In this episode, Dr. Mary Ngo welcomes Dr. Laressa Bethishou to discuss her career journey and insights into transitions of care pharmacy as well as academia. The conversation explores the importance and challenges of improving communication and care during patient transitions between health settings, and why this specialty is so meaningful and impactful for both patients and practitioners.

She dives into what drew her into transitions of care, the daily realities and variations in clinical practice, and the ways in which pharmacists play a crucial role in reducing readmissions, resolving medication barriers, and empowering patients through education. She also discusses the importance of adaptability, mentorship, and professional development—sharing advice for pharmacy students and new practitioners interested in her career path.

• Reach out to Dr. Bethishou at bethisho@chapman.edu or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/laressa-bethishou-pharm-d-aph-bcps-26b50a25/ For those interested in the OCPhA mentorship program, applications are typically available in late summer/early fall.

Thank you for listening! Be sure to catch future episodes and connect with the OCPhA community for more perspectives from across the pharmacy profession.

As always, you can visit us at www.ocpha.org or you can email us at info@ocpha.org. Follow us on social media and share this podcast with your friends!

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Until next time, OCPhA is reminding you to get determined, get inspired!

Originally recorded early 2025, this episode of the OCPhA podcast sees our president, Dr. Mary Ngo, interview Dr. Kevin Shiau in the area of pharmacy industry.

Some highlights from Dr. Kevin Shiau's interview:

• Be Your Own Advocate: No one will hand you your dream industry job—you need to actively network, research, and reach out. Use tools like LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals and mentors who can help guide your path.

• Explore All Avenues: Every experience—whether a rotation, internship, or first job—acts as a stepping stone. Don't worry if your first role isn’t a perfect fit; the pharmaceutical industry offers diverse paths including medical affairs, regulatory, commercial, and scientific communications.

• Start Early and Research Thoroughly: Don’t wait until graduation—start learning about different industry roles early in pharmacy school. Review fellowship brochures, talk to current fellows, and clarify what roles align best with your skills and interests.

As always, you can visit us at www.ocpha.org or you can email us at info@ocpha.org. Follow us on social media and share this podcast with your friends!

\========== Twitter: @OCPhA_CA

Instagram: @OCPhA

Facebook: OC Pharmacists

Visit our parent organization, the California Pharmacists Association

Until next time, OCPhA is reminding you to get determined, get inspired!

In this episode originally recorded in early 2024, we had a fascinating conversation with Dr. Katie Bui about her journey from critical care to emergency medicine pharmacy, her role at CHOC Children's Hospital, and the intricacies of pediatric emergency care.

Key Takeaways:

• The Vital Role of Preparation and Adaptability: Dr. Bui shares how her critical care background taught her to anticipate and prepare for a wide range of medical emergencies, highlighting the importance of being ready for any situation.
• Challenges in Pediatric Emergency Medicine: From weight-based dosing to managing a diverse age range, learn how pediatric emergency care differs significantly from adult care and why it demands meticulous attention to detail.
• Continuous Learning and Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Discover how Dr. Bui stays updated with the latest guidelines and best practices through ongoing education, conferences, and learning from her colleagues in various medical fields.

Tune in to hear more about Dr. Bui's experiences and insights on navigating the high-stakes environment of emergency medicine. You won't want to miss it!

You can reach out to Dr. Bui at bui103@hotmail.com for any further question

As always, you can visit us at www.ocpha.org or you can email us at info@ocpha.org. Follow us on social media and share this podcast with your friends!

========== Twitter: @OCPhA_CA

Instagram: @OCPhA

Facebook: OC Pharmacists

Visit our parent organization, the California Pharmacists Association

Until next time, OCPhA is reminding you to get determined, get inspired!