When a Little Yes has a Big Impact

Written by Taylor Hibner, PharmD, BCACP, BCCP and Lauren Frierdich, PharmD, MBA

Taylor

Time is so precious, especially in healthcare where pharmacists are being pulled in multiple directions, and oftentimes it feels as though there are just not enough minutes in the day to get everything done that is being asked of us. Although pharmacy is a career field home to a variety of avenues to put personal passions and giftings to good use, somedays it can be tough to imagine squeezing in any additional responsibilities. Even a “little yes” can seem overwhelming.

In the fall of 2022, when an email about the ACCP Ambulatory Care PRN mentoring program showed up in my inbox, I almost moved right past it and pressed delete. Only a year and a half into a new role and adjusting to an infant at home, I did not feel like I had capacity to give more as I navigated the responsibilities of being a full-time working parent. However, I paused and considered the request further. Mentoring aligns with my passion for building relationships and using my experiences to encourage and develop others. After reading more into the ask – just a monthly (or less) virtual meeting with an APPE student for a year – this commitment seemed like a “little yes” that I could manage, a “little yes” that could add some joy. So, I decided to fill out the form and see where it led.

Shortly after, I received an email that I had been matched with a third-year professional student named Lauren who was interested in ambulatory care and pursuing residency training. Despite the initial nerves and uncertainty if all would go well, we quickly hit it off as we discussed her goals and dreams and I shared about my career path and interest areas. Throughout the year, we touched base monthly about her classes then APPE rotations. Eventually, we shared about our families and friends and lives outside of pharmacy. Lauren and I even had the absolute joy of meeting up in person at the annual ACCP meeting, which felt like getting together with an old friend. From that first virtual meeting, I had a feeling that this relationship could be an impactful one - but I had no idea just how impactful it would be.

Lauren

When I was presented with the opportunity to be paired with a mentor through ACCP, I knew I should say yes. At the time, I was a third-year pharmacy student balancing coursework, career decisions, and the pressure of preparing for residency. I was excited about having a mentor but also unsure of what to expect from a virtual mentorship experience.

That uncertainty quickly disappeared. What started as structured, pharmacy-focused discussions quickly grew into genuine conversations about both professional goals and personal life. I felt supported not only in preparing for residency, but also in building confidence in myself and my path. Having someone who had recently been in my shoes to offer me advice, or simply a listening ear, shaped more than just my career.

Through this experience, I found encouragement during pivotal moments and a lasting friendship. I also was inspired to want to be that same source of support for someone else one day – to say “yes” to mentoring and pay it forward. Looking back, saying “yes” to this opportunity was one of the most impactful decisions of my pharmacy journey and showed me that sometimes the most meaningful connections start with something small.

Taylor

Although mentorship can often be focused on what the mentee gains from gleaning wisdom and guidance from someone further down the road, I found that serving as a mentor became a source of joy and an additional fulfilling purpose through my pharmacy career - and I gained a lifelong friend! This “little yes” had a greater impact on me, and my mentee, than either of us imagined.

Understanding exactly where my passions and gifts intersect with my capacity and availability was key. It allowed me to choose a “little yes” that had a big impact. If you find yourself feeling burned out or lacking excitement about the current state of your career, I encourage you to figure out where your passions lie and write out the top three aspects of your job that bring you the most joy and fulfillment. Then, when an opportunity where your heart and your skills align appears – or pops into your inbox – don’t be afraid of a “little yes” that could have a big impact on you and maybe on someone you haven’t even met yet.

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Taylor Hibner, PharmD, BCACP, BCCP

Community Health Network

Indianapolis, IN

Lauren Frierdich, PharmD, MBA

PGY2 Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Resident

VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System

Nashville, TN