by Parth Patel, PharmD
Executive Resident, Board of Pharmacy Specialties
When I began my journey into pharmacy, I was nervous and excited about entering such an esteemed profession. Each professor and pharmacist I encountered had a wealth of accomplishments and profound knowledge. As a first-year student pharmacist, I questioned how I could achieve similar milestones. I delved into this question in pharmacy school and realized that success requires determination in both academic and professional development.
Navigating the beginning stages of my journey proved to be challenging, but I found comfort in the guidance from senior student pharmacists who emphasized the need for a supportive community to progress through pharmacy school. By my third year, I felt a sense of pride in my progress and gratitude for the supportive community that had propelled me forward. However, as my final year approached, doubt crept in once more. Rotations, applications for post-graduate opportunities, and a myriad of known and unknown challenges loomed ahead. In those moments of uncertainty, I leaned on my professors and preceptors who shared their wisdom and reflected on the direction from the mentors who guided them.
A pivotal moment in my development as a pharmacist occurred during my rotation with Andrea Sikora, PharmD, BCCCP, where she promoted the power of mentorship and advocated for the philosophy of “paying it forward,” a message I now carry with me.
As I assumed the role of BPS Executive Resident and interacted with volunteer leaders, I consistently discovered a common thread in their success stories — mentorship. Pharmacists describe mentorship as a key driver in pursuing board certification and I see the value of mentorship woven throughout my experiences in association management, professional certification, and pharmacy practice.
I recognize that as professionals, we thrive through mutual support and collaboration. Mentorship is an exchange of information and opportunities—a two-way investment. By nurturing learners, we not only shape the future of our profession, but also enrich our own journey. Mentorship propels us collectively. In the process of success, each pharmacist must share gratitude for their mentors. One way to honor those who have mentored us is by paying it forward to the next generation of mentees. Recognizing this reciprocity ensures the continual evolution of individuals and the entire pharmacy profession.
To current learners, I encourage you to seek mentors and explore opportunities that contribute to the profession and patient care. To colleagues currently practicing, I encourage you to reflect on the mentors who shaped your journey and consider the profound impact of paying it forward through mentoring. Through this sentiment, we will elevate the profession to even greater heights.