Kristen Gardner
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Saturday, April 06, 2013
As fourth-year student pharmacists, my classmates and I who
pursued residency training are constantly asked about our experiences going
through the process- and for good reasons! It can seem overwhelming, it is
competitive (but you can do it if that is what you want!), and I definitely
believe there are tips/tricks to success. I decided it would be best to place
the details on a google doc instead of taking up oodles of space on the blog
website.
In general…
- I encourage students to start exploring the residency path early if you think you may be interested. Speak to many different people because everyone offers their own perspective. It also allows you to see the commonalities in the opinions to help you know what you really need to do.
- Use our faculty to learn about programs, make contacts, improve interviewing skills (have additional mock interviews), and proof your CV or cover letter! This requires initiative on your part.
- Know yourself- self reflection and self-awareness are powerful tools/traits
- Be strategic with program applications/interviews. Do not apply only to top programs regardless of being in Rho Chi, holding national leadership positions, having posters, manuscript, etc. I had several amazing pharmacy friends with the above criteria who did not match this year. Be smart but at the same time do not apply/rank a program you would not be happy being a resident; however, there are many programs
Programs to which I applied/interviewed;
feel free to ask me questions if you are looking into any of these programs! I matched to UNC PGY-1 program!
- University of Michigan
- University of Minnesota Ambulatory Care Residency Program
- University of Pittsburgh- St. Margaret
- Saint Mary’s Health Care (Grand Rapids, MI)
- Virginia Commonwealth University Health System (Richmond, VA)
- University of North Carolina Health Care (Chapel Hill, NC)
UPMC St. Margaret (a community teaching hospital with an
amazing physician-pharmacy relationship particularly if you like
outpatient/family medicine practice) and University of Minnesota had very
interesting/unique programs. I encourage you to look into these programs which
may be less known among our student body. University of Minnesota also has a
2-year Pharmaceutical Care Leadership Program (ambulatory care focused) which
is very unique as well.
As an aside, I do not believe residency is the right path
for everyone. Do not feel pressured to pursue this pathway- do want is right
for you depending on your career goals and personal situation! This can be a
difficult decision; however, know that our College will be proud of you for
pursuing your dreams and being an awesome clinical pharmacist regardless of the
setting in which you practice (e.g. community, managed care, industry,
hospital, ambulatory care/clinics, etc.). Regardless of where you want to
practice, FIND A MENTOR that fits your career goals. You will have to
search for one within our College or ask faculty for an alumni contact which
may be able to help you. Read and be informed of how to be a great mentee and
cultivate a mentor-mentee relationship. This is not something to take for
granted. You should also spend time appropriately approaching a potential
mentor and articulate why them, what you hope to gain, and thank them for their
consideration.
If you have any questions contact me! My favorite
things are peer mentorship and professional development. Mentors and upper
classman have helped me and I want to pay it forward. I would be happy to give
comments on CVs or example cover letters you may have from P550 (although I
expect these to strengthen when you actually apply because you will have more
insight at that time)….prior to starting residency on June 17th. J
GOOD LUCK! The final year is so exciting. Time time to be proud of your accomplishments and soak in every minute. It goes by fast!
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