This leadership course deepened my understanding that leadership is not about authority, but about influence, communication, and self-awareness. Throughout the course, I learned that effective leaders demonstrate authenticity, emotional intelligence, accountability, and inclusivity. A strong leader communicates transparently, builds trust, and creates psychological safety so team members feel valued and heard. I also gained insight into different leadership styles and how adaptability is essential depending on the team and situation.

One key takeaway was the importance of self-reflection. Leadership begins with understanding your own strengths, biases, and growth areas. I realized that active listening, empathy, and clear communication are foundational skills I must continuously develop. The course also emphasized inclusive leadership — ensuring diverse perspectives are respected and integrated into decision-making.

Reflecting on my personal growth, I recognize that I sometimes hesitate to speak up or delegate responsibilities. Moving forward, I plan to practice more confident communication and proactive engagement. I also want to apply structured feedback models and goal-setting strategies to improve team collaboration.

Overall, this course helped me see leadership as a lifelong development process rather than a fixed role. It strengthened my confidence and provided practical tools that I can apply in academic, professional, and personal settings.

In the past, a passive strategy I used was just reading notes or attending

lectures without actively engaging. Using metacognition, I asked myself

questions like, “Do I really understand this?” and connected new concepts to my

prior knowledge. I also referred to the syllabus to focus on key learning

objectives. To make my studying active, I plan to summarize material in my own

words, test myself regularly, and create study plans aligned with the syllabus.

This approach helps me take control of my learning, check my understanding,

Attending the ASHP Policy Week and West Coast University’s 9th Annual Legislative Day was a very eye-opening experience for me. I learned how much pharmacists can influence healthcare through advocacy and policy, not just by working directly with patients. Hearing the speakers share their experiences with legislation, leadership, and professional involvement helped me understand the importance of staying active in professional organizations like ASHP and ACCP. I especially appreciated learning about the challenges with reimbursement, patient access to care, and advancing pharmacy technician roles. This event motivated me to become more involved in advocacy efforts and reminded me that every pharmacist’s voice matters in shaping the future of our profession.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Portfolio – Trimester 2

1. Reflect (Self-Assessment)

During Trimester 2, I significantly expanded my understanding of pharmacology, particularly in pain

management, gastrointestinal disorders, endocrine regulation, and immunosuppressive therapy. I

developed a deeper understanding of mechanisms of action, including NSAID inhibition of

prostaglandin synthesis, opioid mu-receptor activation, and hormonal regulation such as TSH and

PTH effects on physiology. I became more confident interpreting clinical scenarios and selecting

appropriate drug therapy. However, I recognized that I sometimes focus on memorization rather

than full clinical integration. Moving forward, I aim to strengthen my therapeutic reasoning and

ability to connect pathophysiology with pharmacologic decisions.

2. Plan (SMART Goals)

• Complete at least 10 case-based pharmacology questions per week for 8 weeks and achieve

≥85% on the next therapeutics assessment.

• Create one structured concept map per week for 6 weeks covering major drug classes (opioids,

corticosteroids, antidepressants, immunosuppressants).

• Practice patient counseling scenarios with a peer once every two weeks to improve

communication and clinical confidence.

3. Learn (Action Taken)

• Completed weekly case-based pharmacology practice questions.

• Developed detailed concept maps linking mechanism, use, side effects, contraindications, and

monitoring.

• Reviewed high-risk topics including opioid withdrawal, acetaminophen toxicity (NAPQI),

immunosuppressant adverse effects, and MAOI interactions.

• Participated in peer discussions to reinforce active recall and clinical reasoning.

4. Evaluate (Assessment of Outcomes)

Using structured concept maps and case-based learning improved my retention and clinical

application skills. I became more comfortable analyzing patient cases and selecting appropriate

therapies. My quiz scores improved to above 85%, and I felt more confident explaining

pharmacologic mechanisms and therapeutic choices.5. Record (Documentation)

• Completed 8 weeks of case-based pharmacology practice.

• Created 6 comprehensive drug class concept maps.

• Participated in 4 peer counseling practice sessions.

• Achieved ≥85% on pharmacology quizzes.

During the learning style workshop today, we were asked to complete a questionnaire based on our learning experience and how we complete tasks and etc. The interesting thing about the result of the questionnaire was that I learned what learning styles are my strongest points in learning new information and material. 

Before starting graduate school, I began working at CVS Pharmacy and was amazed by how hands-on work helps me learn about the field of Pharmacy. I was able to learn through kinesthetic skills, and that knowledge will help me learn new information at a faster and easier level in Pharmacy School. I will apply this knowledge throughout the program during my study times in order to succeed.