Written by: Toni Mikhael, PharmD, Touro College of Pharmacy Class of 2024. PGY-1 Pharmacy Resident, WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital, Ephrata, PA 

Edited by: Anastasiya Shor, PharmD, BCPS 

Pharmacy school is a challenging but rewarding journey. As students embark on this demanding path, it becomes crucial to equip themselves with a toolkit for success. Moving from out of state to attend pharmacy school here at Touro University required significant effort to adapt to the new city life while managing the demands of coursework. Despite these challenges, I persevered and thrived, honing my ability to adapt and succeed in unfamiliar environments. Having personally navigated through the rigorous curriculum of pharmacy school, I found that following specific tips and strategies played an important role in my success. 

Based on my personal experiences and supported by relevant studies, I will share insights into key aspects that can significantly enhance your pharmacy school experience. 

Mental Health and Well-being: A Balancing Act 

Maintaining mental health is crucial throughout pharmacy school, given the challenging and demanding curriculum. The rigorous coursework and the expectation of adopting a more professional demeanor can contribute to increased stress levels, which could lead to psychological distress and burnout. Studies have shown that there is high rate of psychological distress among college students, highlighting the importance of prioritizing mental well-being in academic settings.¹ 

Studies have also revealed an association between burnout among students and low GPA or poor performance, spanning from high school to medical school.²,³ Therefore, it is imperative to address mental health concerns proactively to ensure academic success. 

Rochester Institute of Technology offers 12 tips to avoid burnout and maintain good mental health.⁴ One of the tips that I follow is “make time for things that make you happy”. I make time for spending with my family and friends, as well as reading for pleasure, because these activities uplift my spirits. Another tip that I have been utilizing is “get some exercise in”. Having a swim routinely in the morning improves my mental health. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a gym session, or a yoga class, physical activity serves as a powerful tool for managing stress and enhancing overall well-being. 

Importantly, incorporating activities that do not involve screen time can provide a much-needed break from the digital demands of academic life. If you are an outdoor person, activities like hiking or nature walks allow you to connect with the natural world. If you are an indoor person like me, activities such as board games or puzzles can provide enjoyable experiences. These strategies contribute significantly to overall well-being and ensure sustained success in academia and beyond. 

Study Strategies: Mastering Pharmacology and Pathophysiology 

One effective study strategy that I personally explored throughout my didactic studies is to group drugs by class, as it facilitates memorization by taking advantage of the similarities in drug names. For example, drugs within the same class often share common prefixes or suffixes, making the learning process more intuitive. This approach proved highly effective for me and significantly contributed to my success in mastering pharmacology. 

Understanding pharmacology concepts and pathophysiology is the cornerstone of building a solid foundation for therapeutic decision-making. This understanding not only aids in memorization but also enhances critical thinking skills essential in the short run for therapeutic classes and in the long run for real-world applications in patient care. Implementing this strategy not only helped me excel academically but also prepared me for the practical challenges of patient care in my advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPE). 

Test-Taking Strategies: Beyond the Basics 

Test days can indeed be nerve-wracking, but strategic planning can significantly enhance your performance. Ensuring a good night of sleep before the exam is crucial, as studies have shown an association between higher grades with longer durations of sleep on nights prior to examinations.⁵ Institutions like the University of Surrey in the UK provide valuable tips for achieving good sleep before exam day.⁶ Personally, I have found two of their suggestions particularly helpful: (1) watching what and when I eat; and (2) clearing my head before bed by writing down all my thoughts in my notes. 

Regarding exam-day strategies, I have developed some techniques that have proven beneficial for me. It is important to maintain focus with light pre-exam meals, such as a bowl of oatmeal with fruit or a yogurt parfait, to provide sustained energy without feeling overly full or sluggish. Additionally, staying hydrated during the test by keeping a water bottle on hand is essential for optimal cognitive function. Furthermore, having a fidget tool nearby can help alleviate nervous energy and keep your mind sharp. Taking a two-minute break halfway through the exam to refresh your mind can be very helpful in maintaining focus and reducing stress. 

Always remember to read the questions carefully before diving into your answers. These are strategies that I have personally employed and found effective in maximizing my performance on test days. 

Time Management Tips: Excel at Scheduling 

Time management skills are essential not just for succeeding in classes but also to reduce stress. A 2015 study of 120 college students observing the effects of time management on academic achievement demonstrated that there is an association between practices of time management, anxiety lessening, and higher academic success.⁷ 

Pharmacy school demands a different time management approach compared to undergraduate school. Unlike the flexibility of creating your own schedule, pharmacy school follows a fixed timetable. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize your school schedule and build your time for studying, work, socializing, etc. around it. 

I recommend adapting by creating a comprehensive study schedule using tools like Excel sheets, which enables you to create tables that outline time slots and days of the week to plan weeks effectively. Prioritize realistic planning, acknowledging that life might throw more at you than you can handle at times. Include dedicated slots for classes, study sessions, personal time, and even workout sessions. Recognize the importance of being flexible and build in catch-up time for those days when life gets busy. Organize tasks based on importance and urgency. These strategies have personally helped me succeed academically and manage stress effectively throughout my pharmacy school journey. 

Pharmacy school presents both challenges and rewards, demanding both commitment and consistency for success. Drawing from personal experience, it’s evident that a combination of mental health awareness, effective study strategies, adept test-taking techniques, and efficient time management skills are crucial for thriving in this curriculum. By incorporating these insights and strategies, students can navigate the complexities of pharmacy school with confidence and become resilient, successful professionals.