop one that will standout.
Questions we discuss:
What is a letter of intent? How is it different from a cover letter or personal statement?What content should be included in a letter of intent?How can you be specific and avoid being generic in a letter of intent?What is "fluff" and how to avoid it?What other things should I consider for my letter of intent?This episode's take-aways:
LOI is a short document that allows you to voice your career goals, experience and leadership that make you a fit for a residency program and also how the program can benefit youContent of LOI should be specific and should include: what interests you in the program, how the program can benefit you, how you can benefit the programLOI should be specific to each individual programFluff = generic traits a lot of applicants have (hard worker, manage time) - skills you think a resident should have that you just compile a listTo avoid "fluff" - provide specific examples as follow-ups when describing your attributes, skills or experienceMake sure you LOI showcases that you have done a great deal of self-reflection (about your experiences and skills and capabilities you gained from them) - this is important during residency trainingRead other examples and use your resources (mentors, preceptors, professional organizations [ACCP, ASHP], books, etc.)Make sure your LOI aligns with your CV and other pieces of your applicationDevelop a checklist of things you want to clearly articulateDon't write it in one sittingHave others read and double check your LOIAddress it to the correct program/program director Be yourself!Check out our website and sign-up to join the SASO (separate and stand out) squad. Check out our blog. If you like the show, support us by telling your friends or colleagues about it. You can also support us by clicking the coffee button on the website and buying us a cup of coffee or getting yourself some of our premium merch.
Follow us on twitter @PGPharmacist or on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ThePostGraduatePharmacist. What questions did we not answer? What did you think of the show?
Music | "Sweet" by LiQWYD
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In this episode we bring in the experts Brad Pierson, senior director at CareerPharm, and Jessie Hipple Rosario, student forum director at ASHP to talk about Personnel Placement Service (PPS) that occurs annually at the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting. PPS is essentially a massive job fair in which you can schedule one on one interviews with employers, except only those who sign up for PPS can get access. PPS is very popular with PGY1 residents seeking PGY2's or career positions, but it can also be beneficial for student pharmacists wanting select experiences.
Questions we discuss on this episode:
What is PPS? What can you expect at PPS?What are the benefits of PPS for a student pharmacist?What are the benefits of PPS for residents and graduates?How do you sign up for PPS and what can you expect?Who should sign-up for PPS?When can you sign-up?How does the PPS interface work and who can reach out to who about interviews?How should a candidate best prepare for PPS?Where can you find more information about PPS?This episode's take-aways:
PPS condenses the travel and time it takes to interview at multiple places into one convenient location. The earlier you sign-up the more time you will have to prepare your materials that employers will seeStudents wanting a general PGY1 residency may not get much benefit out of PPS; however, it may be beneficial to residents wanting combined PGY1 & PGY2 programs, administrative programs, or industry fellowships to name a few. When scheduling interviews, give yourself at least 30 minutes between interviews to travel and prepare for the next interview.Do your research and prepare questions to ask the program you are interviewing at.What should you do now?
Check out the PPS websiteCheck out the PPS Tips and TricksConsider signing up for PPS and start doing your research.Check out our website and sign-up to join the SASO (separate and stand out) squad. Check out our blog. If you like the show, support us by telling your friends or colleagues about it. You can also support us by clicking the coffee button on the website and buying us a cup of coffee or getting yourself some of our premium merch.
Follow us on twitter @PGPharmacist or on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ThePostGraduatePharmacist. What questions did we not answer? What did you think of the show?
Music | "Sweet" by LiQWYD
Watch: https://youtu.be/eIYlaVPdNYM
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This episode is all about curriculum vitaes and what things you should do to polish yours.
Questions we discuss:
What is a CV vs a resume?What goes into your CV?What are some ways to make your CV pop or give it some CV flare?What should the substance and focus of the CV be?This episode's take-aways:
CV is much more than a resume. There is no page limit, and it's going to highlight your entire career when it comes to a certain profession. Your CV may only be 1 to 2 pages starting off, but it will expand. Your CV should be organized with clear transitions from one section to another. Section headers that stand out (bold, underlined) help people navigate your CV easily. Have your CV tell your story about your experience and education. Put things in reverse chronological order and label things, specifically dates, similarly throughoutNO COMPLETE SENTENCES! Avoid walls of text, you want this to be easily scanned and overall summarized. Don't go overboard with flare, but it is ok to add some color to make it stand out more. Consider having an online CV or online portfolio where you can show pictures or expand on elements in the CV. You can link the hard copy of the CV to the website with a QR code using a free QR code creator Check out some CV prep tips from ACCP and ASHPCheck out Episode 14, "Items to include on your CV" for more details on what to include and remove from the sections of your CV.What should you do now?
Pull out your CV or resume and make the skeleton with the area's we talked about in the episodeSchedule some time every 3 months to update the CVCreate a to-do list of things to add to your CV and keep itWhat should you do later?
Get others to review your CV, mentors, peers (peers you trust!)Continue to updateCreate plans for filling in gap areasCheck out our website and sign-up to join the SASO (separate and stand out) squad. Check out our blog. If you like the show, support us by telling your friends or colleagues about it. You can also support us by clicking the coffee button on the website and buying us a cup of coffee or getting yourself some of our premium merch.
Follow us on twitter @PGPharmacist or on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ThePostGraduatePharmacist. What questions did we not answer? What did you think of the show?
Music | "Sweet" by LiQWYD
Watch: https://youtu.be/eIYlaVPdNYM
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Dr. Steuber and Dr. Smithgall talk about creating a time-line for post-graduate application.
It’s time to create your personalized time-line in this episode of our PGP Fundamentals Series.
In this episode we will review what to do leading up to your APPEs followed by what to do During APPEs.
Key take-aways about time-lines:
It's never too early to start the application processThe Fall is not too late to decide you want to do residencyThe earlier you start preparing, the less anxious you will be and the more prepared you will feel.Breaking it down into two separate segments:
1. Prior to your APPE year
2. During your APPE year
Prior to your APPE year:
This is when you should really be thinking about how to be a standout candidate and your short and long-term career goals and how you will achieve those.
Think about post-graduate training as an option. You don’t have to settle on it now, just whether or not it’s worth looking into. If the answer is yes, then start going through the steps as if you were applying. Most of the steps will benefit you in pursuing ANY career in pharmacy, so it’s definitely not a waste of time.
Let’s break it down by year assuming you are in a 4 year program with year 1, 2, & 3, being the classroom experience and the forth year being APPE’s.
Year 1: First, take a moment and give yourself some credit for starting so early, and then take a deep breath, because there is absolutely nothing to stress about at this stage in your education. This also goes for those who didn’t even fathom Post-grad training at this stage. This is your year to get involved in organizations and really focus on setting a foundation for your academics. Don’t get overwhelmed with organizational involvement, pick 2-3 organizations to join, and try to get involved in at least 1 by helping plan an event, or applying for a low level leadership position. Start trying to form relationships with your mentors, these can be assigned or unassigned. Just take some time to talk to them, let them know how you are doing.
Year 2: If you’re in more than 2 organizations, feel free to let one go so you can focus more in your top 2. Try to get more involved, planning one or more events and applying for a leadership position. Start making a plan with your mentors to get scholarship or research, ask them what they are working on and if you can help. Don’t let academics plummet, but at the same time the second year can sometimes be more difficult and it’s ok to not perform as well as your first year. Think about applying for a summer internship or working 1-2 weekends a month if your academics can handle it. Work experience is wonderful to have.
Year 3: This is your last chance to really focus on leadership and service to an organization. If you don’t have a research or scholarly project, try to establish one here. You’ll want to present a poster or or have something of substance from your work by this year or by Fall of your APPEs, 4th year. Try to get a mock interview done with either career services or with one of your faculty. It’s been a long time since then.
Check out Episode 8 about completing Research as part of your post-graduate training pursuits.
During your APPE year:
SUMMER:
Keep track of significant moments and jot them down to use later when thinking of answers to situational questions. Here's a source of some of the questions you may get on residency interviews. Start securing reference writers by asking "will you be willing to write me a positive letter of... -
Check out our website and sign-up to join the SASO (separate and stand out) squad. Check out our blog. If you like the show, support us by telling your friends or colleagues about it. You can also support us by clicking the coffee button on the website and buying us a cup of coffee or getting yourself some of our premium merch.
Follow us on twitter @PGPharmacist or on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ThePostGraduatePharmacist. What questions did we not answer? What did you think of the show?
Music | "Sweet" by LiQWYD
Watch: https://youtu.be/eIYlaVPdNYM
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This episode is all about imposter syndrome and professional identity formation and how they can impact your pursuit of post-graduate training opportunities.
Questions we discuss:
What is imposter syndrome? Is it restricted to just student pharmacistsWhat is professional identity, how does it relate to imposter syndrome?How can you identify if your imposter syndrome fears aren’t actually true things?What are some strategies to build confidence and limit imposter syndrome?How can you develop and market your professional identity into your self-branding?What advice would you give pharmacy educators to support professional identity formation and curb or limit imposter syndrome?This episode's take-aways:
1. Imposter syndrome: feeling of inadequacy or doubting your capabilities. This feeling is not restricted to just students or residents. In fact, it is commonly felt by everyone, even those who are seasoned in their careers, especially when they have new experiences. This is an ongoing phenomenon you will encounter throughout your career.
2. Professional identity: thinking, feeling, and acting like a given profession (i.e. pharmacist). The “feeling” component of this can be difficult and can take a long time to develop the core values and behaviors of the profession. It takes a lot of time and experience to “feel” like a pharmacist.
3. Relationship between imposter syndrome and professional identity: not having fully developed a professional identity can lead to feelings of inadequacy (i.e. imposter syndrome). Professional identity formation goes through periods of growth, expansion, and reconstruction over the course of one’s career which can lead to feelings of imposter syndrome during those changes. Normalizing these feelings and embracing these new, but sometimes uncomfortable, experiences is fundamental to overcoming them.
4. Strategies to overcome feelings of imposter syndrome:
Normalize the feelingBe transparent and discuss it with mentorsShare experiences with one anotherReflect on experiences and think about what they mean to you in your career journeyLead with who you are,ow n it, and be unapologetic about itRecognize all the hard work and accomplishments you’ve had to get to where you currently are and be proud of it5. Marketing your professional identity: think about your personal identity and how it makes you unique (your personal beliefs and values and why those are your beliefs and values) and how they overlap with your professional identity. These make you unique and can help you brand yourself. Consider communicating those with your potential employers either in your interview, through your letter of intent, etc.
6. Pharmacy educators’ role in professional identity formation and curbing imposter syndrome:
Recognize importance of relationships and mentorship – take the steps to initiate those relationships and build trust When providing feedback, frame it in a way that is not demeaning but meant to help them develop. Incorporate positive affirmations. Encourage students and learners to seek feedback and mentorship from multiple people to get unique perspectivesModel the process of not knowing something, help them see you’re still learning and growing in your own journey of professional identity formation and imposter syndrome. Consider new ways of sharing your story and your journey with learnersProfessional Identity paper discussed in today’s episode:
Johnson JL, Arif S, Bloom TJ, Isaacs AN, Moseley LE, Janke KK. Preparing pharmacy educators as expedition guides to support professional identity... - Show more
