New to Pharmacy
Introduction
Graduating from pharmacy school can be exciting yet scary, especially if you feel like you have not fully prepared for the responsibilities of being a pharmacist.
- However, if you wait until you are fully ready, you will never get started.
- Do not let fear hold you back from taking the first step, and avoid getting caught in the cycle of endless "what-ifs" due to excessive contemplation.
The Top 100 Drugs
With over 20,000 prescription drug products approved for marketing, it can be overwhelming to try to learn about all of them within the first week of work (probably an impossible mission).
- Instead, focus on familiarizing yourself with the most commonly prescribed drugs, which will make your transition to the workplace smoother.
The Top 100 Drugs, 2022 published by Elsevier is a good starting point of your learning journey.
- Alternatively, you can start by learning the drugs listed in this blog post on their indications and common dosage.
As you progress in your profession, you can then begin to learn about less commonly used drugs.
Summary
Remember: boundless enthusiasm, unwavering hope and a thirst for knowledge - these are the qualities that senior pharmacists seek in their new colleagues.
Let them guide your journey as you embrace these essential tips:
Be your professional best
- Demonstrate respect - Treat everyone with courtesy and professionalism.
- Embrace humility - Be open to feedback, willing to learn from others and acknowledge areas for improvement.
- Never stop learning - Continuously expand your knowledge through courses, research and independent study. Understand the "why" behind your actions, not just the "how"
Seek support and growth
- Look up information when unsure - Seek clarity, not shortcuts! Double-check information to ensure accuracy and confidence in your practice.
- Do not hesitate to ask for help - Seek guidance from seniors or colleagues.
- Learn from mistakes - Making mistakes is part of being a human or part of learning process, but do not let them become excuses. Take responsibility for your actions, analyse your errors, and use them as opportunities to improve your skills and knowledge. Embrace each experience as a stepping stone on your path to growth and excellence.
Hi. Sorry for asking this, wondering if you happened to know. If I want to venture into industrial pharmacy i.e PRP in industrial settings, are there blogs like yours, sites or perhaps social media accounts that I can follow to know more the field and career trajectory? I'm interested but my concern is mainly what I can do to improve myself during the PRP-ship and later on in that field, apart from continuing Master or PhD.
ReplyDeleteI am not that familiar with industrial settings, but I believe you will know much more when you entered industry as PRP. For a brief overview, you may refer to Provisionally Registered Pharmacists Handbook 2023 prepared by MPS Young Pharmacists Chapter.
Delete