What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Mental Health Pharmacist

Aspiring to specialize in psychiatric pharmacy? Dr. Frank Tillman gets real about his journey – from battling imposter syndrome to navigating a less-than-ideal first job before establishing himself as a leading psychiatric pharmacist on the team. He clarifies the pharmacist's distinct role alongside psychiatrists and psychologists, while giving us his day-to-day responsibilities within his job. He shares critical advice on how to differentiate yourself from the competition, from finding the right mentors, to strategically choosing rotations and navigating the PGY1/PGY2 match process.

If that's not enough he also delves into the importance of cultural competency in mental health, and the practical application of skills like crisis management and suicide safety planning – things you likely won't learn in school. From managing a panel of patients with diverse mental health conditions to the emotional resilience required, Dr. Tillman offers an unfiltered look into this vital specialty. If you're looking for an honest, inspiring, and practical guide to forging a successful and fulfilling career as a psychiatric pharmacist, even when the path isn't linear, this is a must-watch.

Key topics in this episode of Pharmacy Pathways:

• The path to specialization: from student to resident to psychiatric pharmacist
• A behind-the-scenes look at his daily responsibilities as a psychiatric pharmacist, from patient care to crisis management
• The importance of mentorship, networking, and resilience in achieving your career goals
• The numerous and various career options for psychiatric pharmacists within healthcare