If you have been following my blogs up to this point, then you probably are well aware that I have been at the ASHP Headquarters in Bethesda, MD completing a Summer Internship. It has truly been a wonderful experience. I have had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects ranging from researching topics to writing an issue synopsis, revamping and updating web-pages, participating in the development of student membership recruitment campaign materials and several other projects in-between. My time here at ASHP also included many meetings with staff from various departments. It has been a pleasure hearing everyone’s story and their path to ASHP. Every single story is unique and has shown me that you really never know where your life and career will take you.
I’d like to share some of my favorite things about being at ASHP this summer and I hope this encourages you to apply for an internship or APPE rotation that is unique. Everyone at ASHP is happy to be here and really enjoys their work. It is really energizing and has me excited for my future in the pharmacy profession. It has also left me happy to know how much the staff at ASHP do for the members and for patient care. Every decision is made utilizing feedback from members, how it will impact patients, and with the future of the pharmacy profession in mind. In addition, I have learned so much about advocacy and how associations advocate on behalf of members and the profession. Along with my fellow intern Kelsie, I had the opportunity to spend some time at Capitol Hill where we were able to speak with legislative staff members for Congressman Eliot Engle (NY) and Congressmen Peter Welch (VT) and advocate for our profession. These experiences have taught me how important it is to be involved and how you can do your part to educate others and make a difference.
Another wonderful part of the internship was being able to meet other interns and fellows at other organizations. As part of my time here, I was able to participate in tours of other pharmacy organizations such as APhA, AMCP, ASCP, and USP, to name a few. Many of the organizations we toured at I had not heard of prior to this experience. It allows you to gain exposure to all the various areas of the profession, unique pharmacist positions, and allows you to network with many individuals. I really value all the connections I’ve made during my time here and I am sure that many of them will be connections that last.
My advice to you is this – if an opportunity to explore an area you are unfamiliar with is presented to you, go for it! You will not only learn more about the profession and explore new career options you had never thought of, but you will also learn a lot more about yourself. Lastly, you may get to spend time in a completely different area of the country, like I did!
If you have any questions for me, please feel free to email me at apinard@salud.unm.edu.
Consider applying for the ASHP Summer Internship at ASHP Headquarters in Bethesda, MD.