Ready, Set, Go: Preparing students to enter the race for post-graduate training programs

Introduction: The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Resident Matching Program’s 2015 data reveals that of 4,358 applicants, 65% were successful in securing post-graduate year 1 residencies.  Additionally, there has been unprecedented growth in the number of US colleges and schools of pharmacy and increased interest in post-graduate training.  The larger applicant pool and resulting competition for positions allows programs to expect higher caliber applicants, i.e. students that are well prepared for the interview/application process. Some pharmacy schools offer activities promoting residency training, but few include formalized programs.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate student attitudes regarding a series of five residency preparation workshops in a new college of pharmacy and to determine the impact of the workshops on students’ post-graduate training readiness skills.

Study Design: Observational cross-sectional survey

Methods: Five residency workshops were implemented over 12 months. Fourth year pharmacy students who attended at least one workshop were administered a 10-question survey, assessing demographics and attitudes. Descriptive statistics were used.

Results: 50% of surveys were completed (n=23).  The majority attended at least four workshops (55%). 82% applied to residencies; 9% applied to both residency/fellowships. The median number of programs applied to was 13. All strongly agreed/agreed they felt better prepared for interviews after workshop participation. All students (100%) strongly agreed/agreed they would recommend the workshops.  92% and 75% strongly agreed/agreed that their interviewing and CV skills improved, respectively, after attending the workshops.

Conclusions: All students reported benefits from the formalized residency workshops.  Workshops also increased readiness for applying to residency programs. Post-graduate training preparation programs will give students the skills to succeed in an increasingly competitive market.