SPOKANE, Wash. – On February 22 residents Arsalan Shah and Matthew Elamparo spoke with students at the Washington State University (WSU) College of Pharmacy about their experience in the Fred Meyer Community Pharmacy Practice Residency.
“This residency gives you an amazing opportunity to see all the aspects of pharmacy,” said Elamparo.
Both residents shared that this residency gave them a mix of experience in patient care, management and administration, transition of care, dispensing operations, and networking.
Over the course of the residency they both enjoyed working closely with their patients. “Since July we have been meeting with patients and creating a relationship,” said Elamparo. “It is great to see a patient long term and see their health progress.”
Shah explained that completing a residency is a lot of hard work but is all worth it in the end. “This residency has given me three to five years of experience in one year,” said Shah. “My career path is totally changed because I have had so many opportunities.”
This presentation was part of the Preparing for Your Career in Pharmacy seminar series hosted by the WSU College of Pharmacy. The college coordinates this seminar series to expose student pharmacists to leaders in the profession and career opportunities.
The seminars are funded through the College of Pharmacy Dean’s Fund for Excellence and our community partner, the Spokane Teachers Credit Union. For information on participating in the career seminar series, or to contribute to the Dean’s Fund for Excellence to help expose WSU student pharmacists to thought-leaders and industry innovators, contact the College of Pharmacy advancement office at gocougs@pharmacy.wsu.edu or 509-358-7651.