Are you a pharmacy student about to start APPE rotations? In this video, I’ll talk about my 4 steps to have successful APPE rotations. Stay until the end for my most important step.
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Hi, I’m Dr. Jessica Louie and I’m an Associate Professor, Board-Certified Critical Care Pharmacist and entrepreneur. I help people find meaning beyond a job title and let go of burnout. We talk passive income and simplifying on this channel to combat stress and burnout. If you haven’t seen my burnout story or our debt-free journey while in residency/fellowship, please click those video links below.
This video is my personal opinion.
APPE Advice #1: Pick your APPE rotations wisely
If you are able to rank your APPE rotations for a lottery system, please be sure to pick them wisely. Remember, this is part of your tuition and education. I highly recommend you pick challenging rotations in broad areas to get the most experiences possible as a student. As a student, pharmacists and preceptors are excited for you to learn from them. The same is usually not offered when you are a licensed pharmacists – there are very few ways to shadow and learn about a different field of pharmacy after graduation. Take advantage of these opportunities now as a student.
APPE Advice #2: Set expectations the first day
Make sure to schedule time with your preceptor the first day of rotation to go over the Syllabus and Expectations. Having a transparent conversation upfront is important. This helps set expectations, the calendar for the next 6-weeks, deadlines, and goals to see if the rotation can be customized to your personal interests. This is also the time to go over grading rubrics that may be used in your APPE rotation. Ask what devices are allowed to be used during rotations. Ask what software is available and if the institution is providing you access. Ask questions. Get clarification if you are confused.
APPE Advice #3: Be prepared
Be prepared for each rotation day. That may include reading the night before. Coming in early to work up patients. Having medication resources available to look up drug information questions. My recommendations are to use Lexi-Comp or Micromedex. For preventative care, the CDC has vaccine schedules available.
APPE Advice #4: Ask Questions
This is YOUR learning experience. Make the most of it. Keep a notepad with questions you have throughout the day. Depending on the preceptor and rotation, you may have a scheduled time to go over all your questions. Sometimes this happens at the end of the day or end of the week.
How are you preparing for APPE rotations?
Be sure to check out our other videos on Pharmacy Study Resources , how to prepare for NAPLEX exam and how to prepare for Residency Applications.
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Jessica Louie, PharmD, APh, BCCCP is the CEO of Clarify, Simplify, Align and Host of The Burnout Doctor Podcast. Dr. Louie uses her signature Burnout Doctor Method to coach burned out pharmacists & professionals to simplify because work-life balance is a LIE. Align work into your life & break free from people pleasing, perfectionism and thrive in life on YOUR TERMS.