Ready to dive into the world of pharmacy research? Whether you're aiming to boost your CV, explore your interests, or contribute to cutting-edge advancements in healthcare, finding the right research project can make all the difference. Embarking on a research project as a pharmacy student can be both exciting and daunting. Many students struggle with where to start, how to find the right opportunities, or feel overwhelmed by the process.
- Leverage faculty connections! Ask professors about opportunities to join their projects or if they can connect you with their colleagues
- Choose a topic that interests you! Explore something that aligns with your goals
- Look for interdisciplinary collaborations. Research with other health professionals like medical doctors, nurses or dieticians and broaden your network and present a unique insight.
- Attend conferences and seminars. Attending pharmacy conferences, symposiums, and research workshops can connect you with potential research mentors and provide insights into current topics in the field.
- Use summer for research. If your school offers summer research electives, apply! It’s the perfect time to dive into a project without the demands of a full class schedule.
- Stay organized. Once you start a project, organization is key. Use planners keep track of deadlines and tasks.
- Publish Your Findings! Aim to get your work published in a student journal or present at a conference like ASHP midyear. It’s a great resume booster and shows your commitment to advancing pharmacy practice.
To end, a final word of advice would be to start early! It wasn’t until after my P3 year that I realized I wanted to dive into a research project. By then, I found myself juggling rotations, exams, and other commitments, leaving limited time to dedicate to research. If I had started earlier, I could have explored my interests more deeply and built stronger connections with faculty. The earlier you start, the more flexibility you’ll have to find a project that aligns with your goals, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by your schedule.