FarringtonAs we move into the new year, many of us have just finished writing letters of support for students and residents applying for PGY1 and PGY2 residency programs. As time-consuming as this can be, we will be rewarded by having contributed to the preparation of future clinical pharmacists.
One of ACCP’s three strategic priorities is to develop clinical pharmacists. Fortunately, many ACCP members participate in this work naturally. We display a love of our roles as patient care providers who positively influence overall health. As preceptors, we work to inspire those who train with us and encourage them to continue their education and training. We must encourage the next generation of clinical pharmacists and continue to raise the bar with new and creative methods to optimize the pharmacotherapy and well-being of our patients.
As members of ACCP, we also need to ensure trainees are aware of the benefits of becoming engaged in professional societies and introduce them to the many ways to get involved. ACCP has both a National Student Network Advisory Committee (NSNAC) and a Resident Advisory Committee (RAC). These committees have created many programs and services for the College. They work on charges assigned to them by the Board of Regents and then collaborate with ACCP staff to produce final deliverables.
Past deliverables from the NSNAC that many of you may recognize include:
2010 – Clinical Pharmacy Challenge
2012 – Emerge from the Crowd programming
2012–2013 – ACCP Student Chapters
2016 – Clinical Research Challenge
Work products first developed by the RAC include:
2011 – Experts in Training monthly newsletter
2012 – ACCP Mentoring Program
2018 – @ACCPpostgrads on social media
2019 – ACCP Podcast for Residents by Residents
2022 – Visual Abstract Challenge
RAC members also consistently serve as faculty for in-person and virtual Emerge from the Crowd programming.
The application portals for the 2023 NSNAC and RAC will open February 1 and close June 15. Start thinking now of students or rising PGY2 residents you have worked with who would be an asset to one of these committees and encourage them to apply. PRN committee chairs, think of your student and resident committee members who have made significant contributions to your committee and encourage them to apply. Both committees meet in person during the ACCP Annual Meeting – thereafter, their work is completed virtually and submitted to the Board of Regents. Student and resident members appointed to the NSNAC and RAC receive complimentary registration to the ACCP Annual Meeting and are eligible to apply for an ACCP travel award to assist with travel costs.
I challenge our PRNs to consider creating a new travel award for student and resident members who are appointed to one of these two committees. Such an award would probably not be given every year, but only when a qualifying student or resident member of the PRN earns a place on the NSNAC/RAC. In addition, if your PRN does not currently have positions on its committees earmarked for students, residents, and fellows, ask that your PRN committees establish designated slots for students and trainees, when appropriate. It is important that we involve the next generation of clinical pharmacists in ACCP by encouraging them to contribute to our committee and PRN work.
Remember, the application portal will open February 1, 2023. Look for future ACCP member emails and announcements in the ACCP Report about these opportunities. Encouragement from a mentor will greatly influence a qualified student or trainee to apply. Help us continue to contribute to the optimization of medication outcomes through engaging and developing aspiring clinical pharmacists.
Happy New Year!