“Are you ready?!”
The pharmacy student said this to a huddle abutting huddles upon huddles of students in a white-coated hive outside room 201 in the Gozzo Student Center late Thursday morning. Her words got lost in a loud buzz as more than 100 awaited the opening of doors to a momentous assembly.
Known as the P3 Sendoff, the event marked the end of classroom instruction for students completing their third year of professional training (P3), and for many their fifth year in total, in the pharmacy doctoral program. Faculty, staff and more advanced students shared advice and encouragement for those headed out to flex their knowledge in settings with patients and other medical providers.
“I’ve been looking forward to this day for five years,” said P3 student Leina El-Tilib.
The event’s importance was compared to the White Coat Ceremony of the students’ P1 year, in which they received the familiar garb marking their passage into professional pharmacy training. At the P3 Sendoff, students received business cards to share with other professionals on their rotations at hospitals, outpatient clinics, research facilities and offices. Pharmacy students complete seven six-week clinical rotations in their final (P4) year.
“Now you’re about to experience a glimpse into the real world of pharmacy,” said Shloka Suresh Sahetya, a P4 student just finishing rotations. After a few terse tips delivered from the podium – prepare yourself, embrace the opportunities – she expressed confidence in the P3s’ abilities. “I eagerly anticipate seeing your accomplishments posted on social media."
Professor Michael Kane ‘84, a pharmacist for 40 years who has served as preceptor to more than 400 students on rotations, urged them to see each rotation as a job interview.
“I challenge you to have an open mind and to see what’s out there, because you may be surprised,” Dr. Kane said.
Dr. Courtney Tackes ‘14, assistant dean for experiential education, reminded them that ACPHS faculty and staff would remain a resource even as they navigated professional settings.
After the ceremony, students expressed a combination of anxiety and excitement at the prospect of trying out their skills at some of the 500-plus ACPHS rotation sites around the state, the country and indeed the globe. Ann Marie Taylor said she is most looking most forward to a rotation at the Verilife cannabis dispensary, while her friend Titilayo Sunday rated her upcoming rotation in infectious diseases at the Stratton VA Medical Center near the top of her list.
Bassent Deyab described the event as surreal, saying it was difficult to comprehend that she was ready to leave the academic setting. Her friend El-Tilib agreed: “It’s a wake-up call,” she said.
“I’m very nervous,” El-Tilib said. “It’s going to be a good reflection of how much I’ve learned and can provide to the world.”
Her friend, Zulnorain Hashmi, countered that they were well prepared. “I feel very confident,” he said. “I feel like I’m going to apply my knowledge better in the real world.”
Below: Class officers lead P3 students in reciting the Oath of a Pharmacist.
