Impact of a Residency Interviewing Preparatory Seminar (RIPS) elective in securing post-doctoral training

Purpose: In response to increased competitiveness for securing post-doctoral training, the Residency Interviewing Preparatory Seminar (RIPS) was implemented as an intensive, eight-week elective for students in their final professional year. The seminar required participants to complete a variety of preparatory and simulated residency application situations (e.g., interview, topic presentation, journal club) with immediate feedback from course faculty. The purpose of this research is to determine the impact of the RIPS in assisting students to secure post-doctoral training, specifically residency and fellowship.

Methods: Fourth-year pharmacy students seeking post-doctoral training for two consecutive years were anonymously surveyed via an electronic IRB-approved questionnaire regarding demographics and attitudinal items (e.g., confidence, preparedness). Rates of obtaining post-doctoral positions of RIPS participants were compared to non-RIPS participants at our University. Significance was set at a p-value of 0.05.   

Results: Over a two year period, 86 students from our institution self-reported actively pursuing residencies or fellowships. Of those, 21 students participated in the RIPS elective. There was no difference between RIPS and non-RIPS participant demographics with regard to age, grade point average, number of organizational memberships, officer positions held, formal applications submitted, or interviews secured. However, RIPS participants reported feeling better prepared to interview at the ASHP Midyear meeting compared to non-RIPS participants (94% vs. 31%; p < 0.01). There was a significant difference between RIPS and non-RIPS participants in rates of securing residencies or fellowships (81% vs. 52%; p< 0.03).

Conclusions: The RIPS delivered direct experience replicating interview activities for pharmacy students. The course increased RIPS students’ confidence and resulted in a higher rate of securing post-doctoral positions than non-RIPS participants at our institution, despite similar demographics. With national residency matching rates dropping to approximately 60% in 2012, similarly structured courses may offer students a direct benefit in preparing for the residency and fellowship seeking process.