Succeeding on Rotations
Succeeding on Rotations
Focus: Demonstrate professionalism, initiative, and clinical growth every day.
- How to excel in APPEs): professionalism, clinical thinking, communication, time management
- Introduction email example (questions to ask/disease states/guidelines etc)
- Share 2-3 goals with your APPE preceptor on the first day of rotation
- Ask for feedback weekly
- Before end of rotation, ask if they can write you a “strong, positive letter of recommendation”
- Send a thank you note/email to preceptors and LOR writers
- Navigating difficult preceptors or situations
- See P2 section for books
- Building rotation relationships into career opportunities
- Consider all rotation experiences as an interview
- Set yourself apart by identifying a quality improvement project and present a poster
Applications & Interviews
Applications & Interviews
Focus: Tell your story confidently – no one has the exact same one
- Residency & Fellowship Deep Dive
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- What is PhORCAS? Timeline and tips
- How to get strong letters of recommendation
- Writing a standout letter of intent
- Residency and fellowship application guide
- How to search for residencies
- Where to search
- What’s important and how to choose which ones to apply to
- Network & reach out to PGY1s/PGY2s you know
- **Interests in residencies?? Recruiting is tough?? Not passing boards??
- Example score cards for residency/fellowship?
- How to search for residencies
- Application Timeline Reminders
- Writing a strong letter of intent
- Tailor to each program
- Short-term & long-term goals
- 1 page max
- Letters of Recommendation
- Who to ask & who NOT to ask
- How to ask
- When to ask
- Preparing for interviews: STAR/SHARE method, clinical questions, behavioral Qs
- Can we make a list of interview questions for students - ex. Questions that WILL be asked, other common questions to think about and prepare
- https://www.amazon.com/Strong-Residency-Questions-Answers-Rationales/dp/0359247490
- Navigating Midyear (for residency candidates)
- PPS?
- How to rank programs?
- **Not matching in the FIRST round.
Job Search & Career Strategy
Job Search & Career Strategy
Focus: Evaluate opportunities that align with your goals and values.
- How to approach the job search
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacists.htm
- USA Jobs - VA positions
- Indeed, LinkedIn postings
- What to look for in an employer (culture, growth, support)
- Negotiating salary and benefits + finances
- **P4: What do you think about the job market post-graduation? They are there, may not be in the most obvious places. Keep options open. Easier to find what you DON'T like.
- How to approach the job search
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacists.htm
- USA Jobs - VA positions
- Indeed, LinkedIn postings
- What to look for in an employer (culture, growth, support)
- Negotiating salary and benefits + finances
- **P4: What do you think about the job market post-graduation? They are there, may not be in the most obvious places. Keep options open. Easier to find what you DON'T like.
Licensure & Board Preparation
Licensure & Board Preparation
Focus: Prepare systematically for licensure and reduce unnecessary stress
- NAPLEX & MPJE timelines and study resources
- RxPrep Book is very good → often will offer discounts if you order as a group!
- https://pharmacy.uworld.com/
- Also look at practice MPJEs
- https://www.iarx.org/mpjestudyguide
- https://www.pharmlaw.org/
- Great practice questions!
- https://www.tldrpharmacy.com/mpje-resources
- Great MPJE sheets → 17-20 page summaries
- http://www.mpjemadeeasy.com/
- Managing test anxiety
- Apps: headspace, calm
- State-specific requirements and applications
- Each state’s board of pharmacy
Transitioning to Practice
Transitioning to Practice
Focus: Build habits that support lifelong learning and career success.
- First-year pharmacist survival tips
- Finding a professional mentor in the workplace
- Alumni database (Alumni Directory | College of Pharmacy | The University of Iowa)
- Continuing professional development & lifelong learning
- State-specific requirements for CPE (CPE Monitor | Pharmacy Continuing Education | CPE Tracker)
- BPS (Pharmacotherapy Specialty Certification)
- Planning for the future - financial management, student loans, etc.