The First 60 Days of PGY2: Strategies for Success

HOPA Now is the official podcast of the Hematology/Oncology/Pharmacy Association, an organization dedicated to supporting pharmacy practitioners and promoting the advancement of Hematology/Oncology/Pharmacy to optimize the care of individuals impacted by cancer.

In this episode of HOPA Now, HOPA board of directors and oncology residency director Dr. Leanne Kennedy moderates a discussion on how to survive the first 60 days of an oncology pharmacy residency. Dr. Kennedy is joined by recent oncology graduates Lauren Curry and Jessica Lewis-Gonzalez to answer the FAQs of new residents regarding best practices for surviving both the first 60 days of residency. They offer advice that will help residency students best succeed, including tips to help avoid feeling overwhelmed, tools to help stay organized, and ideas for tackling research projects. They cover the key topics that will lead to successful rotations, how to determine what you want to be when you grow up, and ways to avoid burnout and get through the hardest days that are guaranteed to come. They conclude with final encouraging words of wisdom and each share whether or not they would do it all over again.

 

In this episode, you will learn:

 

How to avoid feeling overwhelmed

• Recognize that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed.
• Take the time to look up information that you are less comfortable with.
• Acknowledge that starting in PGY2 is like starting all over again — everything will feel new and that’s okay.
• Keep your information and notes organized by using tools such as a color-coding system, the Outlook calendar, and the OneDrive app.
• Create a weekly to-do list that breaks down tasks and the steps to their completion.
• Key journals that can help new residents stay informed
• Medical Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts worth following
• Apps and podcasts that will help you stay up-to-date on the latest research

 

How to tackle your research project and key topics for successful rotations

• Get an early head start to avoid last-minute scrambling.
• Craft a well-designed research question and research team.
• Plan out smaller weekly due dates to keep yourself on track.
• Work your personal due dates further in advance so that you can collaborate effectively.

• Focus on broader topics first, such as antimicrobial prophylaxis, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and growth factors.
• Oncologic emergencies are among the topics that you need to master in the first 60 days as a PGY2.

 

Is it possible to figure out what you want to study in the first 60 days?

• Topics from PGY1 may offer some potential topics to help structure rotations.
• Pursue the topics you’re interested in early on to either solidify the interest or eliminate it.
• Determine what you want to study before December to best prepare for PPS interviews.

 

Preventing burnout and getting through the hardest days

• Take time for yourself no matter how full your schedule is, even if it's just a few minutes a few times a week to eliminate built-up stress by exercising.
• Read books that are not oncology-related for ‘me time.’
• Recognize that the to-do list will still be there after you take a quick break.
• Pace yourself throughout the year so that you’re not rushing to hit deadlines.
• Schedule time to re-energize yourself when necessary.

• Talk to colleagues about lost patients to gain closure as a team and lean on your mentors to help you through the hardest times.
• Remember how worthwhile the work that you’re doing is despite the lowest lows.

 

Opportunities for organization involvement

• Practice clinical writing by contributing to organizational newsletters.
• Look for mentorship programs that you can participate in.
• Volunteer programs can help expand your network.

 

Mentioned in This Episode:

HOPA

ASTCT

Blood

HemOnc Today

ASH

ASCO

Oncology Times

Prime Oncology

NCCN 

Ash Pocket Guides App

OncoPharm Podcast

Plenary Session Podcast

 

Quotes:

 

“It’s okay to take a moment to look things up, look things up and dig deeper into the literature.” — Jessica Lewis-Gonzalez

 

“Getting started on projects as soon as possible is important. Even though you have a year, a lot can come up in that year.” — Lauren Curry

 

“There are topics that you might have had a little exposure to in PGY1, but not to the depth that you need to understand it as a PGY2.” — Jessica Lewis-Gonzalez

 

“Remember that the work you’re doing is so worthwhile and that there are so many good moments there.” — Lauren Curry

 

“Stay organized.  Pacing yourself throughout the year is going to be your best friend.” — Jessica Lewis-Gonzalez