(46) Incorporating Lessons Learned from "Eat that Frog" into IPPE/APPE Rotations

Objective : To aid IPPE/APPE students in goal-setting and learning techniques to avoid procrastination

Methods: Since March 2022, a self-development topic discussion was included in Dr. Ramanathan's IPPE/APPE rotations based on Brian Tracy's "Eat that Frog! 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time." The process used is an adaptation of the author's methods for "planning on paper." The twelve-step method starts by having students read the book or listen to the audiobook prior to the topic discussion with the faculty member. During the topic discussion, students are able to identify what they are procrastinating on, why they are procrastinating on the task, and steps to completing each task. The topic discussion is provided in the first week of rotation, so that students are able to re-visit the topic later in the block to re-assess their progress. Techniques of prioritization and self-assessment of progress on tasks are utilized to promote self-awareness. Students are then asked to transfer their "frogs/tasks" to a large sticky note in a visible location for them to review on a daily basis and are assigned an accountability partner with a one month deadline to complete their largest frog.

Results: IPPE/APPE students found the topic discussion useful in identifying both professional and personal tasks that required their attention in terms of procrastination. With the use of an accountability partner and a monthly check-in, students were more likely to attain their goals.

Conclusions: Incorporating lessons learned from self-development texts, like "Eat that Frog" in IPPE/APPE rotations may prove useful in soft skill development of students. Teaching students methods to mitigate procrastination in pharmacy school will have everlasting effects into their careers and beyond.