Jennifer Lee: Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before I Started Residency

By: Jennifer Lee, PharmD, PGY1 Managed Care Resident

You matched. You celebrated. You took your sigh of relief. With residency around the corner – what now? Here are some things I wish someone had told me before I started residency. 

Prepare to be constantly confused in the beginning
There will be times when you feel awkward, lost, confused, and underqualified. That’s not imposter syndrome lying to you – it's your brain adjusting to new things. You’ll be suddenly thrown into a field looking at things from an entirely different perspective! You’re not a student anymore, you’re a pharmacist. It’s important to constantly ask questions any time you get the chance. There’s a lot more forgiveness with residents early on in a residency, so use this time to the best of your advantage. 

Be transparent with your preceptors and RPD
Residency can be tough and challenging. You’ll often be faced with situations where you have multiple projects and deadlines happening at the same time. Maybe you’re lost on how to start a project. Always communicate transparently with your preceptors and/or RPD on how you’re feeling or if you need help. They’re here to help you and might not even realize you’re struggling since they’re very busy and preoccupied with their own jobs. You’re a resident – you're not expected to be perfect and to know everything. It’s OK to ask for help.

Network, network, network!
Residency has truly been a pivotal stepping stone in my career. Building a strong network of pharmacists during this time has been one of the most impactful aspects of my journey – something I couldn’t have achieved without the support of a residency. I encourage you to embrace every opportunity to connect with new people and to step beyond your comfort zone as you begin to build your professional community! You never know what might happen after making a new connection.

Residency can be difficult and, at times, overwhelming. But it goes by faster than you think. The experiences and growth it offers are truly invaluable and will make every tough moment worthwhile. Remember, you’re never alone in your journey. Feel free to lean on your co-residents, preceptors, and other connections for support. They’re there to help you succeed.