How do you stay up to date on current issues in the pharmacy field?
The interviewer is looking for very specific steps you are taking to stay relevant and up to date on legal developments, recent literature in your area of practice, or evolving treatments and new drug approvals. You want to comment on any journals you scan monthly, any email blasts you receive, any regional or national meetings you attend, and any professional organizations you belong to. If you precept students or residents and attend any journal clubs these are also good items to add to your answer.
"I keep up to date in pharmacy in a few different ways. I belong to ASHP which sends out daily, weekly, and monthly updates in the area of pharmacy law and practice changes. I scan the table of contents of JAMA and NEJM monthly. I also attend my regional oncology meeting and I am a regional representative for ---- Pharmacy School. I precept students three times a year and attend virtual journal clubs monthly."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I continue my pharmacy education by attending local, state, regional, and national conferences to listen to CE presentations. As a pharmacist at your organization, I will have the opportunity to learn from other pharmacist and residents during committee meetings, journal club presentations, and CE meetings. I will also continue my pharmacy education every day by researching topics that I am unfamiliar with. We have access to numerous resources that can help fill in any gaps of knowledge. Also, I plan on precepting students in the future, so I will make sure that I am up-to-date with new therapies to provide my students with the best education.
Rachelle's Feedback
Terrific response! You have many wonderful resources and ideas to ensure that your education and knowledge remain fresh and up-to-date. Well said, and highly enthusiastic.
Anonymous Answer
I have continued my pharmacy education by doing certification programs through ASHP, such as the medication safety certification program, and the diabetes certification program, and last year I completed a leadership in an exponentially changing world certification program through MIT.
Stephanie's Feedback
That's great! It sounds like you've really prioritized continuous learning and professional development. To round out your response, I suggest adding a closing sentence, such as "Continuous learning is really important to me, and I am always looking out for new opportunities to advance my pharmacy education."
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