As you may already know, life has a funny way of throwing us into situations that sound absolutely absurd, yet somehow end up being the most enriching experiences. One such wild ride for me was preparing for and taking the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination (FPGEE).
In 2009, fresh off my Clinical Pharmacy program in the Philippines, I set foot on American soil with a dream and a burning determination. I was armed with knowledge, but my battleground was unfamiliar. I had to pass the FPGEE, a daunting hurdle that stood between me and my career aspirations.
For those of you who are unacquainted with the FPGEE, it’s a standardized exam for international pharmacy graduates wishing to practice in the United States. Sounds fancy, right? Well, the real fun starts when you dive into the preparation.
My companions on this journey were a couple of indispensable resources – the latest edition of the Pharmacology book by Lippincott and the resources available on Pharmacyexam.com. These trusty friends made the maze of pharmacology seem just a little less intimidating. Plus, I regularly checked out the most current updates on NABP website, a treasure trove of up-to-date information.
Enter, the house on the hill. Thanks to my well-connected friends, I found a review center, run by the unflappable and formidable “Ate” Fely. As soon as I spoke to her, I knew I was in good hands. The caveat? I would be sharing living space with about 10 other eager learners, all cramped together in a single house. If this seems like the premise of a sitcom, trust me, it felt like one too.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Is this a review class or an episode of ‘Big Brother’?” But growing up in the Philippines, having a house full of people felt oddly comforting. It was an echo of home. And hey, I thought, nothing breeds camaraderie like shared ambition and a lack of personal space!
I can’t forget the gracious Zano family, who hosted this motley crew of us. They opened their doors to us, strangers from different walks of life, united by a common goal. I salute their generosity and hospitality.
In that bustling, vibrant house, we studied, laughed, and dreamed together for two full weeks. Our makeshift beds were the floor, but the atmosphere was electrifying. Every corner of the house was buzzing with pharmacy jargon, with Dr. Imasa’s voice leading the chorus.
Dr. Imasa – the man, the myth, the legend! He had the patience of a saint and the intellect of Einstein. Despite the constant chaos of our boisterous group, he managed to make complex topics seem as simple as making instant ramen noodles. Being a visual learner myself, his lectures were a godsend.
Throughout the review period, we were all just students trying to make sense of it all, which made for some lifelong friendships. Think ‘Friends’, but with more pharmacology and less coffee.
Now, let’s talk about the grand spectacle – the FPGEE itself. To be honest, it was like staring into the Minotaur’s labyrinth. Especially for a non-native English speaker, it was nothing short of baffling. But as the saying goes, “Fortune favors the prepared mind.” And boy, were we prepared.
With the aid of my trusty books, the wisdom from Dr. Imasa, the countless hours spent on Pharmacyexam.com, and the latest information from nabp.net, I tackled the test. I won’t mince words – the FPGEE was a tough nut to crack. The language nuances, the tricky questions, and the sheer volume of information can make your head spin faster than a rollercoaster. But, the invaluable lessons I gleaned from the review classes, coupled with rigorous self-study, carried me through.
Looking back, I can confidently say that the FPGEE journey was worth every confusing question and sleep-deprived night. And guess what? I passed! I’d recommend taking a review class to anyone preparing for the FPGEE. It’s like getting a backstage pass to a brilliant concert.
In closing, let me leave you with this piece of advice. The FPGEE, like any exam, will be a challenge. You might feel like you’re lost in the woods, surrounded by an alphabet soup of pharmaceutical terminology. But remember, every pharmacist before you has walked this path and survived.
Also, don’t forget to take a look at the FPGEE Blueprint. Think of it as your treasure map, guiding you through the winding trails of the exam. For the latest information, I’d highly recommend checking out NABP website regularly.
Remember, you’re stronger than you think, smarter than you know, and fully capable of conquering this exam. Hold on to your dreams, keep your sense of humor, and lean into the madness. It’s all part of the journey.
I can’t guarantee that your FPGEE journey will be quite as sitcom-worthy as mine was, but I do know this: it will be a journey you’ll never forget. And who knows? Along the way, you might find more than just an exam pass. You might find a family in a crowded house on a hill, lifelong friendships, and a sense of accomplishment that can’t be put into words.
Good luck, fellow pharmacists! Take it from me, the FPGEE might be a challenge, but it’s no match for your determination. In the words of a famous Dory from a famous Pixar film, “Just keep swimming!” After all, success is just a few strokes away. Be prepared, be patient, and never forget the power of good books, timely information, and even better company.
