On my first day of rotation at ASHP new headquarter, I was so nervous that I could not answer the question “who is your point of contact” when asked by the front desk security guard. After signing in, I was escorted by the security guard to the ninth floor. While waiting in the elevator, I remember thinking to myself, why so fancy!
After my first day of rotation, I can honestly say ASHP is one of the best places to work and the people here are extremely welcoming and all had a great sense of humor.
For one whole month, I had the opportunity to meet and hear many stories and pieces of advice from ASHP staff members. After each and every meeting I always feel motivated and inspired to be the best I can and continue striving for the pharmacy profession and patients. It was definitely a month of self-reflections and personal growth.
My main concentration of work was with the Office of Member Relations. Most of my projects revolved around with the New Practitioners Forum (NPF) and the Section of Ambulatory Care Practitioners (SACP). It still amazes me today as to how ASHP staff can put out great content, products, events, webinars, and advocate for the pharmacy profession- plus attend many meetings- all in a day! During my rotation, I took advantage of all the resources ASHP has to offer, ranging from the Harvey A.K Whitney Lectures to participating in journal club discussions to catching up on AJHP articles.
Obtaining an ASHP rotation was a great opportunity for me both professionally and personally. I was put into a position where organization, communication, and collaboration were all important skills that were practiced and reinforced daily. I became an expert at scheduling appointments to meet with 39 ASHP members. I also become an expert at riding the metro and timing it to arrive exactly at 8am. Most importantly, I have learned how much ASHP strives to advocate for the pharmacy profession, to educate pharmacists, to inspire and motivate student pharmacists, and ultimately optimizing patient care and safety.
ASHP is truly a place where you get out what you put in, but at the same time do not get too dwelled into seeking out as much tasks or work you can complete for others. Building relationships and networking at ASHP can help build knowledge and understanding about the people who work at ASHP, what ASHP is and do plus how you can help promote or advocate for an association like ASHP.
Jennifer Sze