The ASHP Midyear Clinical meeting has something for everyone! Whether you’re a current resident going for that first career or PGY-2, trying to embark on expanding your clinical services at your practice site, or preparing for board certification, you’re definitely at the right place. But with multiple poster sessions, platform presentations, continuing education credits, awards ceremonies, and networking opportunities, it can seem overwhelming on how to prepare for such a diverse meeting. Well, here are a few basic tips:
1. Begin with self-reflecting. Take a few moments to self-reflect at where you are in your career and take some time for goal setting. Taking the time to set goals gives your life direction, boosts your motivation, and increases your chances of success. Personally, I like to start with the big picture and think about the many steps to get there, while utilizing the S.M.A.R.T. theory of goal setting. By taking this first step, you’ll really be able to best focus and utilize your time while at the conference.
2. Scan the schedule. ASHP is great at offering different “tracks” for where you are in your professional career. For me, as a New Practitioner, ASHP has created a track of educational programs targeted at New Practitioners Great Expectations, which focuses on Career Development and Mastering Your Clinical Practice. Additionally, if you’re a “First Timer,” “Student,” “Pharmacy Technician,” “Experienced Attendee,” or “International Attendee,” take a quick look at what can be offered for you here.
3. Don’t underestimate your ability to network. As most of us are aware, the pharmacy profession is a small network of many great clinicians. While there are focused events that are intended to utilize your networking skills, such as clinically focused networking sessions, awards receptions, and political action committee events, remember that every opportunity you have to interact with someone can be an opportunity to build your professional network. Take the time to introduce yourself at continuing education programs and board certification review and recertification courses, because the attendee sitting next to you, likely shares similar professional interests.
4. Stay organized. Lastly, because the ASHP Midyear Clinical meeting is targeted to such a wide audience and is typically the largest gathering of pharmacists at one professional meeting, there is a lot to do. Utilize your best tools to stay organized to know where you need to be and when. Prioritize your professional obligations you may have committed to, such as presenting a poster, giving a platform presentation, interviewing at PPS, or attending a breakout meeting. After examining what remaining available time you have, add in the educational and networking sessions that suit your professional interests.
Chuck Berds, Pharm.D.
Outpatient Clinical Pharmacist | VA Boston Healthcare System
Advisory Group Member, New Practitioners Forum - Practice Advance Initiative
charles.berds@va.gov
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