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Question 1

Tell me about yourself ○ Prepare a ~2 minute long summary

Answer 1

• Currently an inpatient pharmacy intern
• My time as an inpatient intern at Mount Carmel Grove City and my current rotation in the TICU at Grant Medical Center have solidified my interest in emergency medicine and my goal to pursue a residency, where I can continue to grow as a clinician
• I’ve been actively involved in research and have a minor in preclinical and clinical research, including helping the residents with data collection for their research project and conducting clinical research projects and MUE of my own as well.
• I also have a passion for helping the underserved community and contributing to community outreach events.
• Outside of pharmacy, I love the art, I love to draw and play the piano.
  Overall, I’m eager to bring my energy, dedication, and passion for patient-centered care to the next stage of my career.

Question 2

What is your biggest strength?

Answer 2

Adaptability: One of my greatest strengths is adaptability. Whether it’s adjusting quickly to a change in patient status or navigating new responsibilities at work during rotations, I thrive on being flexible and finding effective solutions to challenges as they arise

Empathy and Communication: I connect effectively with patients and colleagues, building trust through clear communication and understanding their perspectives.

Work Ethic: I am highly driven, consistently taking on extra responsibilities like research and leadership roles to enhance my skills and contribute to my team.

Question 3

What is your greatest weakness?

Answer 3

Confidence: One of my weaknesses is that I sometimes lack confidence when approaching new or unfamiliar situations. While I’m capable and prepared, I can second-guess myself, especially early on in rotations or projects. To work on this, I’ve been reflecting on past successes and reminding myself of the skills and knowledge I’ve developed to approach new challenges with greater assurance.

Presentations: I’ve noticed that I sometimes get nervous when presenting in front of large groups, especially in formal settings. to improve, I’ve pushed myself to lead journal clubs, case presentations, and topic discussions, which have helped me grow more confident over time. I also rehearse extensively and seek feedback to ensure I’m prepared and composed.

Question 4

If you had not chosen the pharmacy profession, what career would you pursue? Why?

Answer 4

If I had not chosen the pharmacy profession, I would have pursued a career as a medical doctor (MD). My interest in healthcare has always been strong, and the opportunity to directly impact patients’ health and well-being has been a major driving factor in my career decisions

Question 5

What have you done to improve yourself this past year?

Answer 5

Over the past year, I’ve made it a priority to improve my time management and organization skills, especially given the demands of rotations and research. Balancing these responsibilities has required me to adopt more effective strategies.

In addition, I’ve worked on setting clear boundaries to ensure I maintain a healthy work-life balance, while still meeting all my obligations.

Question 6

What do you like to do in your free time?

Answer 6

During my free time, I like to paint and play the piano
(1. Beethoven 2. Mozart 3. Chopin 4. Back)

Question 7

What else do you think that I should know about you?

Answer 7

One thing I’d like to share is my passion for outreach and helping underserved populations, which has been a core part of my journey in pharmacy. I started off at the Helping Hands Chair, where I helped serve the uninsured and underinsured. I believe that providing care to underserved populations requires not only clinical expertise but also a commitment to understanding and overcoming systemic barriers.

THen as the Patient Care Vice President, I had the privilege of leading initiatives aimed at improving access to care for underserved communities by organizing free blood glucose and blood pressure events, and coordinating medication safety education events. These experiences allowed me to connect directly with patients, address healthcare disparities, and make a meaningful impact on public health.

Question 8

Why do you think that you deserve the position?

Tell me why I should choose you over your peers for this residency

Answer 8

I believe I deserve this position because of my strong work ethic, diverse experiences, and dedication to patient-centered care. My inpatient rotations, journal club leadership, and research contributions have prepared me to excel in a residency, while my empathy and collaborative approach have helped me build meaningful connections with patients and colleagues.

What sets me apart is my resilience, commitment to growth, and passion for helping others. I am confident these qualities make me a strong fit for your program and will enable me to contribute positively to your team and patient care.

Question 9

\What do you do to “keep up with the literature?

Answer 9

• email alerts from key journals like American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy
• follow professional organizations like APHA and ASHP, which provide resources, webinars, and updates on emerging topics.
• Attending journal clubs and participating the topic discussions has allowed me to keep up with the most recent guidelines.

Question 10

Tell me about a recent paper you’ve read or a presentation you have attended

Question 11

What would your coworkers say about you?

Answer 11

**hardworking, dedicated, positive energy **

My coworkers would describe me as hardworking, dedicated. I frequently come in after my scheduled rotations and pick up extra shifts, often going beyond what’s expected. I’m known for taking the initiative to participate fully in the intern program, including shadowing, taking on additional projects.

My coworkers would say that I bring a positive energy to the workplace, creating an uplifting and supportive environment. They often describe me as approachable, enthusiastic, and someone who motivates others while maintaining a strong commitment to teamwork and patient care.

Question 12

Who among all your teachers and mentors has had the most influence on you and why?

Answer 12

The mentor who has had the most influence on me is Emily, the intern coordinator at Mount Carmel when I first started. Emily played a pivotal role in improving the intern program and emphasized to me the importance of collaboration, critical thinking, and ongoing continuous learning. Beyond the clinical side, Emily has remained a constant source of guidance and support, and I know I can always count on her for advice, whether it’s pharmacy-related or more personal. Her mentorship has been invaluable in shaping my path in pharmacy.

Question 13

What are you most proud of? What are you most proud of that is not on your CV?

Answer 13

I am most proud of my communication skills with patients that I’ve worked hard to develop throughout pharmacy school, especially since I don’t have many opportunities to interact with patients directly as an inpatient pharmacy intern. During my rotation at an independent pharmacy, I had a patient ask me to administer their vaccine next year because they appreciated how much they enjoyed our interaction. This feedback was incredibly rewarding and reinforced the importance of building strong, compassionate relationships with patients.

Question 14

What made you interested in this program?

Why have you selected this institution?

Answer 14

I was drawn to this program because of its strong emphasis on critical care , which align perfectly with my goal of becoming an emergency medicine pharmacist. The program’s commitment to hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and opportunities for involvement in research and quality improvement.

Question 15

What do you think you will bring to our program?

Answer 15

I will bring a strong work ethic, a genuine passion for patient care, and a collaborative mindset to your program. My experience in diverse clinical settings has taught me how to adapt quickly, think critically, and work effectively in high-pressure situations. Beyond my technical skills, I’m dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where learning and growth thrive.

Question 16

What made you want to do a residency

Answer 16

I am pursuing a residency because I am eager to continue learning and growing as a clinical pharmacist. I value feedback as a way to refine my skills and gain insight into my strengths and areas for improvement. Residency will challenge me to expand my clinical knowledge, enhance my critical thinking, and help me develop as a well-rounded, confident pharmacist.

Question 17

What drove you to the profession of pharmacy?

Answer 17

What initially drove me to the profession of pharmacy was my experience at Ohio State University’s summer camp, Pills, Potions, and Poisons. Attending this camp in high school opened my eyes to how medication in the body, and their potential to profoundly impact people’s lives. Since then, I’ve continued to be a TA for the camp for the last 3 years to help students learn and engage, building on that initial spark of curiosity and passion that the camp ignited in me.

Question 18

How will this program prepare you for your career goals?

Answer 18

This program will prepare me for my career goal of becoming an emergency medicine pharmacist by offering the clinical experiences and mentorship essential for excelling in high-stakes, fast-paced environments. The program’s strong focus on acute care and critical care rotations will give me the opportunity to manage complex cases, honing my ability to make evidence-based decisions under pressure.

Question 19

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?

Answer 19

In 5 years, I see myself as a clinical pharmacist working in a high-acuity hospital setting, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to provide exceptional patient care. I hope to take on a preceptor role, mentoring pharmacy students and residents, and contributing to clinical research to improve emergency care practices.

In 10 years, I envision myself in more of a leadership role in the field of emergency medicine pharmacy, potentially serving as a clinical coordinator or program director for a residency program. I aim to continue advancing pharmacy practice through teaching, research, and advocacy, while maintaining a strong focus on patient-centered care in the emergency department.

Question 20

You are required to take specific rotations as a part of this residency. How will these help you in your pharmacy career?

Answer 20

The required rotations in this residency are essential for building a strong foundation as a pharmacist, providing clinical expertise to manage complex cases and refining my ability to assess patient needs. These experiences will also enhance my communication and teamwork skills through collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, preparing me to excel in my career.

Question 21

What qualities would your ideal preceptor have?

Answer 21

My ideal preceptor would be approachable, supportive, and willing to challenge me to grow. I value a preceptor who provides constructive feedback, encourages critical thinking, and creates an open learning environment where questions are welcomed. Additionally, I value preceptors who challenge me to step outside my comfort zone, allowing me to develop confidence and independence.

Question 22

Tell me about a time you did work you didn’t find valuable. How did you deal with this?

Answer 22

Data collection -
While it didn’t initially feel valuable. I used the experience to strengthen my attention to detail and organizational skills, staying positive and proactive. By discussing the broader goals with the resident, I learned how it could enhance workflows and improve patient outcomes. This shift in perspective not only kept me motivated but also sparked a genuine interest in data collection. Since then, I’ve worked on similar projects for every resident at MCGC.

Question 23

What was your least favorite rotation? What was your favorite rotation? Why?

Answer 23

My least favorite rotation was community pharmacy. While I value the important role community pharmacists play in patient care, I found it less engaging for me personally because it lacked the fast-paced, high-acuity environment I thrive in. However, the rotation still taught me valuable skills, such as patient counseling, problem-solving on the fly, and building strong relationships with patients—skills that are transferable to any pharmacy setting.

Question 24

How has your education prepared you for your career?

Answer 24

My education has provided me with a strong foundation in pharmacology, therapeutics, and evidence-based medicine, equipping me with the knowledge manage complex patient cases. Through hands-on Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs), I’ve developed clinical decision-making skills, and collaborated with interdisciplinary teams.

In addition, my involvement in research projects and leadership roles has further prepared me to excel as a clinical pharmacist.

Question 25

What is your least favorite aspect of where you work now? Why?

Answer 25

My least favorite aspect of where I work now is the occasional lack of standardized workflows. While I understand that no system is perfect, I’ve learned to adapt by proactively identifying areas for improvement, offering suggestions, and collaborating with my team and the new carosel lead to create more standarized processes and to ensure patient care remains a priority. These experiences have also taught me the importance of flexibility and problem-solving in a dynamic healthcare environment.

Question 26

Describe a time when you felt overwhelmed and explain how you handled the experience

Answer 26

As Patient Care Vice President, I felt overwhelmed managing multiple health outreach events, including logistics and volunteers while balancing school and rotations. To manage the situation,** I broke down the tasks into smaller steps, prioritizing the most urgent ones,** such as securing supplies and finalizing schedules. I delegated responsibilities to team members, leveraging their strengths to share the workload effectively. I also maintained open communication with my team, ensuring everyone stayed on the same page. By staying organized and focused, I successfully led the events, ensuring they ran smoothly and positively impacted the community.

Question 27

Tell me about a time you impacted a patient’s healthcare

Answer 27

Situation: During my independent pharmacy rotation, a patient came in for an immunization, but she had concerns about an inhaler she had picked up from another pharmacy. It was her first time using an inhaler, and she was feeling nervous and confused.

Result: The patient thanked me profusely for taking the time to help her, and she left feeling much more confident about using her inhaler. This experience reinforced the vital role pharmacists play as educators and patient advocates, demonstrating that pharmacy care goes far beyond just dispensing medications.

Question 28

What was your most rewarding moment during your job/experience/rotation/etc.?

Answer 28

Situation: During my ambulatory care rotation, I worked with a patient who had cognitive impairment and uncontrolled hypertension.

Result: The patient’s blood pressure improved, and several weeks later, after my rotation ended, my preceptor sent me a voice memo of the patient thanking me and saying he missed me. This experience was incredibly rewarding for me. It highlighted** the value of pharmacists in bridging gaps in care and how pharmacys can make meaningful impact on health outcomes. I learned how critical it is to approach care with patience and empathy, especially when working with vulnerable populations.**

Question 29

Tell me about a difficult patient and how you were able to make an impact on their health

Answer 29

Situation: During my time at Powell Pharmacy, I had to administer a vaccine to a 4-year-old patient who was extremely upset and afraid of the shot. He was crying, screaming, and resisting the entire process.

Result: The child eventually calmed down, and after the vaccine was administered, his parent thanked me for being patient and gentle. The parent even wrote a positive Google review about the experience. This experience reinforced the importance of empathy and patience, especially in challenging situations. I learned that taking the time to connect with patients, even in emotionally charged moments, can help ease their fears and build trust.

Question 30

Tell me about a recommendation that was accepted by your team

Answer 30

Situation: During my rotation, I was reviewing a patient’s medication regimen and noticed they were being treated with antibiotics for an asymptomatic UTI.

Task: I needed to assess whether the patient still required antibiotics or if they could be safely discontinued to prevent unnecessary treatment.

Action: After researching the case and reviewing guidelines, I recommended discontinuing the antibiotics, as asymptomatic UTIs typically do not require treatment. I presented my recommendation to the healthcare team, explaining the risks of unnecessary antibiotic use, including antibiotic resistance.

Result: The team agreed with my recommendation, and the antibiotics were discontinued. The patient was monitored, and no negative outcomes occurred, confirming that the decision aligned with best practices.

Question 31

How do you work with members of other healthcare professions?

Answer 31

I work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals by valuing their expertise/opinon and maintaining open communication. During my rotations, I actively listen to the provider’s perspectives, share my knowledge, and contribute to decision-making in a way that respects everyone’s input. By fostering mutual respect and ensuring clear communication, I’ve been able to build strong, effective working relationships with other healthcare team members, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Question 32

Describe an instance where you had to collaborate with other healthcare professionals to accomplish a goal

Question 33

Do you prefer to work as an individual or within a team? Why?

Answer 33

I enjoy working within a team because it allows me to hear diverse perspectives and learn from others’ experiences. Collaboration fosters creativity and ensures that solutions are well-rounded and effective. While I’m very comfortable working independently, I believe teamwork often leads to the best outcomes through shared knowledge and effort.

Question 34

Tell me about a leadership project or position you have been involved in

Answer 34

As Patient Care Vice President, I oversaw multiple committees focused on patient care initiatives, ensuring their events were well-planned, impactful, and aligned with organizational goals. I collaborated with committee chairs to coordinate activities, provide guidance, and manage logistics for projects like health screenings and educational outreach. This leadership role enhanced my ability to manage teams, foster collaboration, and contribute to community health improvement.

Question 35

Give me an example of a team situation you have worked in. What was your role within the team? Did you experience any conflicts?

Answer 35

Situation: During my time at Patient Care VP, I worked with my committees on a community outreach project aimed at providing health screenings for underserved populations.

Task: My role was to collaborate with pharmacists, nurses, and physicians to ensure smooth operation of the clinic, educate patients on their health conditions, and provide necessary referrals. I was also responsible for managing medication counseling and addressing patients’ pharmaceutical concerns.

Action: I actively communicated with team members to coordinate patient flow and address any issues that arose. We ensured that all patients received comprehensive care and were connected with the appropriate resources. I also worked to resolve any logistical challenges, such as limited staffing or scheduling issues, by being adaptable and offering support where needed.

Result: The team successfully completed the outreach project, and we were able to help a significant number of patients access healthcare services. Though there were some initial challenges with coordinating efforts, effective communication and mutual respect allowed us to overcome these and meet our goals. This experience reinforced the importance of teamwork, communication, and adaptability in patient care.

Question 36

Describe your leadership style

Answer 36

My leadership style is collaborative and supportive. I strive to create a positive and inclusive environment where team members feel valued and motivated. At the same time, I’m proactive in providing guidance, setting clear expectations, and stepping in to address challenges when needed. By balancing encouragement with accountability, I aim to inspire teamwork, personal growth, and a strong commitment to delivering results.

Question 37

As a leader in the pharmacy profession, describe a situation where you had to motivate others to accomplish a goal

Answer 37

Situation: As Patient Care Vice President for APhA, I coordinated community outreach events to promote health initiatives. A busy semester made it challenging to motivate students to participate in multiple events.

Result: We successfully completed all events, exceeding goals for patient engagement and fostering a stronger, more collaborative team dynamic. This experience taught me the importance of leading with purpose and showing others the impact of their efforts to keep them motivated. I also learned that clear communication, thoughtful delegation, and fostering a positive team culture are key to achieving shared goals.

Question 38

Tell me about a time when your carefully laid plans were fouled up. How did you react? What happened?

Answer 38

Ambulatory Care APPE, I managed a patient with gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes using an insulin pump.

Result: The patient followed the new plan, and her glucose levels began to stabilize. This experience reinforced the importance of adaptability and staying flexible when managing complex patient cases, especially when new information arises. It also highlighted the critical role of clear communication and collaboration in ensuring patient safety and effective care.

Question 39

We all have to bend the rules at one time or another… tell me about a time when you had to bend the rules

Question 40

Tell me about a time you wish you had handled differently. What did you learn from your mistake? How do you wish you had handled the situation?

Question 41

Give me an example of a conflict you have encountered on your rotations. What did you do to resolve that conflict?

Question 42

Give me an example of an instance where you disagreed with how the team handled a specific problem. How did you deal with the situation?

Question 43

Tell me about a time when two people disagreed. How did you arrive at a compromise for the task to be successful/unsuccessful?

Answer 43

Result: The team did compromise and agreed to continue vancomycin until the thoracentesis results were available. This experience taught me the importance of balancing evidence-based practice with clinical judgment, especially in complex cases. It also reinforced the value of open communication, active listening, and collaboration when working with interdisciplinary teams to achieve the best outcomes for patients.

Question 44

What made you interested in emergency medicine

Answer 44

Result: The patient’s Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) was a moment of great relief and a clear demonstration of the life-saving impact that emergency medicine can have. This experience cemented my passion for emergency medicine, where rapid decision-making, effective teamwork, and medication intervention can lead to life-saving outcomes.

Question 45

Tell me about your minor

Question 46

Tell me about a time when you were disappointed in your performance.

Question 47

Tell me about a situation in which you overcame adversity.

Answer 47

Situation:
During one of my APPE rotations, I learned that my grandmother had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. This news was devastating and brought a mix of emotional stress and family responsibilities. At the same time, I was in the middle of a high-stakes rotation in the Trauma ICU, where I was expected to maintain focus and handle complex clinical tasks.

Task:
I needed to balance the emotional toll of my grandmother’s diagnosis with the professional expectations of my rotation. My goal was to provide the same high level of care to my patients while also being present and supportive for my family during this challenging time.

Action:
To manage this, I prioritized open communication with my preceptors. I informed them of the situation early on and expressed my commitment to staying engaged while being transparent about my circumstances. I also established strict boundaries for time management, dedicating specific hours to focus on my studies and rotation while ensuring I made time to call my grandmother, support my family, and process my emotions. I sought support from friends, mentors, and my Peer Leader Mentor to ensure I had an outlet to discuss my feelings. Additionally, I leaned on self-care strategies like exercising and journaling to stay grounded.

Result:
Despite the emotional strain, I successfully completed the rotation, earning positive feedback from my preceptors for my professionalism and ability to stay focused. At the same time, I was able to provide emotional support to my family and create meaningful moments with my grandmother during her treatment. The experience taught me the importance of resilience, setting boundaries, and seeking help when needed.

What I Learned:
This experience reinforced the importance of prioritizing mental and emotional well-being alongside professional responsibilities. I learned how to manage competing priorities effectively and the value of leaning on support systems. These lessons will be invaluable as I pursue a career in emergency medicine, where emotional resilience and adaptability are critical

Question 48

Tell me about a time when you had a difficult communication problem.

Answer 48

Situation: I was working with a patient on warfarin therapy who was confused about her dosing schedule. During her previous visit, we had bolused her, but she mistakenly continued the bolus dosing instead of transitioning to her maintenance dose. Adding to the challenge, English was not her first language, which made clear communication even more critical.

Task: My goal was to ensure the patient fully understood her dosing schedule and adhered to it until her next visit, as improper dosing could put her at risk for serious complications.

Action: To address the communication barrier, I printed a calendar and clearly wrote down her warfarin doses for each day, marking doses that she needed to take very day until her next visit.

Result: The patient left with a clear understanding of her dosing schedule, and during her next follow-up, her INR levels were within range. She expressed appreciation for the calendar and how it helped her feel more confident in managing her medication.

What I Learned: This experience reinforced the importance of tailoring communication to each patient’s individual needs. My main takeaway is that clear, patient-centered communication is essential for improving adherence and preventing errors, especially in diverse patient populations

Question 49

Give me an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead.

Question 50

Tell me about a time when you worked in a group and it did not go smoothly.

Answer 50

I noticed that one of my partners was missing meetings and not meeting their deadlines. To address this, I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to emphasize the importance of the project and how critical it was for us to work collaboratively to meet the abstract deadline. I also suggested breaking the project into smaller tasks with clear deadlines and created a shared document to improve accountability and communication among the group.

Result: My partner became more engaged, and we were able to submit the abstract on time. Ultimately, our poster was accepted for presentation at Midyear, which was a significant accomplishment for our team.

What I Learned: By addressing challenges early and fostering accountability, I learned how to navigate difficult situations and guide the group toward a successful outcome. My main takeaway is that leadership isn’t just about delegating—it’s also about supporting and motivating others to achieve a common goal.

Question 51

favorite rotation

Answer 51

My favorite rotation was my TICU rotation at Grant Medical Center. This experience solidified my passion for emergency medicine and critical care. I loved the fast-paced, high-acuity environment where clinical decisions had an immediate impact on patient outcomes.
One of the aspects I appreciated most was the interdisciplinary collaboration. I worked closely with physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists to optimize medication therapy in real time. I also liked how every day was different and I apply my clinical knowledge to complex cases, such as traumatic brain injuries, septic shock, and status epilepticus. Additionally, this rotation challenged me to think critically and anticipate potential complications before they occurred.