PGP Fundamentals: Creating a Post-Graduate Training Timeline

Dr. Steuber and Dr. Smithgall talk about creating a time-line for post-graduate application. It’s time to create your personalized time-line in this episode of our PGP Fundamentals Series.  In this episode we will review what to do leading up to your APPEs followed by what to do During APPEs.  Key take-aways about time-lines: It's never too early to start the application process The Fall is not too late to decide you want to do residency The earlier you start preparing, the less anxious you will be and the more prepared you will feel. Breaking it down into two separate segments: 1. Prior to your APPE year 2. During your APPE year Prior to your APPE year: This is when you should really be thinking about how to be a standout candidate and your short and long-term career goals and how you will achieve those. Think about post-graduate training as an option.  You don’t have to settle on it now, just whether or not it’s worth looking into.  If the answer is yes, then start going through the steps as if you were applying.  Most of the steps will benefit you in pursuing ANY career in pharmacy, so it’s definitely not a waste of time. Let’s break it down by year assuming you are in a 4 year program with year 1, 2, & 3, being the classroom experience and the forth year being APPE’s.  Year 1:  First, take a moment and give yourself some credit for starting so early, and then take a deep breath, because there is absolutely nothing to stress about at this stage in your education.  This also goes for those who didn’t even fathom Post-grad training at this stage.  This is your year to get involved in organizations and really focus on setting a foundation for your academics. Don’t get overwhelmed with organizational involvement, pick 2-3 organizations to join, and try to get involved in at least 1 by helping plan an event, or applying for a low level leadership position.  Start trying to form relationships with your mentors, these can