Sleepless nights, endless cups of coffee, and exercise long forgone. For many student pharmacists, this is simply a way of life. The stress of academics compounded with extracurricular commitments and employment often leads to the development of habits that are far from ideal. That is why I recently participated in a research study at The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, which observed the self-reported health status and health behaviors of student pharmacists. 

As future health professionals, student pharmacists learn to educate patients about the importance of practicing healthy behaviors and gain a vast knowledge of all the benefits that occur when engaging in certain activities, as well as the detrimental effects of others. Considering that student pharmacists have such a clear and meaningful understanding of the importance of healthy behaviors, it may be expected that they as a whole are a healthy subset. However, this is not always the case. 

“I don’t think you’re going to finish the PhD program.”  

I still remember the ironically-timed thunder that sounded right after these words came out of Susan Lever’s, PhD, mouth (my University of Missouri graduate school research advisor). I nervously shifted in my chair across her desk, thinking about ways to explain. Explain the reason I wasn’t getting my chemical reactions done, the reason that I was coming in late to lab almost every day, and the reason it seemed like I had lost my passion for research. 
But, honestly, after months of trying to convince myself that I was on the right path, I decided to finally admit that I wasn’t. It took a leap of faith to get me where I am today.

Through a health system pharmacy administration rotation, residency, and/or career, a pharmacist can maximize the ability to influence patient care and view the big picture of pharmacy leadership. This article will provide career thoughts from an inspiring preceptor and rotation perspectives from a passionate student pharmacist.