As I reflect on my past experiences and future goals, I have realized that I am passionate about holistic wellbeing, continuous learning, and driving macro changes. Given this, I want to continue evolving as a teacher who connects purpose with passion, cultivates untapped potential, and inspires action. To incorporate these ideas into my teaching and precepting practices, I will utilize Kouzes and Posner’s Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership as a model for my teaching philosophy.
I will inspire a shared vision by providing clear expectations and structure for students that incorporates their own desires for learning and passion in pharmacy. I will model the way by serving as a role model in how I interact with patients and other healthcare professionals. I will challenge the process by identifying knowledge gaps through a blend of independent assignments and active learning activities such as topic discussions and patient case presentations. I will encourage the heart by recognizing their contribution to the team throughout their learning experience via informal developmental conversations and formal evaluations. Lastly, I will enable them to act by giving them meaningful work that makes a positive contribution to the practice site.
These goals and objectives lead into the commitment that I want to make to myself in my teaching journey. I want to be able to master communication through crucial conversations, focus on progress, not perfection, and engage in advocacy. Overall, cultivation of these abilities, skills, and knowledge will facilitate long-term growth and success of my students, help them gain clinical experiences that will improve the lives of future patients, and ultimately make them better leaders in pharmacy.
The following tenets are what I hope to convey with each student I teach:
In future interviews, you’ll be asked, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” I challenge you to reflect on how your future plans align with your strengths, goals, and passions within pharmacy. Take risks and step out of your comfort zone, as well as utilize this time to explore different paths. How will you lead?
Failure means giving yourself more opportunities to grow, to develop, and gain a new perspective. Anyone who has been successful has also felt and experienced failure. Reflecting and learning from your experiences helps make you a better leader.
People who lead – whether or not they have a title – strive to help those around them and make a positive difference. Everyone has the opportunity to lead, every day. Take the opportunity to inspire others and influence the world around you.