My first week (albeit an abbreviated week) at ASHP headquarters provided many lessons. Living in Hawaii’s 80 degree sunny weather for most of my life, I did a lot of research before my 11hr flight to the DC area. I was mentally preparing myself for 30-40° weather, little did I know I would arrive in the midst of winter storms bringing the coldest temperatures in MD since last winter.
Lesson 1: Always be prepared for the unexpected. Good advice for any pharmacist.
I spent my first ever “snow day” learning how city workers manage snow covered roads. I was interested in learning about the salting of roads (this does not happen in Hawaii) and was reminded of pharmaceutics class learning about colligative properties, freezing point depression, and eutectic mixtures. It was refreshing to see application of science into our daily lives.
Lesson 2: Application of what we learn is important.
At first I was a little worried about using one of my electives for a rotation in national association management, wondering if I should have done another clinical rotation. I am now convinced I made the right decision and am so excited for what the next 5 weeks will bring. I am confident the lessons I learn at ASHP will have significant applicability wherever my pharmacy travels take me. My goal at the end of this rotation is to have a better understanding of what trending topics and new innovations are important for the pharmacy profession. Learning what issues are most important to practicing pharmacists and how they are effectively managing these emerging problems is essential to all pharmacists. Hopefully, I can bring some of these answers and ideas to my first job site.
Here is pic a my daughter and me trying to stay warm! She didn't quite know what to make of the snow!
