University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy

Outstanding Professional Development Award Winner (2021 – 2022) 

Project Description

In order to promote the professional development of student pharmacists, our chapter held a Professionalism Mini-Series. Each meeting emphasized a different topic related to preparing students for their future careers in pharmacy. Additionally, emphasis was placed on strengthening professional skills for future IPPEs, APPEs, internships, and residencies.

During the first event, our chapter held an internship and IPPE preparation panel where six third-year student pharmacists offered advice and answered questions based on their personal experiences. The second event focused on how to create a LinkedIn profile that would represent students’ accomplishments and emphasize their professional skills. The final event invited PGY-1 pharmacy residents and fourth-year student pharmacists to share advice on navigating APPEs and the residency application and interview process. 

Describe how your chapter planned the event?

During the fall 2021 semester, our chapter brainstormed ways to offer beneficial and unique opportunities for all students, regardless of their year in pharmacy school, to build professional skills and prepare for future clinical rotations, internships, and residency programs. To organize the Professionalism Mini-Series, our chapter’s Team Professionalism Co-Chairs gauged participation interest of other board members, student pharmacists, student organizations, and pharmacists via personal connections and email. The team created a list of tasks necessary to coordinate successful events with experienced speakers and delegated accordingly. Prior to each event, presentations were created with panelist names, biographies, and contact information in addition to educational content and advice. The team met multiple times throughout the year to assess the success of the events.

How did your SSHP Chapter promote the project? 

The Professionalism Mini-Series was promoted through flyers, social media, and at each monthly Wisconsin Society of Pharmacy Students meeting. 

When was the event held? 

The three meetings were held outside of regular SSHP meetings. Each meeting was an hour long and was held on a Friday morning throughout the spring 2022 semester. The first event, “Internship and IPPE Preparation Panel”, was held on March 4th. The second part of the series, “LinkedIn Networking - Building Your Professional Identity Online” was held on April 1st, and the third and final part of the Mini-Series, the “APPE and Residency Timeline Panel”, was held on April 22nd. In total, the Mini-Series reached approximately 60 student pharmacists. 

What advice do you have for other SSHP chapters?

Be sure to take any and all opportunities to network with pharmacists and resident pharmacists in the community and at school. These events would not have been successful without the willingness of various pharmacists to participate and share their advice, knowledge, and experiences. Additionally, it is important to ask for advice from faculty members, career advisors, and academic advisors to aid in the creation of content that will provide the most benefit for student's professional development.

SSHP Leadership

• Rachel Hawley, President
• Michael Nome, President-Elect
• Taylor Shufelt, Secretary
• Natalie McCourt, Treasurer
• Tess Pribyl, ASHP Student Liaison
• Andrea Porter, Faculty Liaison