Dr. Sophie Tan, Class of 2021
What you have been doing since graduation?
After graduating from SSPPS in 2021, I completed my PGY-1 residency at NorthBay Healthcare, which is located in Fairfield, California (where the Jelly Belly Factory is). My residency training provided me with the foundation to succeed as a clinical pharmacist.
After finishing residency, I was very lucky to come back down to San Diego to start a full-time inpatient pharmacist position at Sharp Memorial Hospital. Since I do not currently specialize in any field, I am able to work in many types of areas including medicine, trauma, surgery, cardiology, and the centralized pharmacy. Transitioning from being a resident to working as a full-fledged pharmacist was kind of scary at first, but with the help of my colleagues and superiors I have been able to grow even more and expand upon my knowledge. I work with amazing people at Sharp, including my former SSPPS classmates!
Any words of wisdom to a soon to be new graduate?
Once you are in the hot seat as a staff pharmacist, you’ll find that there is a LOT of juggling. It is no longer just about working up your patients and providing the best clinical recommendations. It is also learning about the operational and logistical aspects. This includes knowing how to put in an order for a provider, assigning the correct dispense location for the medication, and timing the medication administration appropriately. As wonderful as your clinical recommendation may be, your treatment plan won’t impact your patient if the logistics aren’t established appropriately!
Any words of wisdom for new SSPPS students?
Be well-rounded! Try your best to balance studying, extracurriculars, hobbies, social life, and staying healthy. I know, easier said than done. Ultimately, just remember that there is more to life than just school. So, however you choose to do it, find YOUR balance.
Is there anything you wish you would have taken advantage of while in pharmacy school?
I wish I could have attended more social and schoolwide events, especially given how the pandemic hit in the middle of my P3 year and we suddenly all became isolated. This made me realize how much I cherished the opportunities to interact with everyone in person during pharmacy school.
What makes you love what you do?
I love being the clinical “drug expert”! The knowledge that pharmacists have is so highly valued. Every time I educate doctors and nurses about medications, I feel like I have empowered them with information that will help them to make well-informed decisions for their patients. In addition to educating people at work, I also love educating pharmacy students through precepting.
How did the pandemic change your work?
While the pandemic has drastically changed workplace interactions, this aspect seems to be changing back towards how it was pre-COVID. For example, my pharmacy team has recently resumed in-person meetings. However, something we will continue to encounter are COVID-related medication and vaccine questions. This is where pharmacists come in! Providers and patients continue to rely on us for the most updated information, so part of my work involves staying up to date with COVID prevention and management guidelines.
How have you been successful after pharmacy school?
After pharmacy school, I made the most of every opportunity to learn from others. This includes pharmacists, doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, medics, and case managers. I think a lot of success comes from not just understanding my own role, but also understanding other people’s roles. In doing so, I can be a better pharmacist for the team.