Life on the Pharm

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Hi everyone! My name is Mehr Virk and I’m currently in the 3rd year of pharmacy school at UCSF pursuing a future as a clinical pharmacist! Join me on my PharmD journey! Disclaimer: Not medical advice, all opinions and words are my own.

Mehr Virk


    • Jun 6, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 34m AVG DURATION
    • 42 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Life on the Pharm

    Ep 41 Sleepless in SICU

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2022 33:53


    Listen along for my experience in the Surgical ICU! I share what a day in the life looks like, what to expect, my take on critical care as well as some of the interesting cases I had the opportunity to see/manage. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lifeonthepharmpod/support

    Ep 40: ME in EM

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2022 36:33


    Me talking too much about EM? Sounds about right; take a listen! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lifeonthepharmpod/support

    Ep 39: Bugs and Drugs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2022 26:43


    Welcome back everyone and happy 2022! Starting off the year with catching y'all up on my residency rotation experiences. First up we have my Antimicrobial Stewardship rotation in Sept 2021. I'll be sharing how the service is structure, why I chose this rotation, my day to day duties, and my tips for navigating infectious diseases! Follow along to stay up to date with my Life on the Pharm! - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mehr.virk/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiiUj2kP8m5GEYPsvvR9NPg/featured - Twitter: https://twitter.com/mehronthepharm - Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0fkmFr0qbWdVDMxRmT5CTP?si=VLRKkHmDQXOlC0z-fbYqpQ&dl_branch=1 - Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeonthepharmpodcast/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehr-virk/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lifeonthepharmpod/support

    Ep 38: Med Safety First

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2021 29:04


    SHE'S ALIVE AND WELL! Welcome back to another episode of Life on the Pharm! In today's episode we'll be talking all about my month on my first rotation as a resident, Medication Safety. From my day to day, the projects I worked on, as well as the longitudinal and staffing experiences I had along the way, I'll be filling y'all in on my life as a PGY-1 acute care resident. Follow along to stay up to date with my Life on the Pharm! - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mehr.virk/ - Twitter: https://twitter.com/mehronthepharm - Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0fkmFr0qbWdVDMxRmT5CTP?si=VLRKkHmDQXOlC0z-fbYqpQ&dl_branch=1 - Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeonthepharmpodcast/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehr-virk/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lifeonthepharmpod/support

    Ep 37: I Need a NAPlex

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2021 1:02


    ***update*** --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lifeonthepharmpod/support

    Ep 36: I'm a Resident!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2021 42:44


    Welcome to Season 2 of Life on the Pharm! We kick off the start of my PGY1 pharmacy residency experience by breaking down my first week of orientation. I meet my co-residents for the first time and learn the lay of the land from the outgoing residents. We had an overview of our year covering staffing, clinical rotations, the teaching certificate, our various longitudinal projects as well as what is to be expected for our orientation. Listen along as I continue my journey to become a pharmacist including my experience taking the CPJE! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lifeonthepharmpod/support

    Ep 35: I'm a PharmD!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2021 41:33


    Welcome to the season 1 finale of the Life on the Pharm Podcast! On today's episode, I wrap up my APPE experience, talk about juggling licensure, studying, and residency prep as well as graduating as a Doctor of Pharmacy. Tune in if you're interested to hear my NAPLEX and CPJE study plan, how I've been spending my time between the end of pharmacy school and the start of residency, as well as what's exciting projects are coming in the near future! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lifeonthepharmpod/support

    Ep 34: Talk the Talk

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2021 27:03


    We're back with another week in community pharmacy! This week I share with y'all my key takeaways about both verbal and written communication. As pharmacists, we are in the unique position to be accessible for questions and offer clarity and education to the multiple stakeholders that rely on our services. Be sure to tune in to hear my experiences and as well as some tricks/tips to talk the talk and ... write the write? It'll make more sense if you listen along I promise! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lifeonthepharmpod/support

    Ep 33: Confessions of a Community Pharmacy Intern

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2021 31:41


    Welcome to the beginning of my LAST APPE EVER WOOOO! This week I talk y'all through my first few weeks on my last rotation at a discharge community pharmacy. I share how the pharmacy is set up, what the workflow is like, and which patient populations I've had the opportunity to interact with. I give a closer look at my day to day tasks and wrap up with some of the important interventions I've made and ways that I have truly felt like a pharmacist. Listen along for all the above and more as we take on another week living life on the pharm! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 32: Don't Miss a Beat

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2021 22:56


    On the second episode this week we wrap up my Acute Care cardiology rotation. I talk about team dynamics and my ~personal~ growth as a student pharmacist. I also share my experience going into the OR! If you were ever wondering what an aortic valve ring annuloplasty ring is and how the left atrial appendage is clipped, this is the episode of you! Listen along as I do NOT miss a beat and say bye to my last inpatient rotation as a student! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 31: Why Residency?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2021 22:18


    Match Day for Phase I has come and gone and I am beyond grateful to announce that I'll be continuing my pharmacy journey at the University of California Davis as an Acute Care pharmacy resident! I knew I wanted to pursue a residency after shadowing a clinical pharmacist in high school but it was the experiences I had in all realms of pharmacy that brought me to where I am today. Listen along as I walk y'all through my journey and answer the question "Why Residency?". --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 30: I Gotta Really Big Team

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2021 22:47


    Drake said it best but this week I'll give you my take on juggling a full cardiology service. I talk about my preparation, approach to rounding, and tricks I've picked up on how to become more efficient. I also touch upon navigating rotating interdisciplinary teams and the power of group texts in the workplace. Listen along as I share what life's been like on the pharm all the while waiting for Match results this Friday! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 29: Emily Hollinghurst - Life as an Oncology Pharmacist

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2021 61:01


    Happy International Women's Day! This week I am joined by a friend of mine, Dr. Emily Hollinghurst. Dr. Hollinghurst is a Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist who specializes in oral oncolytics at a large academic medical center in Southern California. She is a graduate from Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy, completed her post graduate residencies at Loma Linda University Medical Center and is licensed Advanced Practice Pharmacist. In addition to her current duties as a full-time clinical pharmacist, she precepts pharmacy residents and students and teaches Advanced Pharmacology to Nurse Practitioner students. She is a wife and mom of two beautiful children. She enjoys gardening, interior design, cycling, & spending time with family. Dr. Hollinghurst is also an advocate for clean and safe beauty standards and products. Disclaimer: all views and opinions are Emily Hollinghurst's --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 28: I Aorta Tell Ya

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2021 29:59


    This week I share with y'all what I was up to on Week 2 of my acute care cardiology rotation! I share some important skills I was able to reinforce as well as how they played into my residency interviews. I talk about how I integrate into new teams and strategies I employ to show from the get-go what I have to offer as the student pharmacist and how to build rapport with other providers. I also worked my first weekend shift and point out some of the key differences (mostly similarities) to my days inpatient during the week! Join me as we live the dream on another week at Life on the Pharm! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 27: Heart to Heart

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2021 30:34


    This week we kick off my acute care cardiology rotation! I talk about patient work ups, what rounding looks like, making interventions, and taking the stairs (just listen, it'll make more sense). I also share my experience balancing APPE rotations while partaking in residency interviews. Listen along to hear more about what this week held and how I stepped into the role of my team's pharmacist! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 26: Best Foot Forward on IPPEs/APPEs

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2021 29:22


    Ever wonder how to make a good impression on rotations? On this week's episode I share with you my tips and tricks for putting your best foot forward. I talk about emailing introductions, starting strong on the first day, and maintaining a good impression throughout the rotation. I talk about how to approach the last day, preceptor gifts, and networking for the future. Listen along as I share my insight and hopefully give you some ideas to carry into your future experiences! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 25: Walk with Me Through Ambulatory Care

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2021 35:12


    In this week's episode we talk about all things Ambulatory Care! I share my experience as an APPE student rotating through a primary care clinic and shed light on my daily responsibilities as well as some of the cool projects I have been able to work on. I talk about helping with a COVID vaccine clinic, taking initiative on rotations, and share how this particular rotation changed my view on pharmacy. Listen along as we take a walk through Amb Care! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 24: Syed Zafar - PV Scientist on a Journey to Financial Freedom

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2021 49:00


    On this week's episode I'm joined by Dr. Syed Zafar. Syed is a Pharmacovigilance Scientist who earned his Doctorate of Pharmacy and Masters of Public Health from MCPHS University. Syed is passionate about helping pharmacy students explore different career paths with an emphasis on self-awareness and understanding what’s makes them tick. Additionally, Syed’s passion projects include business, investing, and real estate. He runs a six-figure e-commerce business and began sharing his journey to financial freedom on different socials. Listen along as we talk about navigating the world of industry, networking effectively, and bringing to life one's hobbies and interests! Disclaimer: all views and opinions are Syed Zafar's and do not reflect the views of GW pharmaceuticals and other subsidiaries. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 23: The COVID-19 Vaccines, Pharmacy Students' Perspective

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2021 46:13


    On this week's episode I am joined by one of my close friends from pharmacy school, Melanie Paragas. We talk about the pandemic, our experience with the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, and participation in COVID vaccine clinics. We are both incredibly thankful to be immunized and can't wait to share our insight will you all! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 22: How I Picked a Pharmacy School

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2021 34:03


    In this week's episode we'll be talking about the considerations I kept in mind when picking a pharmacy school! Every school offers a unique experience to its students, so how does one decide? Listen along as I share the 10 factors I used to compare programs! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 21: Pharmacy School Interviews 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2021 38:11


    Looking for pharmacy school interview advice? Look no further! Join me as I reflect on my pharmacy school interview experience and share some of my tips, tricks, and advice. From crafting your elevator pitch to leaving a lasting impression, this episode covers it all and so much more! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 20: 73 Questions Pharmacy Student Edition

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2021 32:35


    Happy New Year! Join me as we ring in 2021 with answers to Vogue's 73 questions about me, my life, and pharmacy! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 19: 'Tis the Season

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2020 25:50


    Mehry Christmas y'all! On today's episode I'll be talking about navigating the first ~virtual~ ASHP Midyear, how my residency applications are going, the end of my industry rotation, welcoming grandlittles to our fraternity lineage, and my experience receiving the first dose of the Moderna COVID vaccine. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 18: WFH Week in My Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2020 33:46


    Join me during a week in my life working from home! I'll be talking about what my day looks like during my industry internship, what I've done to continue working on residency applications, and how I like to spend my brain breaks. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 17: It's All Gravy

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2020 16:44


    Welcome to the first of 3 holiday episodes of Life on the Pharm! On today's epsiode we'll be wrapping up my emergency medicine rotation, giving y'all some insight into my industry internship, and touching upon what it's like applying for residency. All of this and more as we catch up during this Thanksgiving special! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 16: Rabies & Residency & RSI, Oh My!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2020 28:39


    Hello I'm back! Three weeks later and I've returned to share what's been up in the ED, how prepping for residency application season has been, and what the deal is with rabies. On this week's episode I share with y'all what I learned during my rabies topic discussion, what it was like participating in CSHP ~virtually~, and how three back to back to back intubations was just another day in the office. Listen along as I catch you up on three weeks of Life on the Pharm! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 15: Grey's Anatomy Who?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2020 25:36


    In today's episode, I'll be sharing with y'all what I was up to during my first week in the Emergency Department! I share with you what my first week was like at a new hospital, how I fit into the Emergency Medicine team, and became my own version of Mehr-idith Grey. This week I got to rock my Figs, attend traumas, sprint to my first code blue, take part in layered learning, get an introduction to RSI, have MANY conversations about antibiotics, set up medications, and so much more! Listen along as I take on ED Week 1! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 14: FASTHUGS to the ICU

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2020 23:05


    In today's episode, I'll be sharing with y'all my last 2 weeks in the ICU! I go over preparing and presenting my final presentation in addition to current plans for research presentations at upcoming seminars and conferences. This week I share with you the last of my topic discussions, how to celebrate a birthday in the ICU, what I do between blocks, why goodbyes are the worst, and so much more! Listen along as I take on ICU Weeks 5 and 6! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 13: Welcome to my TED Talk

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2020 25:20


    In today's episode, I'll be sharing with y'all my fourth week of my ICU rotation! I share with you all my experience working in interdisciplinary teams as well as share some interesting disease states I've encountered. This week I made my way back into the ICU full time, jumped back into patient work ups and notes, presented my topic discussions to my preceptors and med student colleagues, watched my first bronchoscopy, gave a TED Talk about the Bachelor, and so much more! Listen along as I take on ICU Week 4! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 12: Angioplasty But Make It ~Fashion~

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2020 44:52


    In today's episode, I'll be sharing with y'all my third week of my ICU rotation which actually ended up taking me to both TOC and the cath lab! I share with you all my discharge counseling experience throughout the hospital and well as witnessing my first angioplasty. This week our cohort attended a conference about all things residency, I worked up my ICU team solely off the patient list, presented my journal club for my midpoint presentation, and so much more! Listen along as I take on ICU Week 3! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 11: Doin' the Damn Thing

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2020 46:30


    In today's episode, I'll be sharing with y'all my second week in the ICU plus a look into my shift in TOC! I share with you all my experience working autonomously in the ICU as well as offer more insight into what isn't taught in pharmacy school. This week I worked up the entire team on my own, gave my recommendations on rounds, was turned to by the physician with questions, evaluated my first imaging results, completed topic discussions galore and so much more! Listen along as I take on ICU Week 2! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 10: You See Me and ICU

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2020 48:47


    In today's episode, I'll be sharing with y'all what I was up to during my week break as well as my first week in the ICU! I share with you all my experience attending a virtual residency showcase as well as an online emergency medicine seminar. This week I started my first direct patient care rotation in the ICU, take you through my daily schedule, talk about what disease states are prevalent, the importance of interprofessionalism, my thoughts about transitioning from being student in the classroom to student on rotations, and so much more! Listen along as I take on ICU Week 1! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 9: One Down, Five to Go!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2020 42:23


    In today's episode, I'll be taking y'all along on the last week of my Hospital Operations rotation! I wrapped up my first rotation working in Antimicrobial Stewardship and Medication Use and Safety as well as rounding in the ICU and TNI! This week I gave my final presentation reviewing Actemra in the treatment of COVID-19, received my RxPrep book, worked with my first remote pharmacist, gave an impromptu presentation about UTIs on rounds, and so much more! Listen along as I take on Hospital Operations Week 6! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 8: White Coat Syndrome

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2020 49:07


    In today's episode, I'll be taking y'all along as I complete med recs in the ED and try my hand at Transitions of Care! This week I was mistaken for a doctor, had my work station moved to the ambulance bay, had my most interesting phone call to date, did patient discharge counseling, and so much more! Listen along as I take on Hospital Operations Week 5! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 7: Scrubs Will Always Get Love From Me

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2020 43:15


    In today's episode, I'll be taking y'all along on my longest week yet! This week marks my first month of rotations officially being over! I wrote my first warfarin note, made IV bags on my own, spent time in the Emergency Department, made my first recommendation to a physician, and so much more! Listen along as I take on Hospital Operations Week 4! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 6: APPEs are No Joke

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2020 49:42


    In today's episode, I'll be taking y'all along on my craziest week yet! This week I wrote my first vancomycin note, worked a technician shift on my own, attended a trauma call, presented my midpoint presentation, and so much more! Listen along as I take on Hospital Operations Week 3! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 5: Nephre Underestimate the Kidneys

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2020 50:04


    In today's episode, I'll be taking y'all along on my week of 6AM starts! This week I worked with the pharmacists for the first time, got to practice working through a chemotherapy regimen on paper and in the IV room, attended my first Honor Walk, and realized how the kidneys are the way to a pharmacists heart! Listen along as I take on Hospital Operations Week 2! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 4: "Hi I'm Mehr, the student pharmacist"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2020 48:58


    In today's episode, I'll be taking y'all along on my first week of APPE rotations! This week I got my first taste of inpatient pharmacy as I had my site/rotation orientation, worked alongside pharmacy technicians on the floor and in the IV room, and got my bearings as I ventured throughout the hospital. Listen along as I take on Hospital Operations Week 1! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 3: Just Quaran-things and APPE Prep

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2020 45:17


    In today’s episode I’ll be talking about how I've spent my time during quarantine as well as how I’m preparing for my first day of rotations! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 2: Mehr’s Declassified UCSF Survival Guide

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2020 48:36


    Welcome back! On today’s episode I’ll be covering the basics of attending UCSF and giving my fire tips that are guaranteed to help you succeed! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Ep 1: Welcome to Life on the Pharm

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2020 47:52


    I started a podcast!!! On my first episode of Life on the Pharm, I’ll be introducing myself and giving a brief overview of where I’ve been, where I am, and where I’m going, in my pharmacy journey! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Life on the Pharm (Trailer)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2020 0:24


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