ASHP’s Midyear conference offers exceptional opportunities for attendees. Here, five things to “do” at ASHP Midyear are provided.
Written By: Timothy P. Gauthier, Pharm.D., BCPS-AQ ID
[Last updated 2nd December 2017]
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacy’s Midyear Clinical Meeting (ASHP MCM or just “Midyear”) is an amazing event for the pharmacy profession. As a hub for networking and professional advancement, there really is nothing else like it.
In 2017 ASHP MCM is in Orlando, Florida, where it is expected that well over 25,000 pharmacy professionals will come together from around the globe.
As someone who has attended ASHP MCM multiple times and has spent countless hours helping trainees prepare for the event, I can attest that while Midyear is very exciting, the event can also be stressful, a bit overwhelming, and it all goes by in the blink of an eye.
With the intention of helping people have a successful Midyear experience the following is provided. Here are five “do’s” for ASHP Midyear.
1. Do your best to stick to your schedule
Chances are you put a great deal of effort into preparing your schedule. With so much going on it can be easy to lose track of time or decide to change plans during the meeting. However, try to be cognizant of why you chose your original plan and the potential consequences of changing course. Sometimes a change can lead to great things, but others not so much.
Be sure to download the ASHP LIVE meting app too. A lot of professional meetings now have an app that allows you to view, search, and manage your schedule. It’s a free tool, so why not take advantage? If you are getting CE credit, these apps can be helpful for tracking which sessions you attended.
2. Do strike up conversations and meet new people
The pharmacy profession is a small and fairly tight-knit community. In the general population there may be 6 degrees of separation, but in the pharmacy profession it is more like 1.5 degrees of separation. This means a new friend may be your opportunity to connect some dots and discover a new professional opportunity.
Whether waiting in a line, moseying around the convention center, or traveling to and from your hotel room, make sure to be on the look out for new people to meet.
3. Do check out what is happening on social media, especially Twitter
This year the hashtag for the meeting is #ASHP17 and ASHP’s handle is @ASHPofficial. You do not have to be a social media expert or even post a single tweet to benefit from the awesome stuff happening on Twitter.
People, companies, and societies will be sharing perspectives and discussing hot topics. It is a great way to learn from your fellow pharmacy people. There are a lot of really good pharmacy accounts to follow, but some of my favorites for ASHP Midyear are: @SIDPharm, @ACCPINFDPRN, @ACCPCRITPRN, @ACCPEMEDPRN, and @ASHP_EMPharm.
Also, here is a quick read to help you be a more effective Twitter user, in case you are interested..
4. Do what you can to keep your stress level down
Midyear can induce some serious stress as people grapple with career defining decisions that lay ahead. Being aware that it can be stressful is the first step towards addressing it, because you can then start to plan stress management techniques.
One thing that may work is using a free meditation app. One good one is headspace. Don’t knock it ‘till you try it!
5. Do make time for friends and enjoy the city
ASHP always brings Midyear to happening cities like Las Vegas and Orlando. Make it a “workation” by taking time to do some site seeing.
Also, make sure to spend quality time with friends and colleagues. Strengthening bonds is fun and healthy. For students and residents this may be one of the last opportunities you get to spend this kind of time with your pharmacy friends. For experienced folks Midyear offers one of the few time to reconnect with people. Take advantage and go out of your way to socialize with your friends at Midyear.
Good luck at Midyear!
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