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SurvivingtheResidencyApplicationProcess
AshleyShupp,PharmDPGY1PharmacyResident
ShandsJacksonville
KimLe,PharmDClinicalPharmacySpecialist,NeonatalICU
TexasChildren’sHospital
SapanaDesai,PharmDPGY1PharmacyResidentTheMethodistHospital
AngelaTong,PharmD
PGY1PharmacyResidentMichaelE.DeBakeyVeteransAffairsMedicalCenter
SagunaPatel,PharmDClinicalPharmacist
Children’sMedicalCenterinDallas
ToddCanada,PharmD,BCNSP,FASHPTheUniversityofTexasMDAndersonCancerCenter
DivisionofPharmacy,Box3771515HolcombeBoulevard
Houston,Texas77030‐4009Office:(713)745‐0685Fax:(713)794‐4399
Email:[email protected]
2
The4thyearofpharmacyschoolcanbestressfulforstudentswhoareapplyingfora
postgraduateyear(PGY)1pharmacypracticeresidency.Navigatingthroughthemadnessof
theresidencyprocess,youmayfindyourselfsaying,“Wow,IwishIwouldhaveknownthat
beforeIwenttoMidyear”or“IsureamgladIknewthatbeforeinterviewing.”Thepurposeof
thisarticleistoprovideasummaryofhelpfulandimportanttidbitsofinformationthatwehave
collectedtohelp4thyearpharmacystudentsbecomebetterpreparedfortheentirePGY1
residencyprocess.Thisarticlewillcoverinformationyouneedtoknowyour3rdyearof
pharmacyschool,your4thyearbeforetheASHPMidyearClinicalMeeting,atMidyearincluding
thePersonnelPlacementService(PPS),andfollowingMidyear.
ThirdYearofPharmacySchool
WerecommendattendingtheASHPMidyearClinicalMeetingthe3rdyearofpharmacy
schoolifyouareseriouslyconsideringpostgraduatetraining.Ifyoudon’thavethemoney,
applyforastipendthroughyourschool’sSocietyofHealth‐SystemPharmacychapter.Evenas
a3rdyearpharmacystudent,thenetworkingyoucanexperiencehashelpedshapemanyfuture
careersinpharmacy.Itisimportanttoresearchprogramsyoumightbeinterestedinby
checkingthelistingsonlineintheASHPresidencydirectory
(www.ashp.org/import/accreditation/residencydirectory.aspx)orintheOctoberAmerican
JournalofHealth‐SystemPharmacy,aswellasaskthemquestionsattheASHPresidency
showcaseinperson.Attendasmuchasyoupossiblycan!Itisanoverwhelmingexperience,
butgoingyour3rdyearmeansyouwillbemuchlessoverwhelmedyour4thyearofpharmacy
school.Itoftenhelpsduringthistimetoaskwhatadviceresidencydirectors,preceptorsor
3
residentsmayhaveforyouasapharmacystudenttodoinschooltoincreaseyourchancesof
gettingacceptedintoafutureresidencyprogram.
FourthYearofPharmacySchool
BeforeMidyear
ThebeginningofSeptemberisagoodtimetostartpreparingforMidyearbyupdating
yourcurriculumvitae(CV)firstandunderstandingalltheacronyms(e.g.,PPS,PGY1,PGY2)you
willexperience.Youmaynotreallyknowwheretostart,buteveryonewillwantacopyofyour
CVsosharewhatyouhaveonyourCVwithyourrotationalpreceptors,professors,and
pharmacyemployers(includingaresidencydirectoratthesiteifpossible)togetuseful
feedbackonwhattoadditionallyincludeandhighlightforvisibility.Nextpreferablyinlate
SeptemberorearlyOctober,wesuggestexploringASHP’swebsitebygoingtowww.ashp.org,
then“Accreditation”,then“ResidentInformation”andyouwillfindthe“ResidencyChecklist”
(whichmoststudentswillfindhelpful)alongwithotherimportantinformation.Thisisalsoa
goodtimetodevelopyourown“ResidencyNotebook”toputalltheinformationinacentral
locationtoorganizealltheprogramsyoumaybeconsidering,muchlikebeinganactual
pharmacyresident.Youshouldthenstartreviewingprogramswithinyourgeographiclimits(if
applicable)fromtheASHPResidencyDirectorytodeterminetheonesyoumaybeinterestedin
obtainingmoreinformation(thanlistedontheirwebresidencydescription)priortoPPS
openinginmid‐October.OncePPSisopen,youcanofficiallysearchforprograms(andtheywill
searchforyoutoo)throughCareerPharm.Table1canassistyouindeterminingoratleast
narrowingyouroptionsfortheavailableprograms.Ifyouhavepharmacyresidentsatyour
rotationsites,askthemquestionssincetheyareanimportantresourcebecausetheyjustwent
4
throughthisprocess.Animportantconsiderationistoaskformoreinformationfromstudent
rotationsitesthatalsohaveresidencyprogramssincetheywillhaveagoodideaofhowyou
performedduringyourrotationattheirsiteandtakethisintoconsiderationwhenselecting
candidates.TwomajoritemsyouneedtoknowaboutbeforegoingtoMidyeararetheNational
MatchingServiceandPPS.Table2providesmoreinformationabouttheNationalMatching
ServiceandTable3focusesonPPS.
AsMidyearapproachesandyouwilllikelybegintofeelnervous,itwillhelpreliveyour
anxietybybeingwellprepared.Table4containsalistyouwillwanttocompletebefore
Midyear,anditemsyouwillwanttobringtoMidyeartofeellessoverwhelmed.Ifyouwant
moreinformation,thereareseveralhelpfularticlesthathavebeenpreviouslypublishedin
Table5tohelpyouprepare.
PriortoMidyearisthebesttimetoidentifywhomyouwouldasktowritealetterof
referenceorrecommendationforyou.Manyresidencyprogramsmayhavetheirownformsfor
theseindividualstocompleteforyouortheymayallowuseoftheASHPResidencyApplicant
RecommendationRequestForm
(http://www.ashp.org/s_ashp/docs/files/RTP_ResidentRecomendForm.pdf).Ideally,youwill
needonefromanemployer(orpreviousemployer),collegefacultyoradvisor,andpastor
currentpreceptorwhocananswerquestionsaboutyourknowledge,skillsandabilities,aswell
asstrengthsandweaknesses.Mostprogramswillrequestthreelettersofreferenceor
recommendationthataretypicallydueinlateDecemberorJanuarywithyourresidency
application,soyoumaywanttoaskforfour(oneadditional)letterstobesureyoudonotmiss
anydeadlinesifoneofyourlettersdoesnotmakeitintime.Youwillneedtoprovidethe
5
individualswhomyouhaverequestedtowritealetteronyourbehalfacopyofyourletterof
intentforeachprogramsotheywillunderstandyourmotivationforseekingtheresidency.You
shouldalsoaskforacopyofyourlettersofreferenceorrecommendationsothatyouknowall
theinformationthattheindividualswhowillbeinterviewingyouwillbereviewingaboutyou.
Additionally,thisisagoodtimetodeterminehowlongitwilltakeforyourgraduatingcollegeor
universitytoprovideatranscriptonyourbehalf,aswellasanycostsassociatedwithobtaining
anofficialtranscript.
AtMidyear
InDecember,itisfinallytimeforthemuch‐anticipatedMidyearmeeting.Theeventwill
takeplacefromSundaytoThursday,butmakesuretoscheduleyourflightinonSaturdayby
midafternoonastheASHPmeetingregistrationandPPSusuallycloseby5pm(savesyoutime
Sundaymorningnottodelayanyimportantinterviews).Yourflightoutcanbeasearlyas
Wednesdaymorning,sincethemajoreventatMidyearistheResidencyShowcase,which
occursonMondayafternoon(1‐4pm)andTuesday(8‐11amand1‐4pm).TheResidency
Showcaseisfreeforalltoattend,butisgenerallyverycrowdedwithallyourfellowpharmacy
studentcolleagueslookingforthebestprogramsforthem.ItisbesttoreviewtheResidency
ShowcasediagraminyourASHPregistrationmaterialstoidentifywhichprogramswillbe
participatingandwheretofindthemwiththeirspecificlocation(seeTable6).Ifyousignedup
andpaidforPPSbeforetheOctoberdeadline,Table7reviewstheprocessforhoweach
programisscheduledandtheinterviewprocess.Midyearisagreattimefornetworking,so
attendasmanynetworkingeventsthatyoucan,especiallyifyoualreadyknowwhatspecialty
areayoumaybeinterestedinpursuingasacareerpath.Itisalsoimportanttoaskspecific
6
programsiftheyhaveaneveningreception(morecommonwithuniversity‐basedresidencies)
soyoucanmeetothersyoumayworkwithduringyourresidency.Therearealsoplentyof
continuingeducationeventstoattendandnetworkwithothersattheMidyearClinical
Meeting.Lastly,havefun!
AfterMidyear
IfyouwerewellpreparedforMidyear,itmayormaynothaveseemedtoostressfuland
nowitistimetochoosewheretoapply!Theapplicationandinterviewprocesscanbetime‐
consuming,butdonotletthatkeepyoufromapplyingorinterviewingsomewhere.Itisbestto
developforyourselfatimelinewithafinalizedlistofplacesyouwillapplytobeforeChristmas
sincesomeprogramshaveapplicationdeadlinesasearlyasDecember31st.
Applications
Thereasonyouneedtofinalizeyourlistofwhereyouareapplyingsoquicklyismainly
becauseyouneedtogivethepeoplewritingyourlettersofreferenceorrecommendationtime
tosendtheminonyourbehalf,preferablybeforethedeadline.Severalfactorsmayassistyou
infinalizingyourresidencylist,suchasdevelopingachecklistofthequalitiesinaprogramthat
aremostimportanttoyou,andthencheckingtoseewhichprogramsyouchoosetointerview
withhavemostorallofthosequalities.Italsohelpstodiscussthiswithsomeoneyoutrust,
suchasapreceptor,collegeadvisororfacultymember.Mostofthetimehavingtoexplainyour
choicestoothershelpsitbecomeclearertoyouaswell.Italsohelpstotalkwithcurrent
residentsatyourcurrentorpreviousrotations.Table8providesmoredetailsaboutthe
applicationprocess.Keepinmindthatyouneedtobewillingtointerviewatalltheplacesyou
areapplyingto,andfinanceyourwaywithtravelandlodging.Someprogramsmayofferpartial
7
fundingoroffertoprovidehousingforresidencycandidatesifyouask.Ittakeseachprogram
timetoreviewalltheirapplications,soiftheyofferyouaninterviewyoushouldplantotravel
andknowmanyofthemmayberelativelyshortnoticeformakingeconomicallyfeasibletravel
plans.
Interviews
Everyinterviewisdifferent,yettheyallhavethesamebasicstructure;sobeprepared
tospendanentireweekdayonsiteandcheckinadvancewithyourcollegeoruniversity,aswell
asyourrotationsitetogetapprovalforthedatesofyourinterviews.Manyresidencyprograms
offerinterviewsonMondaysorFridaystoallowlowerairfares(ifneeded),whilesome
programshaveinterviewsduringtheweek(typicallylocalresidencycandidates).Yes,this
meansyouwillmissyourcurrentrotationandwillhavetomakeupthehoursatsomepoint
dependingonyourcollegeoruniversity.Thegeneralstructureofwhathappensatyour
interviewincludes(seeAppendixD):
OverviewofProgram:usuallytheprogramdirectororcoordinatorwillmeetwithyoufor
anhourandreviewthestructureoftheresidencyyear.Listencarefullytoaskrelevant
questionsandifthereissomethingthatdoesn’tmakesenseorsoundrighttoyou,ask
aboutitevenifitfeelslikeadumbquestion.Manyprogramsareflexibleandallowyougo
off‐siteforaspecificrotationtheymaynotbeabletooffer.Someprogramshaveeven
allowedresidentstodo2weeksinadifferentcountry!Ifyouareinterested,thisis
definitelyagoodtimetoaskaboutoff‐siterotationsthatarenotavailableattheprogram
site.
8
InterviewwithPreceptorsand/orOtherStaff:Thisiswhereyoureceivenumerous
questions,butitisalsoyourchancetoreallysharewiththeprogramhowgreata
candidateyouare!Somecandidatesprefertothinkofeveryanswertheygiveasastory,
andthenitbecomesstory‐tellingtimeratherthanapotentiallyintimidatingexperience.
ThecommonquestionsaskedarelistedinTable9;however,thisisbynomeansa
completelist.
Tour:Mostprogramsenlistoneoftheircurrentresidentstoprovideyouatourofthe
facility,andoftentheprogramdirectororcoordinatormayalsocontribute.Itisgenerally
preferabletowearappropriatecomfortableshoesonthedayofyourinterview.
Lunch:Usuallywiththecurrentresidentsandthebesttimetoaskthemquestionsabout
theprogram.Youwillwanttoaskthemquestionswhentheprogramcoordinatoror
directorisnotaround,sotheresidentswillbehonestwithyouabouttheissuestheydo
anddon’tlikeabouttheirprogram.
CasePresentationorDiscussion:Eachprogrammayaskyoutoprovideapresentationor
oraldiscussionand/orawrittencasewithSOAPnoteorsomeothervariation.Examples
areprovidedinTable10.
Wrap‐upandQuestions:Mostprogramsallowyouseveralopportunitiestoaskquestions
throughouttheday,soitisreasonableifyoudonothavequestionsattheendofyour
interviewday.AdditionalhelpfulhintsfortheinterviewareprovidedinTable11with
questionexamplesprovidedinTable12andAppendixA.
9
Table1
Howtochooseresidencyprogramsofinterest
WebsitestoReview:ASHPonlineresidencydirectory
(www.ashp.org/ResidencyDirectory),AmericanCollegeofClinicalPharmacy
(www.accp.com/resandfel),AmericanPharmacistsAssociation
(www.pharmacist.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Residencies_Advanced_Training)
Ifyouknoworareconsideringaspecificareaofpharmacypracticeyouwanttofocus
yourcareer,thensearchforprogramswiththatspecificfocus.Forexample,ifyouare
interestedinambulatorycare/primarycare,trylookingatdifferentVeteransAffairs
MedicalCenterprograms.
IfyouareplanningaPGY2residencyandknowthespecialtyareayouareprimarily
interestedinpursuing,thenreviewprogramsthatalsoofferyourspecificPGY2career
focusasaPGY1.
Ifyouareunsureorundecided,thenreviewprogramsprovidingabroadrangeof
rotationssoyoucangetthegreatestrangeofpossiblecareeroptionsandhopefully
determinewhatareamostinterestsyouprofessionally.
DoyourRESEARCH!Askaroundaboutprogramsbydiscussingwithcurrentresidents
youmaymeetduringrotationsorprofessionalmeetings.Specificallyaskabouttheir
experiencesandlistentowhattheyshareabouttheirprogramstoseeifitiswhat
qualitiesyoudesire.Asktheresidentswhathasoccurredthatwasexpectedand
unexpected.Askpreceptorsorfacultyforadviceandanywordsofwisdominmaking
finalselections.
10
FormulatealistofrequirementsyouMUSTHAVEinaresidency(e.g.,directpatient
care,speakingandwritingopportunities,administration,research).Thiswillhelp
narrowyourfinalsearch.Theminimumgoalistodevelopalistofprogramsyouare
trulyinterestedinfindingmoreinformationaboutbeforeMidyearcomes.
11
Table2
AboutTheMatchingProcess
www.natmatch.com/ashprmp/
o ThisisalsolinkedfromtheASHPwebsite
(www.ashp.org/Import/ACCREDITATION/ResidentInfo/SeekingaResidency.aspx).
Cost:$112
TheonlineregistrationdeadlineisinearlyJanuary–sodonotdelayinsigningup.You
willreceiveaninformationpacketinthemailshortlyaftertheirregistrationdeadline
passes.
Afteryouregister,writedownyourmatchingnumber(a5‐digitapplicantcode
number)andputitinyour“Residency”folder.Youwillneeditforyourletterofintent
forsomeprograms.
YouarerequiredtocompleteyourinterviewsbyearlyMarchsoyoucansubmityour
RankOrderListofprogramsyouwouldbewillingtoacceptanofferprovidedthey
selectyouaswell.
TheMatchingProcessresultsaregenerallyavailableinmid‐Marchtoseeifyou
matchedwithanyoftheprogramsyoulistedonyourRankOrderList.
12
Table3
AboutPersonnelPlacementService(CareerPharm)
Cost:$60
WheretofindPPS:ASHP’swebsite
AllowsyoutointerviewONLYduringMidyear;however,itdoesnottaketheplace
ofanon‐siteinterview.Ifyoudon’tsignup,youcannotparticipatein
interviewingatMidyear(onsiteregistrationisavailableatahigherprice).Youdo
notneedtosignupforPPSifyouareonlyplanningonattendingtheResidency
ShowcaseasaP3student.
PPSisrecommendedespeciallyifyouareinterestedinout‐of‐stateresidencies
andalsogivesyoupracticeinterviewingforyouron‐siteinterviews.
Someprograms,especiallyPGY1residencies,maynotallparticipateinPPS.Be
suretostopbytheirresidencyshowcaseboothifthisisthecaseonMondayor
Tuesday.Iftheprogramwillnotbeparticipatingintheresidencyshowcase,make
planstocontactthembeforeMidyear.
OnceyouhavesignedupforPPS,postyourCVassoonasyoucanin
CareerPharmsincesearchinggenerallystartsinmid‐October.Programswillthen
begintocontactyouforPPSinterviewsandyoucandothesame.Thisishighly
recommended,especiallysincePPSinterviewspotscanfillupevenbeforeyou
gettoMidyear.Ifyouarenotinterestedinaparticularprogram,besureto
respondprofessionallythatyouarelookingelsewhereifyouaresurethe
programisnotforyousotheyknowyourcareerintentions.
13
Hereisanexampleemailtosendtoprospectiveprogramsyouareinterestedin
interviewing:
DearDr.X,
Iamcurrentlya4thyearpharmacystudentatInsertUniversityName,andmyareaof
interestisinsertyourarea.IamveryinterestedinyourPGY1residencyprogramsince
yourhospitalhasinsertinstitutionspecificsofrelevance.IwillbeattendingtheASHP
Midyearmeetingininsertcity.IfyouareparticipatinginPPS,isitpossibleformetoset
upaninterviewwithyouaheadoftime?MyCVisattachedandIlookforwardto
hearingbackfromyou!
Regards,
Insertyourname
AfteryouregisterforPPS,writedownyourmailboxnumberandputitinyour
“Residency”folder.
IMPORTANTNOTE:Eachprogramhas3numbersyou’llneedtoknowatMidyear
iftheyareparticipatinginPPS:PPSmailboxnumber,PPSboothnumber(toknow
wheretogoforyourinterview),andresidencyshowcaseboothnumber(soyou
canfindthemonthedatetheyareparticipating).WritedownALLTHREEofthese
numbers!Iftheyaren’tparticipatinginPPS,theywillonlyhavearesidency
showcaseboothnumber.
FindingthePPSmailboxnumber:directlyfromCareerPharm
FindingthePPSboothnumber:obtainfromresidencydirector
Findingtheresidencyshowcaseboothnumberanddateoftheirshowcase
15
Table4
PreparingforMidyear
Professionalbusinesssuit
15‐20copiesofyourCV(youmayneedlessormoredependingonhowmany
programsyouareinterestedin)
Businesscards(youcaneasilymakeyourown)
Your“Residency”folderandstudentportfolio
ScheduleofALLevents
Developyourownschedulethatincludeseventsyouarerequiredtoattend,
eventsyouwanttoattend,andstudentprogramming(allofthiscanbe
foundintheOctoberissueofAmJHealth‐SystPharmorintheprogramyou
receiveuponregistrationcheck‐inatMidyear).BesuretoincludeyourPPS
interviews,anycontinuingeducation(CE)events(youwillgetCEflyersinthe
mail),andmostimportantlytheboothsyouwanttovisitateachresidency
showcase.Besuretoincludetheresidencyboothnumberontheschedule,
alongwithallotherlocations.
Listofquestions
Compilealistofquestionstoaskatinterviews(orusetheoneprovided–see
AppendixA)andprintout15‐20copiesofit.Thisway,beforeeachinterview
orshowcasebooththatyouvisit,youcancirclequestionsyouwanttoask
abouteachprogram,orwritenewquestionsdown.Afteryouaskthe
question,youcansimplywritetheanswerbesideit.Besuretousea
16
differentsheetforeachprogram.Itisquickandeasy,anditcanmakeyour
Midyearexperiencesomuchlessstressful!
Thankyounotes
Youmaywanttoconsiderincludingasmallprofessionalpictureofyourself
sotheycanrememberyouinthenote.
Filingsystem
Asmall,flexible,inexpensivefilingfolderthathasmultipletabsinitisusually
preferred.Youcanlabelthetabswiththeprogramsyoualreadyknowyou
wanttovisit,andleaveafewopenforprogramsthatyoumightbecome
interestedinaftereachnetworkingopportunity.Eachprogramgivesyoua
lotofdifferentinformation,andyouwillbegladyoustayedorganizedwhen
itcomestimetogetapplicationscompletedontime.
Listofprogramsyouareinterestedin
Reviewasmuchinformationontheprogramsyouareinterestedin,
especiallyifyouareplanningtointerviewwiththematPPS.Writethe
informationdown,ortypeitout,andkeepitinyourfilingsystem.Itreflects
verypositivelyonyouduringPPSinterviewsifyoualreadyknowinformation
abouttheirprogram!
17
Table5
HelpfulArticlesforResidencyTraining
MancusoCE,PaloucekFP.Understandingandpreparingforpharmacypractice
residencyinterviews.AmJHealth‐SystPharm2004;61:1686‐9.
NelsonT.Selectingtherightresidencyprogram.AmJHealth‐SystPharm
2005;62:1138,1140.
PochopS.Pharmacypracticeresidencyprograms.AmJHealth‐SystPharm
2005;62:1562,1564.
SongA.SOAPnote:WhyIwanttocompleteapharmacypracticeresidency.AmJ
Health‐SystPharm2005;62:2041‐2.
FitKE,PadiyaraRS,RabiSM,BurkiewiczJS.Factorsinfluencingpursuitofresidency
training.AmJHealth‐SystPharm2005;62:2226,2235.
WeantKA.Onbeingapharmacyresident.AmJHealth‐SystPharm2006;63:1230‐1.
BurkiewiczJS,SincakCA.Onlinetoolforpharmacystudentsseekingresidency
positions.AmJHealth‐SystPharm2008;65:2091‐2.
DeCoskeMA,CavanaughT,ElliottS,GarrisL,GiannakosM,HeggAM,etal.Anew
practitioner’sguidetoasuccessfulinterview.AmJHealth‐SystPharm2008;65:2100‐3.
18
Table6
PreparingfortheMidyearResidencyShowcase
Bepreparedtobringyourlistofquestions(mentionedinTable4),asktospeak
withcurrentresidentsandtheresidencydirector,andwritedowntheanswers
theyprovide.Itcanbeahassle,andyoumighthavetotalkingroups,butgetin
there,getyourinformationandgetout.
Besuretovisitallthesitesyouareinterestedin.Ifyoucan’tgettheinformation
youneedrightthen,gettheircontactinformationandemailthemwithyour
additionalquestions.
Besuretotalktothecurrentorformerresidents.Nooneknowstheinsideofthe
residencyprogramliketheydo.
Ifpossible,talktotheresidencydirector.Youwillbespendingthenextyearwith
thatindividualsomakesureyoucangetalongwellwithhim/her.
19
Table7
PersonnelPlacementServiceHelpfulHints
Themailboxsystemcanbeoverwhelming,butit’sactuallyverysimplein
CareerPharm.Youhaveamailboxtouseincommunicatingwithresidency
programs.TheywillexpresstheirinterestinyoubyinvitingyouforaPPS
interviewthroughyourmailbox(i.e.,youwillreceiveanemailmessagefromthe
emailaddressyoulinkedtoyourmailbox)andtheyhaveamailboxthatyoucan
replytoaswell.Besuretoreplyifyouareinterestedornottoletthemknowyour
careerintentions.
Theinterviewsusuallylastaround20to30minutes.Theygenerallyaskyou
questionsregardingwhyyouwanttodoaresidency,whatyourinterestsare,why
thatspecificlocation,etc.Bepreparedtoanswerthesequestionsconciselyas
yourtimeislimited.ItishelpfultobringextracopiesofyourCVeveniftheyhave
askedyoutoemailthemone.Sometimes,thereare2to3peopleinterviewing
youandeachpersonwantsacopyofyourCV.
WearaprofessionalbusinesssuitwithappropriatecomfortableshoestoyourPPS
interviewandbeontime.
IthelpstoknowthedifferencesbetweenafellowshipandaPGY1orPGY2
residencywhenyouareinterviewingassomeprogramsmayofferallthree.
Trynottoschedulemorethan6‐8interviews,asitcanbeverystressfuland
mentally/physicallydraining.Alwaysremembertoapproacheachinterviewwitha
positiveattitudeanddisplaythatconsistentlythroughoutyourinterview.Theyare
20
interviewinganumberofpeoplethatday,andyouwanttomakesureyouleavea
positivelastingimpressionbyshowinghowpassionateyouareaboutwhatyou
wanttodo.
Bringyourlistofquestions(mentionedinTable4),askquestionsnotalready
answered,andwritedowntheanswersastheyarespeaking.Thiswillbegood
practiceforaskingquestionsatyouron‐siteinterviews.
Plantoprovideeachprogramyouinterviewwithathankyounotesincepharmacy
isasmallworldandmanyprogramsinterviewthesamecandidates.Italsohelps
topersonalizeitbyincludingstatementsyouortheinterviewersmadeduringthe
interviewandwhatattractsyoutotheirprogram.
21
Table8
CompletingApplicationPackets
Letterofintent
Example:seeAppendixB
LettersofRecommendation
Askearly–preferablyinOctober
Provideeachpersonwith:
o Anenvelopewithalistofprogramsyourequestaletterof
referenceorrecommendationonyourbehalfExample:see
AppendixC
o Pre‐stamped,pre‐addressedenvelopes(double‐checkyour
addresses)foreachprogram
o Anyformsrequiredbytheprogram
Followupwitheachpersonbysendingoutareminderemail3to5
businessdaysbeforeyouwanttheletterstobemailedoremailed(or
both).Manypeopleprovidingyourreferenceorrecommendationletters
maysendthemviaemailwithahardcopyinthemailtomakeittothe
specificprogrambytheirrespectiveduedate.
CV
Haveitreviewedbyyourpreceptors,collegefacultyand/oraresidency
programdirectorifpossible
Transcripts
22
Remembermanyschoolsareclosedfortheholidays,sosendrequestsin
earlytopreventdelaysincompletingyourapplicationpacket
23
Table9
CommonInterviewQuestionsforResidencyCandidates
Describeyourstrengthsandweaknesses.
Whatdoyouthinkisthebiggestchallengefacingthepharmacyprofession?
Wouldyoucharacterizeyourselfasaleaderorafollower?
Howdoyouhandlestressandwhatdoyouliketodoforfun?
Whydoyouwanttodoaresidency?
Whyareyouinterestedinourprogram?
Howdidyoubecomeinterestedin(areaofinterest)?
Whatdoyouexpecttogainuponcompletionofthisresidencyprogram?
Describethedifferenttypesofpreceptorsyouhaveexperienced,includingthe
prosandconsofeachincludingwhichyouprefer.
Wheredoyouseeyourselfprofessionallyin5and10years?
Describeatimewhereyouprovidedarecommendationthatwasmetwith
resistancefromtheprescriberandexplainhowyouhandledit.
Whatisthemostsignificantclinicalinterventionyouhavemade?
Howareyourtimemanagementskills?
Whatdoyoudowhenyourpreceptorgivesyou3articlestoreadtonight,youhave
apresentationtomorrowandatopicdiscussion,whileMidyearisin2daysand
youhaven’tpackedorfinishedyourposter?
Thiscouldbeanactualquestionastheyaretryingtogetafeelforhowyou
handlestressandmanageyourtime.
24
Describeatimewhereyouhavegoneaboveandbeyondwhatwasexpectedof
you.Whydidyoudothisandwhatwastheoutcome?
Tellmeaboutaprojectthatyousuccessfullycompletedandoneinwhichyou
werenotsuccessful.Whatdidyoulearnfromeachone?
Wehaveanexcellentpoolofcandidatesthisyear.Whyshouldwepickyouover
theothers?
Whatisyourbiggestaccomplishment(canbeoutsidetheprofessionof
pharmacy)?
25
Table10
Knowledge,SkillsandAbilitiesAssessmentsforResidencyCandidates
CaseDiscussion‐Duringinterviewsessions,ashortcasemaybeprovidedtoyou
withabout5minutestoreviewit.Thequestionstheinterviewersweregoingto
askwerelistedatthebottomofthecasesothecandidatehastimetothink
throughtheiranswersandmakerelevantnotes.Generally,yourverbalanswers
areevaluatedandanynotesyoumadeareforyourreferenceonly.The
interviewersgenerallyattempttoprovidearelaxedenvironmentbytellingthe
candidatenottobenervousanddotheirbest.
WrittenCase–Youmaybeprovidedacomputerwith30minutestoworkupan
anticoagulationcaseandwriteapharmacyconsultSOAPnote.Generally,the
informationforthecasewillbeprovidedonthecomputersothecandidatecan
cutandpastelabs,diagnostictesting,vitalsignsandanyotherpertinentdatafor
yourSOAPnote.
CasePresentation–Candidatearegenerallyrequiredtodoa30minute
presentationoveratopicoftheirchoice.Itisbesttochooseapresentationthat
youhavedonebeforetootherpreceptorsandreceivedpositivefeedbackonyour
performance.Besuretopracticethedaybeforeyourinterviewandanticipate
commonquestionsafterthepresentation,whilemostpreceptorswillaskseveral
practicalquestions,sobeprepared!
CasePresentationandDiscussion–Thecandidatemayberequiredtodoashort
informalpresentationafterbeingprovidedachoiceofseveraldifferentdisease
26
statetopics.Ifyouhavenotpreviouslydoneapresentationoveranyofthetopics
listed,itisbesttochoosethetopicyouaremostinterested.Yourpresentationwill
likelybetimedwithaspecifictimelimit(e.g.,10minutes).Anticipate10to15
preceptorsorattendeesforyourpresentationandexpectthemtostayforthe
casediscussionfollowingyourpresentation.Thiscanbeanintimidating
experience,butgenerallyanytimetheinterviewersseeyoustrugglingwitha
question,theymayaskanotherquestiontoguideyouintherightdirection.
WrittenCaseandDiscussion–Candidatesareprovidedaclinicalcase,several
referencebooks,andaprogressnotetoconstructaproblemlist(inorderof
highesttolowestpriority),therapeuticgoal(s),plan(s)fortreatment,and
monitoringforeachproblemidentified.Candidatesarethenexpectedtoworkup
thecase,writeouttheirassessmentandplan(includingdose,route,frequency,
andduration),andbepreparedtopresenta2minutesummaryofthecase.
Generally,youwillhavelessthan20minutestocompleteallofthiswork.
Followingyourpresentationofthecase,theremaybeanother10minutesof
questioningfrompreceptorsandcurrentresidentsfromtheprogram.
WrittenCaseInAdvance–Theresidencyprogramsendstheircasetoyouone
weekinadvanceofyourinterviewdate.Youarerequestedtoworkupthecase
andsendthemyouranswersthreedaysbeforeyourinterviewdate.Generally,you
donothavetopresentthecase,onlybepreparedtoanswerquestionsaboutit.
Quiz–Thecandidateisprovidedaquizovergeneralambulatorycarequestionsor
otherdiseasestatetopicareasthatmaybethemainfocusofthespecific
27
residencyprogram.Ifyouwillbereceivingaquizduringyourinterview,spend
sometimereviewingthecommondiseaseareasthattheresidencyprogram
specificallyaddresses.
28
Table11
HelpfulHintsforOnsiteInterviewing
Alwayshavequestionsprepared!Itmayseemasifinterviewersaskyou“Doyou
haveanyquestionsforus?”every5minutes.Generally,youdonothavetohavea
questioneverytimetheyask,butifyoudonothaveANYquestions,youmayleave
theprograminterviewerswithasensethatyouwerenotinterestedorprepared
adequatelyfortheinterview.
Doyourresearchpriortoanyinterviewtoknowwhatisuniqueforeachprogram
andthereason(s)youarechoosingthem.
Scheduleyourinitialtopchoiceprograminterviewthelastifpossible(usuallylate
February),asthisprovidesyoupracticeinterviewingandwhattoexpect.
Keepanopenmind–youmaybethinking,“remaincalmasthisisonlyan
interview,Iamnotobligatedtorankthisprogramatthecurrenttime”,whileyou
mayenduprankingthemfirstonceyougetonsiteandmeettheirstaff.Yourtop
choiceinitially(beforecompletingallofyourinterviews)mayendupbeingranked
lastafteryouconsideralloftheelementsofwhatyouarelookingforina
residencyprogram.
Stayontime–especiallyifyouarerequestedtoprovideapresentation(orother
timedactivity)andmaybeunsureofyourtimelimit.Someprogramsmaybe
flexibleinthisregardandevenallowalongertimeperiodifyouaredoingwell;
however,youmaybestoppedatyourtimelimitsoknowwhatkeypointsyou
definitelyneedtocoverinyouractivity.
29
Makeareflectionlist–aftereachinterview,besuretowriteoutalistofthe
positivesandnegativesforeachprogram.Documentwhatyouexperienced,how
theymadeyoufeel,whatwasthelearningatmosphere,whattheirresident(s)
likedanddisliked,etc.Ifyouscheduleseveralinterviews,youmayfindithelpfulto
keepa“runningrankorderlist”.Youwillbegladyoudidwhenitcomestimeto
rankingtheprograms!
Requestatourofthecity–someplacesmayeventakeyououttolunchordinner
ifyouask.Iftheyinviteyoutolunchordinner,plantoattendsincethisisan
appropriatetimetointeractwiththemsocially.
Askforsupport–someprogramsprovidehousingorcoverhotelcostsassociated
withyourinterview.
30
Table12
ValuableQuestionsforYoutoAskDuringOnsiteInterviews
Whatspecificskills,knowledgeorabilitiesareyoulookingforinaresidency
candidate?
Whatcorerotationsarethere(includingthetimingofthemintheschedule)andis
theprogramflexibleintailoringrotationstomeettheresidents’needspriorto
MidyearifthereisanareaofinterestforafuturePGY2residency?
Whattypeofmentoringcantheresidentexpectfromtheresidencyprogram
director,individualpreceptorsand/orotherpharmacystaff?
Howmanypreceptors(onsiteandoffsite)doesyourprogramhaveandhowlong
havetheybeenassociatedwiththeprogram?
Howarepreceptorsselectedforyourprogramandwhattypeofpreceptor
developmentdoesyourprogramofferthemandtheresident(s)?
Arepreceptorsencouragedorrequiredtoobtainboardcertificationintheir
respectiveareasfortheprogram?
Areyourresidentsencouragedtopursueboardcertification?
Whatstructuredoestheprogramoffertokeepresidentsontrackwiththeirmajor
and/orminorproject(s)?
Haveyoueverhadaresidentnotcompleteyourprogram?
Ifyoualreadyhaveaninterestinagivenspecialtyarea,askquestionsaboutthat
specialtyiftheyarerelevanttothesiteorprogram.Askifyoucouldgooffsiteif
theprogramdoesnotprovidearotationonsitewithinyourchosenspecialtyarea.
31
Wheredotheresidentslivethisyear?Howfaristhecommute?Istheretraffic?Is
thereparking?WheredoyousuggestIlivenextyear?Whatisthecostoflivingin
thoseareasyousuggest?
Doyoufeelthatyourprogramisagoodfitforme?(Thisisusuallyaskedtoward
theendoftheinterview,aftertheyhavehadachancetogettoknowyoubetter.)
Astheresidencyprogramdirector,whataspectsoftheresidencywouldyoualter
andwhy?
FortheResidents:
Whatisatypicaldaylikeforyou?
Wouldyoudoitalloveragain?
Whatoriginallyattractedyoutothisprogram?
Areyousatisfiedwithyourchoiceofthisprogram?
Whatdoyoulikebestabouttheprogram?
Whatwereyourmostandleastfavoriterotationsduringtheresidencyand
why?
Doyoureceiveusefulfeedbackfromeachpreceptoronareasfor
improvementand/orareasyoumayhavemastered?
Howmuchoversightdoestheprogramdirectorandpreceptorshaveinthe
residency?
Whatareyougoingtodonextyearandwouldyouconsiderstayingonas
staffhereafteryourresidency?
Whatwouldyoudodifferentlywiththeprogramifyouweretheresidency
33
AppendixA
QuestionList
QuestionstoaskeveryResidencyProgram
1. Whatwouldyouchangeaboutyourprogram?
2. Whatdidyourresidentsdoafterfinishingtheirresidency?
3. Howmanyresidencypositionsdoesyourprogramoffer?
4. WhatPGY2programsareorplantobeavailableinthenextyearatyourfacility?
QuestionsforInterviewers/ResidencyDirector
Application:
1. Howbigofafactorisgradepointaverage,letterofintent,lettersofreferenceor
recommendationandpresentations?
2. Whatqualitiesdoyoulookforinaresident’sapplicationspecifically?
Residency,General
1. Howmanyelectivesareonsiteorpossiblyoffsite?
2. Whatarethestrengthsandweaknessesofthisprogramandhowdoyouevaluate
them?
3. Howoftenisstaffingrequired?Whatkindofstaffingisexpected(e.g.,distributive,
clinical,administrative)?Isthereanoncallcomponenttostaffing?
4. Whatlongitudinalcomponentsdoestheresidencyprovide?
5. Whatprofessionaltrainingdoyouprovide?(e.g.,sterile/aseptictechnique,
immunizations,basiclifesupport,pediatricadvancedlifesupport,advancedtraumalife
support,advancedcardiaclifesupport)
34
6. Doyoupayforanyprofessionalmembershipsorprovideresources?
7. Doresidentshaveholidaybreaksoraretheyexpectedtoworkonaregular“holiday
schedule”?
8. Whatistheresidentcallscheduleandwhatresponsibilitiesdoesitencompass?What
trainingdoyouprovide?
9. Whatarethecurrentpharmacydepartmentandresidencyprogramgoals?
10. WhatcanIexpectintermsofautonomyordirectsupervisionduringtheresidency?
11. HowmuchcontactshouldIexpecttohavewithmypreceptorandresidencydirector?
12. Doresidentshavearegularoffice/deskspacetoperformtheirwork?
13. Howwilltheresidentsbeevaluatedandhowoften?
14. (Ifnotaccredited)Whenwilltheprogrambeaccredited?Howcomeitisnotaccredited?
Howisthisgoingtoaffectmyexperience?
Preceptors
1. Whatdoyouexpectfromyourresidents?
2. Howdoyouthinktheresidentsaredoingthisyear?
3. Howdoyouincorporatedirectinstruction,modeling,coachingandfacilitatingintoyour
rotationforeachresident?
Projects
1. Whatminorandmajorprojectsdoyourequire?
2. Howdoesaresidentchoosetheirmajorresearchproject?
3. Haveanyofyourresidents’projectsbeenacceptedforpublication?
35
4. Whatcurrentresearchprojectsareotherpharmacistsorresidentsatthisinstitution
workingon?
Changes
1. Willyoubemakinganychangestotheprogramasaresultofthecurrentresidents’
feedback?
2. Whatdoyouthinkcanbeimproved?
3. Whatchangeshaveoccurredintheprograminthelast2to5years?
4. Whenisyourcurrentornextaccreditationvisitandarethereanyplansforchanges?
Institution
1. Pleasedescribeyourclinicalprogram(inpatientandoutpatientifapplicable).
2. Doanyofyourpharmacistshavemedicationtherapymanagementprivileges?
3. Howmanypharmacistsandtechniciansareemployedinthepharmacydepartment?
4. Doyouhaveaccesstoamedicallibrary?
5. Whathardcopyandonlineresourcesareofferedonsite?
6. Doyouhaveaformularyandwhatimpactdoespharmacyhaveinmanagingit?
7. Howmuchimpactdoyouhaveondrugtherapydecisions?
8. Whatarethemostcommonquestionspharmacistsreceivefromotherhealthcare
professionals?
QuestionsforResidents
1. Whatdoyoulikeaboutthisinstitution?
2. Whatdoyounotlikeaboutworkinghere?
3. Howdoesitfeeltobearesidentinthislargeorsmallofaprogram?
36
4. Howandwhydidyouchoosethisprogram?
5. Whatisthemostchallengingaspectoftheprogram?
6. Howmanyinformalandformalpresentationshaveyougiventothe
medical/nursing/pharmacystaff?Whatotheropportunitiesforpresentationsare
available?
7. Didyoureceiveanypreceptortrainingduringtheresidencyanddoyougettoprecept
studentsindependently?
Otherquestions
1. Whatteaching/preceptingopportunities(includingmedical,nursingorpharmacy)do
youprovideandhowfrequently?
2. Doyouhireyourresidentsuponprogramcompletion?
3. Whatareyourpreviousresidentsdoingnow?
4. WhatspecificlearningexperienceswillIbereceiving?
5. Whatisyourstructureforprovidingresearchtraining?
6. Whatarethebenefitsofbeingaresidentatyourinstitution?
7. Howandwhydidyouchoosethispharmacyspecialty?
8. Ifyouhadtodoitalloveragain,wouldyouchoosethisareaofpharmacy?Why?
37
AppendixB
SampleLetterofIntent
December15,20??
John/JaneDoe,insertcredentials
ResidencyProgramDirector
Insertaddress
DearDr./Mr./Ms.Doe,
IamveryinterestedinpursuingapositionasaPGY1pharmacypracticeresidentat
insertfacilityorinstitution.Yourinstitution’sreputationasoneofthefinest(e.g.,teaching)
hospitalsinthenationmakeitanidealsiteformypostgraduatetraining.Iamalsoexcited
abouttheexceptionallearningopportunitiesyourfacilitycanprovideespeciallyinthespecialty
areaofinsertifapplicable.
Evenbeforebeingacceptedintopharmacyschool,oneofmycareergoalshasbeento
obtainapositionasapharmacyresidentinordertoeventuallypursueapositionasa
competentclinicalpharmacist.GiventhetimeformyPGY1pharmacypracticeresidencyhas
finallycome,Iameagertogainabroadoverviewoftheclinicalopportunitiesinthefieldof
pharmacy.IalsohopetorefinemyverbalandwrittencommunicationskillssothatImaybetter
provideconsultativedruginformationservicestohealthcareprofessionalsandpatients.
UponcompletionofmyPGY1pharmacypracticeresidency,IplantopursueaPGY2
specialtyresidencyininsertifapplicablewiththehopeofonedayobtainingapositionasa
38
insertspecialtyareaclinicalpharmacyspecialist.Asaclinicalpharmacyspecialist,Iplanto
providetailoredandcompassionatepharmaceuticalcareanddruginformationintheinsert
specialtyarea.Ibelievethatlearningisalife‐longprocessanditprovidesarationaleforwhyI
wishtoobtainapositionthatwouldalsoallowmetheopportunitytoteachothers.
ThestudentrotationsIhavecompletedthusfar,alongwiththerotationsthatIwillsoon
completewillcontinuetohelpmedeveloptheclinicalandcommunicationskillsnecessaryto
fulfillthedemandsofaPGY1pharmacypracticeresidencysuchasyours.Ihavegained
experienceindevelopingandimplementingpharmaceuticalcareplanswhilemonitoring
patientprogress.Onmultipleoccasions,Ihavepresentedbothverbalandwrittendrug
informationtopatientsandhealthcareproviders,aswellasassistedinformularymanagement
throughdrugrestrictions.Inadditiontomyrotationexperiences,Ihaveworkedasapharmacy
studentinternatainserttypepharmacywhilepursuingmyPharm.D.degree.Iwasalsoan
activememberofseveralprofessionalpharmacyorganizationsthathavehelpedmedevelop
myleadershipskills,includinginsertifapplicable.Ibelievealloftheseexperienceshavehelped
preparemeforachallengingresidencyposition.
IlookforwardtointerviewingforthePGY1pharmacypracticeresidencyofferedat
insertinstitution/university/facility.Thankyouforyourtimeandconsideration.
Sincerely,
InsertName
ASHPmatching#insertnumber
40
AppendixC
LettersofReferenceorRecommendationRequestedforListedProgramsofInterest
1) Insertinstitution/university/facility
a. Contact:insertnameandcredentialsofresidencydirectorordesignee
b. Address:insert
c. Phone:insert
d. Fax:insert
e. E‐mail:insertforaboveindividual
f. ApplicationDeadline:insertdate(Pleasepost‐markletterbyinsertdate)
g. Includeanyformsspecificallyrequiredfromtheprogramifapplicable
h. Pleaseemailmeacopyofyourlettertoinsertyouremailaddressbyabove
applicationdeadlinedate.
41
AppendixD
PossibleResidencyInterviewSchedules
Example1
9‐9:30am Meetwithprogramdirector
9:30‐10am Tourwithresident
10‐11am Casediscussionwithpreceptors(Youwillpickonecasetoworkupand
presentthiscasetothepreceptors)
11am‐12pm Attendinpatientroundswitharesidencypreceptor
12‐1pm Lunchwiththeresidents
1‐2:30pm Groupinterviewwithpreceptors
2:30‐3:00pm Wrap‐upwithprogramdirector
5:30pm Dinneratarestaurantwithresidents/preceptors/otherinterview
candidates
Example2
9‐9:30am WelcomeandReviewofApplicationMaterials
9:30‐10am InterviewwithProgramDirector
10‐11am InterviewSession–Group#1ofPreceptorsandstaff(3‐6)
11am‐12:30pm CandidatePresentationwithQuestion&AnswerSession
12:30‐1:30pm LunchwithResidentsandotherResidencyApplicants
1:30‐2:30pm TouroffacilitywithCurrentPharmacyResident(s)
2:30‐3pm BreakandChatwithPreceptors
3‐4pm InterviewSession–Group#2ofPreceptorsandstaff(3‐6)
42
4‐4:30pm Wrap‐UpDiscussionwithProgramDirector
Example3(Multisiteprogram)
8:30‐9am InterviewwithResidencyProgramDirector
9‐9:30am TourofFacility#1
9:30‐10am RoundingwithPreceptoratFacility#1
10‐11am InterviewPanelwithDirectorofPharmacy,OperationsManager&
ClinicalStaffatFacility#1
11‐11:30am PresentationtopharmacystaffatFacility#1
11:30am‐12:30pm LunchwithResident(s)
12:30‐1pm TraveltoFacility#2
1‐1:30pm InterviewwithResidencyCoordinatoratFacility#2
1:30‐2pm TourofFacility#2
2‐3pm InterviewPanelwithPreceptorsatFacility#2
3‐3:30pm PresentationtoPharmacyPreceptorsandStaffatFacility#2
3:30‐4:00 Follow‐upwithResidencyProgramDirector&Coordinator
Example4
8‐8:30am WelcomeandProgramOverviewwithResidencyDirector
8:30‐9:15am InterviewwithPharmacyAdministrativeDirector
9:15‐10am CaseEvaluation(TimeforResidenttoPrepareforPresentation)
10‐11am Interviewwith3‐6PreceptorsGroup#1
11:15am‐12pm CandidatePresentationtoPharmacyPreceptorsandStaff
12‐1pm LunchwithResident(s)
43
1‐2pm Interviewwith3‐6PreceptorsGroup#2
2‐3pm TourofFacility
3‐4pm InterviewwithResident(s)inResident’sOffice
4‐4:30pm Wrap‐upwithResidencyDirector
Example5
10‐10:40am WelcomeandResidencyProgramOverviewwithResidencyProgram
Director
10:40‐11:40am TouroftheHospitalandIntroductionwithChiefPharmacyOfficer,
ChiefofMedicalStaff
11:40am‐12:20pm LunchwithResidents
12:20‐1pm InterviewsStations1‐5forCandidates(SeeBelow)
1‐1:40pm InterviewsStations1‐5forCandidates
1:40‐2pm Break
2‐2:40pm InterviewsStations1‐5forCandidates
2:40‐3:20pm InterviewsStations1‐5forCandidates
3:20‐4pm InterviewsStations1‐5forCandidates
4‐4:45pm Wrap‐upwithCurrentPharmacyResidents
4:45‐5pm Wrap‐upwithResidencyProgramDirector
Station1–InterviewwithPreceptors
Station2–InterviewwithResidencyProgramDirectorandResidencyProgramCoordinator
Station3–Interviewwithcurrentresidents
Station4–Programreview