CONNECTORx CORNERx: 008 - 2023-02-14

Pharmacy Strategy & Career Development Newsletter:  Cardiology Service Line, Ikigai, and Photo Fun

PHARMACY STRATEGY: Cardiology Service Line

Cardiology was my specialty as a clinical pharmacist when I practiced in the cardiac and cardiothoracic ICUs and supported the heart transplant program. 

The specialty or service line of cardiology has expanded since I was in clinical practice. When I conduct strategic planning exercises, I move through a process to consider support for a full list of medical specialties.  For areas such as cardiology, it is important to consider various practice sites as well as subspecialties.

The American College of Cardiology list the following clinical topics which show the breadth. 

• Acute Coronary Syndromes     Anticoagulation Management     Arrhythmias and Clinical Electrophysiology     Cardiac Surgery
• Cardio-Oncology    Cardiovascular Care Team     Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology     Diabetes and Cardiometabolic Disease
• Dyslipidemia     Geriatric Cardiology    Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathies     Invasive Cardiovascular Angiography and Intervention
• Noninvasive Imaging     Pericardial Disease    Prevention    Pulmonary Hypertension and Venous Thromboembolism
• Sports and Exercise Cardiology     Stable Ischemic Heart Disease     Valvular Heart Disease    Vascular Medicine

I would add pharmacogenomics to this list too.  

And while most of my practice was acute care, there is a need to support patients across the continuum.  Plus, there is an increase in the number of complex specialty and infusion medications that are prime for collaborative practice models. 

Where do you see pharmacy practice supporting cardiology?

CAREER DEVELOPMENT:  Ikigai

Following the heart theme for this week for career development, I thought of the concept of "Ikigai" [ ee-kee-gahy ].  

Are you familiar with this?  

• It is "one’s reason for being, which in principle is the convergence of one’s personal passions, beliefs, values, and vocation: those who follow the concept of ikigai undertake the activities of their life with willingness and a satisfying sense of meaning" - dictionary.com 

Another way to think about it is your reason for being or purpose in life. 

It comes from the integration of What we LOVE, What the world NEEDS, What you can be PAID FOR, and What you're GOOD AT. 

I know I found my Ikigai early on when I considered the pharmacy profession and my passion and mission have grown throughout my career with the same central purpose. 

Do you think you have discovered your Ikigai?  Don't worry if you are still not sure - Ikigai is considered a constant process of discovery and not an end-goal. 

FUN & JOY:  Photo Fun

My first picture as a baby still in the hospital had a heart on that said "I Love Mom" on it since it was Valentine's Day. 

I think about how thoughtful that was that the team at the hospital arranged for this special treat.  

My mom shared that it brought her a lot of joy. And while the nursing team did not get their wish for my mom to name me Valentina, they got a lot of gratitude from my family.

As I reflect on this it makes me wonder how we can bring more joy to our experiences through photos. 

Here are some ideas I have seen.

• In pharmacy school we stood in the shape of an RX as a class and our picture was taken from the roof
• Props at a work event with a photo booth
• Zoom meeting virtual backdrop theme or competitions

What photo activities can you share that bring fun and joy?

SUPPORT AND RESOURCES:

I am here to support you in your journey to advance pharmacy and accelerate your joyful engaging career.  Schedule time for us to connect.  

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