The Digital Apothecary

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Recapping My Yearly Adventure to the ASHP Midyear

This was probably my busiest meeting in a long time. Years ago when I started to go to the ASHP Midyear, I was focused on securing a residency, then fellowship, and finally a job. 

Nowadays, I spend most of Midyear trying to build connections with others in the practice of pharmacy. I get to wonder the meeting and exhibit hall and see new developments and products.

This year I presented a session regarding mHealth in Pharmacy, and a mini session on the power of mobile at the Intelligent Pavilion in the exhibit hall. My students and myself collaborated together on several posters, and I got to work with some earlier colleagues. I find Midyear nice to catch up quickly with others and see what they are up to.

But that is probably the key point: Midyear is jammed packed with 20,000 people, and it's hard to find time with others. There are meetings, networking sessions, cocktails, and dinners. I got the chance to meet up with some of my favorite people, and that has always been a joy.

One issue this year was watching my students struggle through finding their way about Midyear. I question if I did enough to prepare them for residency, fellowship, and the overall environment of Midyear. I recognize my failings and will seek to correct them.