Racial disparities in pharmacy postgraduate residency match rates and beyond: Implications for clinical pharmacists

A change to the pathway: The Impact of the Supreme Court of the United States affirmative action decision on clinical pharmacy and a call to action for pharmacists

“…According to a diversity resource guide presented by the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists (ASHP), of the resident candidates who applied for the match in 2022, 56% were white, and 27% were Asian, whereas 6% were identified as Hispanic/Latino and 5% as Black/African American. 4 However, when considering the final match results, the proportions of all REM groups who successfully matched decreased, while non-Hispanic White applicants experienced a 15.8% increase. 4 This lack of diversity in postgraduate training is multifactorial but often cited reasons include the lack of representation of REM individuals in COP/SOP and residency/fellowship program leadership and the lack of tailored recruitment efforts for REM trainees.…”

“…4 However, when considering the final match results, the proportions of all REM groups who successfully matched decreased, while non-Hispanic White applicants experienced a 15.8% increase. 4 This lack of diversity in postgraduate training is multifactorial but often cited reasons include the lack of representation of REM individuals in COP/SOP and residency/fellowship program leadership and the lack of tailored recruitment efforts for REM trainees. 5 Without direct and intentional mitigation strategies, these disparities within the profession are poised to become more pervasive, and potentially result in deleterious health outcomes across REM populations.…”

“…Multiple pharmacy organizations have recognized the importance of emphasizing increased educational experiences focused on cultural and structural humility. 4,10 Note: The recommendations and strategies for their integration into postgraduate training program recruitment initiatives are provided in-text.…”

“…EDITORIAL programs should identify opportunities to incorporate SDoH and equity-based education into the curricula. 4 This integration of education will potentially aid in developing policies that promote a safe and inclusive training environment suitable for diverse recruits. 4…”

“…4 This integration of education will potentially aid in developing policies that promote a safe and inclusive training environment suitable for diverse recruits. 4…”