This episode pulls back the curtain on what really happens after pharmacy graduation, focusing on the complex transition from university life to professional responsibility. Sue Wong shares her candid experiences from her foundation year at Great Ormond Street Hospital, revealing the challenges and insights that universities don't typically prepare students for.
1. Mental health struggles are common in healthcare - depression and anxiety affect many pharmacy students, but talking openly about it with friends and seeking professional help can be game-changing for your career
2. Professional responsibility hits like a truck - going from student life to signing off medications with your license on the line is a massive psychological shift that universities can't fully prepare you for
3. Paediatric healthcare is emotionally brutal - seeing critically ill children hooked up to machines will shake you, and case studies don't prepare you for the real emotional toll of patient care
4. You'll need to master multiple types of communication - beyond patient counselling, you'll need to hand over to colleagues, educate nurses, present cases, and build relationships with supervisors
5. Your career interests will surprise you - foundation year rotations reveal unexpected passions; Sue thought she'd hate office-based work but fell in love with medicines information and research
6. Leadership skills develop through doing, not learning - extracurricular activities like BPSA teach you team management, project coordination, and how to work with diverse personalities
7. Uncertainty and imposter syndrome are normal - feeling unprepared is part of the job; success comes from knowing your resources, asking questions, and prioritizing patient safety above ego
8. Work-life balance requires intentional strategy - waking up at 5 AM to study might sound impossible, but finding what works for your energy patterns is crucial for sustainable practice
9. Growth mindset beats natural confidence - curiosity and willingness to learn from experienced colleagues matter more than feeling ready; expertise develops through repetition and exposure
10. Self-care isn't optional for healthcare professionals - maintaining friendships, regular breaks, and enjoyable activities during intense periods prevents burnout and makes you a better pharmacist
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