1) How does our chapter serve the public?
Throughout the year, SSHP sponsors service-learning events that allow students to learn more about hospital pharmacy all while providing services to our community. In the past, SSHP members have had opportunities to participate in discharge counseling and immunization clinics. For more information regarding when these events are held, please view our events calendar on the main page.
2) How is SSHP different from other organizations pharmacy students are able to join?
SSHP is specifically focused on Health-Systems Pharmacy. SSHP is generally for students who are interested in applying for residencies, fellowships, or any other career as a health-system pharmacist.
3) Is SSHP only for students who have already decided to work in hospitals and other health system pharmacies?
No, SSHP is for any student within the College of Pharmacy! Students may join SSHP even if they do not know at the present time what they want to do when they graduate. SSHP will be a good source to gather more information about residencies, fellowships, and what the health-systems pharmacy field has to offer.
4) How can SSHP assist me in networking with other student pharmacists and practicing pharmacists?
SSHP will introduce members to other Student Pharmacists who have similar interests in residencies and fellowships. There are conferences with opportunities to network, including the TSHP annual meeting, ASHP midyear, as well as summer meetings.
5) What opportunities are there to interact with other members at the local, state, and national levels?
Chapter meetings, state meetings, national meetings (annual and midyear), and competitions. For more information regarding these events, please view our events calendar on our home page or contact any of our officers directly.
6) What is the purpose of attending a state or national meeting?
State and National meetings are a great way to network with other Student Pharmacists as well as an opportunity for future potential employers to meet with you for the first time. Other advantages may include: residency showcases, Continuing Education credit (CEs), job hiring, internships, etc.
7) What is a pharmacy residency?
Typically, a residency program is completed after graduating from a Doctor of Pharmacy Program and allows individuals to further their training in either a clinical focus (residency program) or a research focus (fellowship).
8) What is the difference between residencies and fellowships?
Residencies exist primarily to train pharmacists in professional practice and management activities. The purpose of fellowship training programs is to develop competency and expertise in the scientific research process, including hypothesis generation and development, study design, protocol development, grantsmanship, study coordination, data collection, analysis and interpretation, technical skills development, presentation of results, and manuscript preparation and publication
9) Are residencies only for those who want to work in hospital pharmacy?
No, there are residencies in community pharmacy and other specialized practice areas (i.e. nuclear pharmacy).
10) Why should I complete a residency?
There are several advantages to completing a residency upon graduation. These may include a better chance at a job position (such as a manager or administrator), more specialized experience, and a creative education that equips you with skills to create a stronger impact in your future career.
11) Are residencies required?
No, residencies are not required by the AACP to graduate with a Pharm. D. However, there are many clinical positions that look to hire graduates who participated in a residency program.
12) How long does a residency last?
A residency will typically last 1-2 years, depending on the program that you apply for. Most residencies last one year; the second year of residency is intended for pharmacy graduates who wish to enter into a specialty.
13) Where can I go to find information about accredited residencies?
Information on accredited residencies are located on the ASHP national website. Click here to access website.
14) What is the difference between ASHP/TSHP/SSHP?
ASHP is the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, TSHP is the Texas Society of Health-System Pharmacists, SSHP is the Student Society of Health-System Pharmacists. As a member of SSHP, you are also a member of TSHP and ASHP. The different branches of the organization offer different resources and opportunities.