When I started my internship at RxPharmacist, I expected to enhance my medical writing skills and possibly learn how to apply state and federal pharmacy laws in real-world scenarios. However, by the end of this internship, I had gained much more. I was given the opportunity to invest in my professional identity and become a well-rounded individual. I was given support, challenged, and taught many useful skills that I will use for the rest of my life.
What drew me to this internship was the company’s mission. While other internships may focus only on the intern’s development, at RxPharmacist, they empower interns to grow while also producing high-quality educational resources that serve students. I truly felt that what I did mattered. The questions I created, the documents I edited, the statutes I reviewed, and the presentations I designed — all of which serve a purpose in helping future pharmacists transition from students to healthcare professionals. This was more than just another internship; I felt that my ideas were welcomed and appreciated.
One of the core projects I worked on was updating the MPJE study guides. This was more than just proofreading and reformatting the document. I was required to review pharmacy statutes from different state boards and update policies relevant to students. I was tasked with interpreting the language and ensuring accuracy in our study guidelines. At first, I found this challenge overwhelming, but through mentorship and practice, I was able to gain experience in looking into these board websites and learned how to find the most accurate and relevant information.
Through this internship, I became skilled at distinguishing between board rules and statutory requirements, and translating complex legislative updates into student-friendly exam content. This helped strengthen my legal literacy and my ability to translate complex topics into something that is more accessible to the student audience. These skills will not only help me with studying for the MPJE in the future but also help me in my career.
Another one of my tasks involved creating and editing exam-style questions. These questions were meant to mimic real life MPJE questions in order to best prepare students. That meant carefully constructing distractors, and ensuring that every answer and explanation is backed by evidence that is clear and concise. I learned that writing good questions is not about tricking students but about challenging them and helping them work out what they need to focus on when they are studying. These questions also help reflect real-world decision-making scenarios that would reinforce learning.
This internship tested my ability to think from a learner’s perspective, tested my skill at crafting explanations that teach rather than confuse, and sharpened my ability to spot any writing and comprehensive mistakes. My contribution was not just to aid in test prep but also to support the professional readiness of future pharmacists.
Beyond the technical experience this internship provided, I also had plenty of opportunities to strengthen my communication skills. For each draft or project, I submitted, I incorporated feedback and revised my work. My preceptor provided constructive, actionable feedback that pushed me without discouraging me. As a result, I noticed that my writing became clearer, my edits were more precise, and I had amplified my ability to defend my decisions.
Additionally, I created presentations on key subjects in the state study guide. I designed these materials with the idea of making these topics more digestible and visually engaging. This is another skill that I would utilize in my future academic and professional presentations, where clarity, accuracy, and audience engagement are essential.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the RxPharmacist internship was the balance between guidance and independence. My preceptors allowed me to work through the projects and tasks independently while still being available to make any clarifications or offer any tips needed to complete each project. At the end of the project, they provided their feedback on things to work on and things that I excelled at. This structure gave me a sense of ownership over my projects and held me accountable to high standards.
I learned to manage my time effectively, juggle multiple projects, and problem-solve on my own before seeking external support. These are transferable skills that would come in handy in my clinical rotations and fellowship opportunities.
Like any other worthwhile experience, this internship had its challenges. Specifically in the beginning, I found it daunting to read through dense legal documents and picking out the information needed. I also had issues with balancing deadlines on top of other commitments I had.
However, these challenges ultimately became growth opportunities. I learned how to search for relevant statutes and board rules and look for clear edits and updates made in the legislature. I learned how to prioritize deadlines, better manage my time effectively, and communicate with my preceptor for any unexpected problems that came along.
The highlight of this internship was the mentorship I received, working with my preceptor as well as the RxPharmacist leadership team. They demonstrated genuine care for my growth, guiding me on my projects and tasks, and being open to providing career advice and insights into the pharmaceutical industry. I never felt like “just an intern”; I felt like a essential member of the team.
I also felt a sense of camaraderie with past and present interns. I got the opportunity to look at what other interns did during their time and learn from their skills and their mistakes. This further reinforced the idea that pharmacy is a collaborative profession. I appreciate how RxPharmacist has created an environment where interns support each other rather than compete with one another.
Looking back, I can say that this internship has prepared me for the next steps in my career. I have gained concrete skills in professional communication, question writing, educational design, project management, and legal analysis. I have also gained intangible skills such as independence, resilience, and confidence in contributing to pharmacy education.
This experience reinforced my passion for pursuing a career that integrates regulatory knowledge and patient advocacy. The skills I acquired are more than enough to prepare me for a fellowship. I know that this experience will distinguish me as a candidate who can balance mission-driven work and technical precision.
In summary, this Rxpharmacist internship has been a truly transformative experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an organization that invests in students, interns, and the broader pharmacy community. I would recommend this internship to any student who is looking for a chance to elevate their CV and grow independently. I would say be prepared to learn and be challenged. This is not a passive experience; it is an active and immersive journey that will help expand your skillset.
Nina A. Gyasi, B.S., Pharm.D Candidate 2026