Professional Identity Formation (Part 1)

Special Host Kristin Janke, PhD - Senior Associate to the Dean and Professor, University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy - and Special Guests Jessica L. Johnson, PharmD, BCPS - Associate Professor, William Carey School of Pharmacy - and Karen Kopacek, BPharm, MS - Associate Dean and Associate Professor, University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy - talk with us about professional identity formation, how our identities are formed, and why they are important.

Key Lessons

• Our identities shape our sense of self ... which influence our values, beliefs, and actions
• All of us have multiple identities ... including a professional identity
• Professionalism and professional identity are related but distinct concepts
• Students and residents may feel uncomfortable or experience identity conflicts as they form their professional identity — assimilating the values and norms of the profession
• Our professional identities are developed through interactions with colleagues and mentors
• A strong professional identity can help counterbalance work stressors and negative emotions that lead to burnout

For more information about professional identity formation, read the Report of the 2020-2021 AACP Student Affairs Committee: A Pathway to Professional Identity Formation