Recent pharmacy graduate, Jessica Hamilton, encourages students to challenge themselves on APPE rotations to prepare for life after school

“The connections I have made at Campbell gave me the tools I needed to be successful both in the classroom and while working as a pharmacy intern at Harris Teeter and Duke University Inpatient Pediatric Pharmacy.”

 

Name: Jessica Hamilton

Program: PharmD

Match: PGY-1

Residency program: PGY-1 Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Wilmington, NC

Undergraduate education: BA Communications, UNC Chapel Hill

Please describe the experiences, people, dual degree/courses, work, service and/or leadership experiences that have meant to the most to you and helped you to get where you are today: Choosing to pursue my PharmD at Campbell has allowed me to grow professionally and personally. The family atmosphere was evident from my interview day and has persisted each day since. The connections I have made at Campbell gave me the tools I needed to be successful both in the classroom and while working as a pharmacy intern at Harris Teeter and Duke University Inpatient Pediatric Pharmacy.

Accomplishments and involvement: During my time at Campbell, I have strengthened my leadership skills through involvement in numerous organizations. I have served as Pledge Educator for Kappa Psi, Vice President of SSHP and Phi Lambda Sigma, and served as a Student Ambassador and HPREP Mentor. Additionally, I was able to collaborate in a research project and present a poster at the ASHP Midyear Conference in Anaheim, CA.

When thinking about how you got to where you are now, list the most important things you did/were involved with or that Campbell helped you to do? I believe the connections I was able to make through my involvement in organizations have been pivotal to strengthening my network of pharmacy professionals. Additionally, my preceptors for rotations have been supportive, encouraging, and an excellent resource while I completed projects, attended residency interviews, and prepared for the NAPLEX. Lastly, the friends I have made during my time at Campbell have been the best motivation and encouragement. Seeing my peers and friends achieve their goals and strive for success has been so rewarding to play even a small role in and has helped me focus and excel to achieve my own goals.

What would you recommend to those interested in becoming a successful clinician pharmacist? I would encourage them to challenge themselves while on rotation, especially their APPE rotations. This is a great opportunity to exercise the knowledge that you have gained over three years of didactic learning and prepare for your career after pharmacy school.

What are you most looking forward to with your residency and what will you be doing? I am looking forward to precepting learners and continuing my education in a layered learning model. I will have the opportunity to precept and teach fourth year students on rotation while furthering my pharmacy education. As an acute care resident, I will be immersed in a variety of patient care experiences like emergency response and antimicrobial stewardship, as well as conduct research and participate in community service projects.