Sarah Jung, PharmD, MS, BCCCP, is a pharmacist at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. She became a member of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) in 2016. Her clinical interests include professional development, resuscitation, and shock. Her hobbies include traveling and yoga. Learn more about Dr. Jung and her love for critical care.
What do you love about SCCM Membership?
SCCM has provided me with invaluable resources, networking, and opportunities for collaborative growth with other critical care professionals. I love that fellow SCCM members are also invested in advancing and contributing to our field.
Why do you love being in critical care?
I truly enjoy being a critical care pharmacist! There are so many aspects of critical care medicine that I love: complex decision-making with an interdisciplinary team, teaching the next generation of clinicians, continuous learning of a variety of topics, and impacting the lives of patients and their families.
How did you get into critical care?
I initially wanted to pursue infectious diseases. However, one of my first rotations as a student was in the pediatric ICU. I was immediately hooked after day one. The fast pace, acuity of illness, multidisciplinary team, bedside engagement and involvement of clinical pharmacists, complex disease states, and continuous learning all drew me in and kept me in critical care.
What advice do you have for those starting their critical care careers?
Working in the ICU can be incredibly tough but also extremely rewarding; remind yourself of the amazing impact you make directly on patients’ lives. Read at least one thing new every day. Cultivate awareness of your actions, your thoughts, and your surroundings.
What do you see as the most challenging issue facing critical care?
Especially in the United States, since there is continued focus on maximizing hospital profits over patient care and employee satisfaction, there will be increased burnout and staffing shortages, which will ultimately impact the quality of patient care. Current political and economic climates will also shift patient demographics and access to general, long-term medical care, leading to more frequent ICU admissions due to lapse in resources or medications.
What do you believe to be the top benefit of SCCM membership?
SCCM Connect Member Forum
Connect with @Sarah Jung on SCCM Connect!