Student Member Stories: Holly Wingate
August 10, 2023
About Holly
Pronouns: She/Her
School, Program & Year: University of Saskatchewan, PharmD, fourth year
Social media: @HollyMWingate on Instagram
What is enticing to you about hospital pharmacy?
I was initially enticed to hospital pharmacy because it included the parts of pharmacy that I enjoyed most (critically evaluating medications, educating patients, providing recommendations to patients and providers, problem-solving), without the parts I found less enjoyable (explaining the cost of medications to patients who couldn’t afford it, dealing with insurance, having gaps with other health care practitioners due to the main forms of communication being phone or fax). Now, I am more enticed to hospital practice because of the interprofessional approach, where most patient decisions are made as a team with the patient, taking into consideration each profession's expertise, and where communication can be face-to-face.
What drew you to join CSHP as a student?
As a student, the first thing I knew about CSHP was its involvement in residency programs across Canada and hospital practice information. At the time of joining in my second year of pharmacy, I had seen a friend of mine receive an Interactions newsletter from CSHP via their email, and although I was only starting to seriously consider hospital pharmacy, I knew from this email that CSHP was where I should turn to for this consideration because of the vast resources provided on their website.
How do you see yourself reflected by CSHP?
I see myself as a student reflected in many areas by CSHP. I see representation in the student delegates who speak for us, the provincial Branches who cater to their students in representing CSHP and offer resources such as mentorships. I especially see representation in the national resources that are more ‘focused’ towards students, for example, the Pharmacy Residency Application Roadmap and the Hospital Pharmacy 101 modules. These resources are created to make the path toward hospital pharmacy that much easier, and for me as a student, that can make all the difference.
Have you ever attended or presented at a CSHP event?
I attended the virtual CSHP AGM last year for my provincial Branch, and although at home, I felt connected. I knew most of the presenters and award winners and was honored to be able to take part in that moment. I also learned more about my specific Branch and what they had done within the last year, which inspired me to become more involved with my Branch. After this conference, I joined a volunteer board in my Branch to start planning the educational sessions for the next AGM and have since made many bonds I wouldn’t have been able to make without attending that initial conference.
What is one CSHP resource or benefit that you couldn’t live without?
I really feel I couldn’t live without the Interactions updates and the e-Newsbrief via email. Accessing these updates on my email is one of the first things that got me interested in becoming a CSHP member. This was because I feel there is often so much news to catch up on, and as I am not working in a hospital, it is so easy to fall behind on what is happening in hospital practice. I feel that reading these updates are an easy way to stay connected with the hospital from afar and be a part of the community I hopefully will be a part of post-graduation. These bite-sized pieces of information are perfect for ensuring I am up to date on what's occurring inside hospitals.
What is one piece of advice you give soon-to-be pharmacy students?
My one piece of advice is to take advantage of what you have offered to you and put yourself out there. Especially with things such as CSHP resources, volunteering opportunities, or being a part of student bodies at your school. The best advice I ever received when I was concerned about applying for things, and my mentor told me "the worst thing that will happen is you get a no, and that in itself will open new doors". So, take a chance and see what happens!
With CSHP specifically, I think it's worth it to take a few minutes to look at the website and see all that you have available to you and use those resources to further your knowledge of hospital practice, even if you aren't sure what you want to do yet. In your own region, join your local Branch and take on a volunteering role, no matter small or large. Getting involved is a great way to begin your career, even as a student.
Holly completed a rotation at CSHP national office this spring.
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