For Pacific’s California Society of Health-System Pharmacists (CSHP) chapter, attending the 2022 CSHP Seminar gave them an opportunity to promote wellness, gain mentorship from others and get one step closer to their professional goals. During the event, students, faculty and alumni had the opportunity to network with colleagues, compete in a clinical competition and learn the latest clinical, technological and regulatory information related to the practice of pharmacy.
Nearly 100 current students, faculty, staff and alumni gathered at the Pacific Pharmacy Alumni Association (PPAA) Alumni and Friends Reception. Several alumni played a role during the event. Stacey Raff ’96, PharmD, BCPS, PPAA board member; clinical pharmacy director and residency program director at Kaiser Permanente, helped lead a preceptor panel discussion for students interested in seeking residency or fellowship programs. Rebecca Leon ’05, PharmD, APh a clinical pharmacist at University of California, San Francisco, presented “Less is More: Deprescribing Medications in the Elderly to Improve Quality of Life.” Steven J. Thompson ’77, PharmD was honored as the 2022 CSHP Pharmacist of the Year and Martha Ndung’u, assistant clinical professor of pharmacy practice, was named a recipient of the CSHP New Practitioner Award.
Student leaders shared how professional conference like CSHP Seminar supports student development goals.
What is the purpose of the CSHP seminar?
“The CSHP Seminar is a multifaceted opportunity for pharmacy students and practicing pharmacists alike. Not only does it offer different sessions showcasing research and new legislation, it also allows students to network and learn more about residency programs. For individuals that are interested in pursuing residencies and learning more about the field of pharmacy in general, attending CSHP Seminar is a must.”
– Michelle Truong ’24, Legislative Chair
What skills or ideas have learned from joining CSHP?
“Joining CSHP helped me learn more about the post-graduate opportunities available in health-system pharmacy. Being part of the executive board refined my communications, time management and organizational skills when planning events such as the annual residency panel and showcase.”
– Victoria Lam ’24, Vice President of Professional Affairs
Why should students join CSHP?
“As one of the largest student organizations, we provide our members with opportunities for outreach, networking and mentorship with health-system pharmacists. We place a heavy emphasis on helping our members become competitive applicants for postgraduate opportunities such as a residency. Members can attend CSHP Seminar at a discounted price, where they’ll be able to meet over 90 different residency program directors and establish connections that will be advantageous when applying and interviewing for a residency in the future.”
– Jaquelyn Huynh ’24, President
Why did you join CSHP?
“I wanted to devote my time into understanding the responsibilities of a health-system pharmacist, especially after hearing about the speaker events, residency Q&As and networking opportunities of this organization. Joining CSHP-Pacific would help me to accomplish my goal of becoming a trustworthy pharmacist who provides high quality care.”
– Jarylynn De Guzman ’24, Secretary
How may CSHP benefit you in the professional side of your career?
“For many students, it can be difficult to find opportunities outside of the classroom, especially given how competitive the field of pharmacy has become in the past decade. CSHP Seminar enables us to find those professional opportunities and meet with practicing pharmacists that may serve as potential mentors. Through the clinical skills and Quiz Bowl competitions, this conference also serves as a way for students to showcase their clinical knowledge and ability to apply in a clinical setting, especially to programs or other pharmacists looking for potential collaborators.”
– Truong
“CSHP has an extensive professional network of pharmacists and resources available for students to access whenever they have questions or need advice.”
– Lam
By Julia Cardona
