Residency program director’s perception of PGY-1 applicants: Results of the National 35½ Second Survey

IntroductionThe growth in applicants to postgraduate year one (PGY1) pharmacy residency programs outpaces the number of available positions, requiring that residency program directors (RPDs) evaluate an increasing number of qualified candidates. Discrepancies exist in the characteristics thought to distinguish exemplary candidates and the methods for selecting them.ObjectivesTo characterize the burdens of the selection process, summarize methods for selecting PGY1 residents based on a systematic review, and list best practices for improving the process.MethodsBurdens were characterized by collecting applicant costs via survey and program costs and workload estimates via interviews of RPDs at small, medium, and large programs. For the systematic review, a medical librarian searched for articles pertaining to resident selection. Articles underwent a title/abstract screen and full text screen by two authors and a third served as tiebreaker. Data were summarized in descriptive form, and consisted of study methodology, selection method(s) of interest, and principal findings.ResultsThe median cost to applicants was $1756 (interquartile range [IQR] $1271‐$2423). The median cost to residency programs was $5068 (IQR $3943‐$12 310). Program directors spent a median of 56.5 hours on selection; a median of 22.0 and 21.3 hours were spent by each preceptor and current resident, respectively. A total of 51 articles (22 surveys and 29 other designs) were included in the systematic review. Biographical data, interviews, and references were among the most commonly explored evaluation methods. Articles consisted primarily of descriptions of selection methods, summaries of RPD attitudes regarding these methods or characteristics desired in a resident, or factors that predicted a successful match. Few articles investigated the validity and reliability of selection methods.ConclusionSelection is a cumbersome process for both applicants and programs alike. Fortunately, numerous opportunities exist to improve the process, and these should serve as the basis of future research.

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 93%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Surveying the selection landscape: A systematic review of processes for selecting postgraduate year 1 pharmacy residents and key implications

Reed

Noel

Heil

et al. 2020

“…These findings are consistent with multiple prior studies focused on pharmacy residency programs, which have reported the LOR to be considered one of the most important components of an application. [5][6][7][8] As programs evaluate large numbers of applications and attempt to gain an overall assessment of each candidate, the LOR can provide important insights across many domains and its contents have been reported to impact program directors' perceptions and interview offers. [7][8][9][10] This has also been noted among evaluations of medical training programs.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…2,3 Most pharmacy residency training programs in the United States utilize the Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service LORs are perceived to be a highly valuable component of a pharmacy residency application and many, but not all studies on this topic, have reported that LORs influence the perceptions of residency program directors (RPDs) and offer for interviews. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] However, an assessment of RPD perceptions about the value of the various LOR components and the process that programs utilize to review LORs has not been performed. As applications to residency programs continue to increase, it has become increasingly difficult to distinguish among candidates, underscoring the need for specific and high quality LORs.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Letters of reference for PGY1 pharmacy residency candidates: A survey of residency program directors and opinion statement

Skrupky

Dy-Boarman

Gurgle

et al. 2020

IntroductionAlthough letters of reference (LORs) are required for postgraduate year one (PGY1) residency applications and used to distinguish between candidates, an evaluation of residency program director (RPD) perceptions and values surrounding LORs has not been described.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to describe PGY1 RPDs' processes, values, and perceptions surrounding LORs.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional descriptive survey. After assessing content validity, the Education and Training Practice and Research Network (PRN) taskforce sent a 25‐item electronic survey to 1266 PGY1 RPDs. Survey questions captured program demographics, LOR requirements, processes for LOR review, and perceptions about the value of LORs. Two open‐ended questions solicited suggestions for LORs and the existing standardized form; responses were evaluated via thematic analysis.ResultsA total of 291 (24%) programs completed the survey. LORs were rated as extremely or quite valuable by 82% of respondents and moderately valuable by 16% of respondents. Scoring rubrics for LOR evaluation were used by 79% of programs, and performance ratings were reported to impact interview consideration by a majority of programs. Accuracy, detailed comments, and inclusion of specific candidate strengths and areas for improvement were rated as extremely or quite important characteristics by 90% or more of respondents. Specific strengths were reported to be present in LORs more than half of the time by 81% of programs; however, accuracy, detailed comments, and inclusion of specific areas for improvement were only reported to be present about half the time or less by 41%, 63%, and 63% of respondents. Among 207 suggestions submitted to improve LOR utility, common themes included a desire for LOR authors to have candid discussions with candidates prior to letter writing, to contextualize their relationship with the candidate, and provide honest and specific assessments.ConclusionLORs remain highly valued by PGY1 RPDs during application review. Several notable findings were observed, resulting in recommendations for LOR authors, residency applicants, and the standardized LOR form.

Factors associated with pharmacy residency matching: A scoping review

Miller

Lavender

Johnson

et al. 2022

Introduction The increasing demand for pharmacy residency programs continues to outpace the supply. The mismatch between available pharmacy residency positions and the number of residency applicants leaves many interested and qualified candidates without a residency. The objective of this review is to describe available literature and factors associated with successful matching to a pharmacy residency program. Methods The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses Extension for Protocols and Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) was used to guide the identification and selection of articles. A search strategy was developed using the combination of medical subject headings (MeSH) and keywords from a review of titles and abstracts of known articles. Titles and abstracts were independently reviewed, and citation mapping was completed for all studies that met inclusion criteria. Results Studies assessing residency match rates were included and 28 studies met inclusion criteria. Of these studies, 16 analyzed data from pharmacy schools, with over half evaluating an intervention such as mock interviews or residency preparation courses. Most of these studies found an association between the intervention and higher match rates. Two studies surveyed residency program directors on desired traits of prospective candidates. Ten studies analyzed national data. A higher number of residency applications, a higher number of interviews completed or invitations received, publication of research abstracts, and higher grade point averages were associated with higher match rates. Pharmacy school characteristics with positive impacts on match rates included public institution, older age of the school, higher North American Pharmacy Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) pass rates, and affiliation with an academic medical center. Conclusion The studies described show the positive benefit of pharmacy residency preparatory activities and individual applicant factors, as well as pharmacy school characteristics on match rates. Most studies had limitations in study design and generalizability, and much of the data were heterogeneous.