6/8/2022

University of California, San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences

San Diego, CA

Outstanding Professional Development Award Winner (2021 – 2022)

Project Description

In Fall of 2021, we held a Virtual Residency and Fellowship Showcase for our students. Representatives from a total of 31 different residency and fellowship programs from California and beyond were in attendance. After hearing from a Keynote Speaker about the importance of residency and of professional networking, 108 of our P2-P4 students were able to learn about different programs, network with potential future colleagues, and practice professionalism in a virtual setting.

Describe how your chapter planned the event?

This is an event that our chapter holds every year, and this was our second year hosting it in the virtual format. This format allowed us to invite program representatives from more distant locations, which allowed our students to build a wider and more diverse network of connections. The planning for this event began months in advance, and started by sending invite emails to a broad range of residency and fellowship programs. Once we were able to confirm the attendance of the program representatives, we compiled a master list of their program information and dispersed the list to our P2-P4 students. Students were then able to browse the list, RSVP to the showcase, and indicate which programs they were most interested in chatting with. P2s and P3s had the opportunity to talk with 8 different programs, and P4s were allowed to talk with 11 programs. We then matched the students to their programs of interest, ensuring that each time slot only had a small number of students speaking to one program at a time so that everyone would have a chance to ask questions and mingle. We then sent every student their schedule of time slots, and sent each program their list of students to expect. We gave as many logistically relevant details to all parties to ensure that everyone was prepared and that the evening would run smoothly.

How did your SSHP Chapter promote the project?

We promoted this event by reaching out to the email lists for our P2-P4 classes, and we also advertised it on our chapter's Instagram page. Additionally, we announced the event at our annual organization fair, membership drive, Welcome Back BBQ, and general body meetings.

When was the event held?

The event was held in early October 2021, in the evening.

What advice do you have for other SSHP chapters?

Remember that, by being an affiliate chapter of ASHP, you have access to a plethora of support, guidance, and resources to create valuable experiences for your student chapter. Seek out new opportunities for your students, and always keep the goal of advancing pharmacy practice for the betterment of patient care and health outcomes at the center of your intentions.

SSHP Leadership