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ASHP Summer Internship

By Kelsie Ellis posted 08-20-2019 11:38

  

If you’ve been following my posts thus far you know that I’ve had an eventful summer! This completes my 10th week as the ASHP Summer Intern. As my internship with ASHP comes to a close, I’ve reflected on the many experiences and skills I have gained. For starters, I have developed professional relationships with countless of accomplished ASHP members who serve as national pharmacy leaders at the forefront of advancing the profession.

As I found my home here this summer, I began to take more initiative in how I wanted my last month to go. As I share my experiences with you, I hope that it inspires you to do the same. Any and every opportunity that presented itself, I asked if I could participate or observe. Some of my most memorable moments have been participating in a residency accreditation site visit, being a part of the weekend long Commission on Credentialing meeting, touring nine other national pharmacy associations throughout the Washington DC area, shadowing the PICU team at Children’s National Medical Center and the Investigational Drug Services team at John Hopkins Medical Center, and advocating for ASHP drug shortage priorities with congressmen on Capitol Hill. My exposure to unique aspects of the pharmacy profession has expanded tremendously during my time at ASHP – part of that is thanks to the student-friendly culture of ASHP and part is thanks to my willingness to ask.

In addition to my professional development, I have also gained a new understanding of what my personal well-being means. Thanks to gentle nudging by ASHP staff members, Christina Martin and Melanie Smith, I attended my first yoga and Soul Cycle classes, which were equally hard as they were rewarding. I experienced the joy and deliciousness that is Georgetown Cupcakes (key piece of advice: ask for the cupcake of the day – you’ll never be disappointed). As students, we sometimes feel guilty if we are not studying, working, or thinking about doing one of those things. This summer I have embraced the fact that I am in a city filled with young professionals, some of the nation’s most historical and famous sites, and easy transportation to it all!

Leaving ASHP is bittersweet – on one hand, I am looking forward to going back to Texas where there are no restaurants with only salad bowls and my hair will go back to being frizz free, and on another, I will miss working with such a member-driven, motivated staff that challenged me every day. I have never felt so connected or engaged with the profession of pharmacy. Through this journey, I’ve learned so much about myself and where I see my career heading. I know I will remain involved with the organization and encourage you to as well.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at kelsie.ellis@utexas.edu.

 

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