A path will always open
Parth Patel, PharmD, is a 2023–2024 APhA executive resident in Washington, DC.
When I started pharmacy school at The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, I envisioned graduating and owning an independent pharmacy—a dream inspired by my experiences working at my uncle and aunt’s pharmacy and seeing how much they did for our family and the community. However, as pharmacy school progressed, I discovered diverse opportunities for pharmacists, sparking my interest in various areas. By my third year, my goals had changed to pursuing a clinical residency in either ambulatory care or critical care—odd that it’s the two extremes, I know.
Then I spoke to Dr. Do.
Impactful conversations and bad news
Before traveling for my final year APPEs, I bid farewell to Duc Do, PhD, who was a significant figure in my pharmacy career. Dr. Do was our dean of student affairs, and during pharmacy school I held various leadership positions that involved communicating with and working with him for various duties. Before leaving, I talked with Dr. Do about what I planned to do after graduation. Dr. Do knew me better than I felt like I knew myself, and he was not sure I would be fulfilled if I only did clinical pharmacy. This confused me because I wrongly thought that clinical pharmacy was the epitome of what a pharmacist could do. I now realize there is no epitome, and all pharmacists do amazing things. I heeded Dr. Do’s advice not to close my mind to different possibilities and embarked on my rotations.
This advice resonated as I started rotations in community, ambulatory, and critical care settings. Although enjoyable, these experiences left me unfulfilled. Feeling a need for change, I explored an industry fellowship despite lacking prior experience. I somehow landed interviews and made it to final rounds. Sadly, things did not pan out for me, and I was left in January without a fellowship, and it was too late for direct patient care hospital residencies.
Fateful call
A pivotal call redirected my path. Through my involvement in student leadership with the Student National Pharmaceutical Association, I had made an impression on a past board member, who called me to recommend me for the APhA Executive Postgraduate Training Program in Washington, DC. Initially I was unaware of this career path, but after speaking with Aneesh Asokan, PharmD, the then-resident with the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS), I knew that this was the path for me.
Fast-forward, and I now author this story as the current executive resident at BPS, and I could not be happier with my career path.
Keep an open mind
This was just my experience, but I have heard of numerous experiences like mine. During pharmacy school, it feels like everyone tries to pretend they all have it figured out, and for some of us that is true. However, for the rest of us, lively careers are enjoyed, and these will change and grow. A linear career path is not always followed or necessary for success.
It may seem scary if the things you planned for do not work out, but I encourage all student pharmacists to keep an open mind and maintain the connections you have curated because that will lead you down the path on which you are meant to be. Pharmacists can do many things, so don’t cut yourself off from the opportunities around you. No matter what, keep your head up and look forward to the journey ahead.