Surviving The Residency Application Process

8/4/2019 Surviving The Residency Application Process

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1SurvivingtheResidencyApplicationProcess

AshleyShupp,PharmD

PGY1PharmacyResident

ShandsJacksonville

KimLe,PharmD

ClinicalPharmacySpecialist,NeonatalICU

TexasChildrensHospital

SapanaDesai,PharmD


TheMethodistHospital

AngelaTong,PharmD


MichaelE.DeBakeyVeteransAffairsMedicalCenter

SagunaPatel,PharmD

ClinicalPharmacist

ChildrensMedicalCenterinDallas

ToddCanada,PharmD,BCNSP,FASHPTheUniversityofTexasMDAndersonCancerCenter

DivisionofPharmacy,Box377

1515HolcombeBoulevard

Houston,Texas770304009

Office:(713)7450685

Fax:(713)7944399

Email:[email protected]


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2The4thyearofpharmacyschoolcanbestressfulforstudentswhoareapplyingfora

postgraduateyear(PGY)1pharmacypracticeresidency.Navigatingthroughthemadnessof

theresidencyprocess,youmayfindyourselfsaying,Wow,IwishIwouldhaveknownthat

beforeIwenttoMidyearorIsureamgladIknewthatbeforeinterviewing.Thepurposeof

thisarticleistoprovideasummaryofhelpfulandimportanttidbitsofinformationthatwehave

collectedtohelp4thyearpharmacystudentsbecomebetterpreparedfortheentirePGY1

residencyprocess.Thisarticlewillcoverinformationyouneedtoknowyour3rdyearof

pharmacyschool,your4thyearbeforetheASHPMidyearClinicalMeeting,atMidyearincluding

thePersonnelPlacementService(PPS),andfollowingMidyear.

ThirdYearofPharmacySchool

WerecommendattendingtheASHPMidyearClinicalMeetingthe3rdyearofpharmacy

schoolifyouareseriouslyconsideringpostgraduatetraining.Ifyoudonthavethemoney,

applyforastipendthroughyourschoolsSocietyofHealthSystemPharmacychapter.Evenas

a3rdyearpharmacystudent,thenetworkingyoucanexperiencehashelpedshapemanyfuture

careersinpharmacy.Itisimportanttoresearchprogramsyoumightbeinterestedinby

checkingthelistingsonlineintheASHPresidencydirectory

(www.ashp.org/import/accreditation/residencydirectory.aspx)orintheOctoberAmerican

JournalofHealthSystemPharmacy,aswellasaskthemquestionsattheASHPresidency

showcaseinperson.Attendasmuchasyoupossiblycan!Itisanoverwhelmingexperience,

butgoingyour3rdyearmeansyouwillbemuchlessoverwhelmedyour4

thyearofpharmacy

school.Itoftenhelpsduringthistimetoaskwhatadviceresidencydirectors,preceptorsor


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3residentsmayhaveforyouasapharmacystudenttodoinschooltoincreaseyourchancesof

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,wesuggestexploringASHPswebsitebygoingtowww.ashp.org,

thenAccreditation,thenResidentInformationandyouwillfindtheResidencyChecklist

(whichmoststudentswillfindhelpful)alongwithotherimportantinformation.Thisisalsoa

goodtimetodevelopyourownResidencyNotebooktoputalltheinformationinacentral

locationtoorganizealltheprogramsyoumaybeconsidering,muchlikebeinganactual

pharmacyresident.Youshouldthenstartreviewingprogramswithinyourgeographiclimits(if

applicable)fromtheASHPResidencyDirectorytodeterminetheonesyoumaybeinterestedin

obtainingmoreinformation(thanlistedontheirwebresidencydescription)priortoPPS

openinginmidOctober.OncePPSisopen,youcanofficiallysearchforprograms(andtheywill

searchforyoutoo)throughCareerPharm.Table1canassistyouindeterminingoratleast

narrowingyouroptionsfortheavailableprograms.Ifyouhavepharmacyresidentsatyour

rotationsites,askthemquestionssincetheyareanimportantresourcebecausetheyjustwent


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4throughthisprocess.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


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5individualswhomyouhaverequestedtowritealetteronyourbehalfacopyofyourletterof

intentforeachprogramsotheywillunderstandyourmotivationforseekingtheresidency.You

shouldalsoaskforacopyofyourlettersofreferenceorrecommendationsothatyouknowall

theinformationthattheindividualswhowillbeinterviewingyouwillbereviewingaboutyou.

Additionally,thisisagoodtimetodeterminehowlongitwilltakeforyourgraduatingcollegeor

universitytoprovideatranscriptonyourbehalf,aswellasanycostsassociatedwithobtaining

anofficialtranscript.

AtMidyear

InDecember,itisfinallytimeforthemuchanticipatedMidyearmeeting.Theeventwill

takeplacefromSundaytoThursday,butmakesuretoscheduleyourflightinonSaturdayby

midafternoonastheASHPmeetingregistrationandPPSusuallycloseby5pm(savesyoutime

Sundaymorningnottodelayanyimportantinterviews).Yourflightoutcanbeasearlyas

Wednesdaymorning,sincethemajoreventatMidyearistheResidencyShowcase,which

occursonMondayafternoon(14pm)andTuesday(811amand14pm).TheResidency

Showcaseisfreeforalltoattend,butisgenerallyverycrowdedwithallyourfellowpharmacy

studentcolleagueslookingforthebestprogramsforthem.ItisbesttoreviewtheResidency

ShowcasediagraminyourASHPregistrationmaterialstoidentifywhichprogramswillbe

participatingandwheretofindthemwiththeirspecificlocation(seeTable6).Ifyousignedup

andpaidforPPSbeforetheOctoberdeadline,Table7reviewstheprocessforhoweach

programisscheduledandtheinterviewprocess.Midyearisagreattimefornetworking,so

attendasmanynetworkingeventsthatyoucan,especiallyifyoualreadyknowwhatspecialty

areayoumaybeinterestedinpursuingasacareerpath.Itisalsoimportanttoaskspecific


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6programsiftheyhaveaneveningreception(morecommonwithuniversitybasedresidencies)

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


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7fundingoroffertoprovidehousingforresidencycandidatesifyouask.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:usuallytheprogramdirectororcoordinatorwillmeetwithyouforanhourandreviewthestructureoftheresidencyyear.Listencarefullytoaskrelevant

questionsandifthereissomethingthatdoesntmakesenseorsoundrighttoyou,ask

aboutitevenifitfeelslikeadumbquestion.Manyprogramsareflexibleandallowyougo

offsiteforaspecificrotationtheymaynotbeabletooffer.Someprogramshaveeven

allowedresidentstodo2weeksinadifferentcountry!Ifyouareinterested,thisis

definitelyagoodtimetoaskaboutoffsiterotationsthatarenotavailableattheprogram

site.


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8 InterviewwithPreceptorsand/orOtherStaff:Thisiswhereyoureceivenumerous

questions,butitisalsoyourchancetoreallysharewiththeprogramhowgreata

candidateyouare!Somecandidatesprefertothinkofeveryanswertheygiveasastory,

andthenitbecomesstorytellingtimeratherthanapotentiallyintimidatingexperience.

ThecommonquestionsaskedarelistedinTable9;however,thisisbynomeansa

completelist.

Tour:Mostprogramsenlistoneoftheircurrentresidentstoprovideyouatourofthefacility,andoftentheprogramdirectororcoordinatormayalsocontribute.Itisgenerally

preferabletowearappropriatecomfortableshoesonthedayofyourinterview.

Lunch:Usuallywiththecurrentresidentsandthebesttimetoaskthemquestionsabouttheprogram.Youwillwanttoaskthemquestionswhentheprogramcoordinatoror

directorisnotaround,sotheresidentswillbehonestwithyouabouttheissuestheydo

anddontlikeabouttheirprogram.

CasePresentationorDiscussion:Eachprogrammayaskyoutoprovideapresentationororaldiscussionand/orawrittencasewithSOAPnoteorsomeothervariation.Examples

areprovidedinTable10.

WrapupandQuestions:Mostprogramsallowyouseveralopportunitiestoaskquestionsthroughouttheday,soitisreasonableifyoudonothavequestionsattheendofyour

interviewday.AdditionalhelpfulhintsfortheinterviewareprovidedinTable11with

questionexamplesprovidedinTable12andAppendixA.


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9Table1

Howtochooseresidencyprogramsofinterest

WebsitestoReview:ASHPonlineresidencydirectory(www.ashp.org/ResidencyDirectory),AmericanCollegeofClinicalPharmacy

(www.accp.com/resandfel),AmericanPharmacistsAssociation

(www.pharmacist.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Residencies_Advanced_Training)

Ifyouknoworareconsideringaspecificareaofpharmacypracticeyouwanttofocusyourcareer,thensearchforprogramswiththatspecificfocus.Forexample,ifyouare

interestedinambulatorycare/primarycare,trylookingatdifferentVeteransAffairs

MedicalCenterprograms.

IfyouareplanningaPGY2residencyandknowthespecialtyareayouareprimarilyinterestedinpursuing,thenreviewprogramsthatalsoofferyourspecificPGY2career

focusasaPGY1.

Ifyouareunsureorundecided,thenreviewprogramsprovidingabroadrangeofrotationssoyoucangetthegreatestrangeofpossiblecareeroptionsandhopefully

determinewhatareamostinterestsyouprofessionally.

DoyourRESEARCH!Askaroundaboutprogramsbydiscussingwithcurrentresidentsyoumaymeetduringrotationsorprofessionalmeetings.Specificallyaskabouttheir

experiencesandlistentowhattheyshareabouttheirprogramstoseeifitiswhat

qualitiesyoudesire.Asktheresidentswhathasoccurredthatwasexpectedand

unexpected.Askpreceptorsorfacultyforadviceandanywordsofwisdominmaking

finalselections.


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10 FormulatealistofrequirementsyouMUSTHAVEinaresidency(e.g.,directpatient

care,speakingandwritingopportunities,administration,research).Thiswillhelp

narrowyourfinalsearch.Theminimumgoalistodevelopalistofprogramsyouare

trulyinterestedinfindingmoreinformationaboutbeforeMidyearcomes.


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11Table2

AboutTheMatchingProcess

www.natmatch.com/ashprmp/o ThisisalsolinkedfromtheASHPwebsite

(www.ashp.org/Import/ACCREDITATION/ResidentInfo/SeekingaResidency.aspx).

Cost:$112 TheonlineregistrationdeadlineisinearlyJanuarysodonotdelayinsigningup.You

willreceiveaninformationpacketinthemailshortlyaftertheirregistrationdeadline

passes.

Afteryouregister,writedownyourmatchingnumber(a5digitapplicantcodenumber)andputitinyourResidencyfolder.Youwillneeditforyourletterofintent

forsomeprograms.

YouarerequiredtocompleteyourinterviewsbyearlyMarchsoyoucansubmityourRankOrderListofprogramsyouwouldbewillingtoacceptanofferprovidedthey

selectyouaswell.

TheMatchingProcessresultsaregenerallyavailableinmidMarchtoseeifyoumatchedwithanyoftheprogramsyoulistedonyourRankOrderList.


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12Table3

AboutPersonnelPlacementService(CareerPharm)

Cost:$60 WheretofindPPS:ASHPswebsite AllowsyoutointerviewONLYduringMidyear;however,itdoesnottaketheplace

ofanonsiteinterview.Ifyoudontsignup,youcannotparticipatein

interviewingatMidyear(onsiteregistrationisavailableatahigherprice).Youdo

notneedtosignupforPPSifyouareonlyplanningonattendingtheResidency

ShowcaseasaP3student.

PPSisrecommendedespeciallyifyouareinterestedinoutofstateresidenciesandalsogivesyoupracticeinterviewingforyouronsiteinterviews.

Someprograms,especiallyPGY1residencies,maynotallparticipateinPPS.BesuretostopbytheirresidencyshowcaseboothifthisisthecaseonMondayor

Tuesday.Iftheprogramwillnotbeparticipatingintheresidencyshowcase,make

planstocontactthembeforeMidyear.

OnceyouhavesignedupforPPS,postyourCVassoonasyoucaninCareerPharmsincesearchinggenerallystartsinmidOctober.Programswillthen

begintocontactyouforPPSinterviewsandyoucandothesame.Thisishighly

recommended,especiallysincePPSinterviewspotscanfillupevenbeforeyou

gettoMidyear.Ifyouarenotinterestedinaparticularprogram,besureto

respondprofessionallythatyouarelookingelsewhereifyouaresurethe

programisnotforyousotheyknowyourcareerintentions.


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13 Hereisanexampleemailtosendtoprospectiveprogramsyouareinterestedin

interviewing:

DearDr.X,

Iamcurrentlya4thyearpharmacystudentatInsertUniversityName,andmyareaof

interestisinsertyourarea.IamveryinterestedinyourPGY1residencyprogramsince

yourhospitalhasinsertinstitutionspecificsofrelevance.IwillbeattendingtheASHP

Midyearmeetingininsertcity.IfyouareparticipatinginPPS,isitpossibleformetoset

upaninterviewwithyouaheadoftime?MyCVisattachedandIlookforwardto

hearingbackfromyou!

Regards,

Insertyourname

AfteryouregisterforPPS,writedownyourmailboxnumberandputitinyourResidencyfolder.

IMPORTANTNOTE:Eachprogramhas3numbersyoullneedtoknowatMidyeariftheyareparticipatinginPPS:PPSmailboxnumber,PPSboothnumber(toknow

wheretogoforyourinterview),andresidencyshowcaseboothnumber(soyou

canfindthemonthedatetheyareparticipating).WritedownALLTHREEofthese

numbers!IftheyarentparticipatinginPPS,theywillonlyhavearesidency

showcaseboothnumber.

FindingthePPSmailboxnumber:directlyfromCareerPharm FindingthePPSboothnumber:obtainfromresidencydirector Findingtheresidencyshowcaseboothnumberanddateoftheirshowcase


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14(MondayorTuesday):OctoberissueofAmJHealthSystPharm


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15Table4

PreparingforMidyear

Professionalbusinesssuit 1520copiesofyourCV(youmayneedlessormoredependingonhowmany

programsyouareinterestedin)

Businesscards(youcaneasilymakeyourown) YourResidencyfolderandstudentportfolio ScheduleofALLevents

Developyourownschedulethatincludeseventsyouarerequiredtoattend,eventsyouwanttoattend,andstudentprogramming(allofthiscanbe

foundintheOctoberissueofAmJHealthSystPharmorintheprogramyou

receiveuponregistrationcheckinatMidyear).BesuretoincludeyourPPS

interviews,anycontinuingeducation(CE)events(youwillgetCEflyersinthe

mail),andmostimportantlytheboothsyouwanttovisitateachresidency

showcase.Besuretoincludetheresidencyboothnumberontheschedule,

alongwithallotherlocations.

Listofquestions Compilealistofquestionstoaskatinterviews(orusetheoneprovidedsee

AppendixA)andprintout1520copiesofit.Thisway,beforeeachinterview

orshowcasebooththatyouvisit,youcancirclequestionsyouwanttoask

abouteachprogram,orwritenewquestionsdown.Afteryouaskthe

question,youcansimplywritetheanswerbesideit.Besuretousea


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16differentsheetforeachprogram.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!


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17Table5

HelpfulArticlesforResidencyTraining

MancusoCE,PaloucekFP.Understandingandpreparingforpharmacypracticeresidencyinterviews.AmJHealthSystPharm2004;61:16869.

NelsonT.Selectingtherightresidencyprogram.AmJHealthSystPharm2005;62:1138,1140.

PochopS.Pharmacypracticeresidencyprograms.AmJHealthSystPharm2005;62:1562,1564.

SongA.SOAPnote:WhyIwanttocompleteapharmacypracticeresidency.AmJHealthSystPharm2005;62:20412.

FitKE,PadiyaraRS,RabiSM,BurkiewiczJS.Factorsinfluencingpursuitofresidencytraining.AmJHealthSystPharm2005;62:2226,2235.

WeantKA.Onbeingapharmacyresident.AmJHealthSystPharm2006;63:12301. BurkiewiczJS,SincakCA.Onlinetoolforpharmacystudentsseekingresidency

positions.AmJHealthSystPharm2008;65:20912.

DeCoskeMA,CavanaughT,ElliottS,GarrisL,GiannakosM,HeggAM,etal.Anewpractitionersguidetoasuccessfulinterview.AmJHealthSystPharm2008;65:21003.


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18Table6

PreparingfortheMidyearResidencyShowcase

Bepreparedtobringyourlistofquestions(mentionedinTable4),asktospeakwithcurrentresidentsandtheresidencydirector,andwritedowntheanswers

theyprovide.Itcanbeahassle,andyoumighthavetotalkingroups,butgetin

there,getyourinformationandgetout.

Besuretovisitallthesitesyouareinterestedin.Ifyoucantgettheinformationyouneedrightthen,gettheircontactinformationandemailthemwithyour

additionalquestions.

Besuretotalktothecurrentorformerresidents.Nooneknowstheinsideoftheresidencyprogramliketheydo.

Ifpossible,talktotheresidencydirector.Youwillbespendingthenextyearwiththatindividualsomakesureyoucangetalongwellwithhim/her.


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19Table7

PersonnelPlacementServiceHelpfulHints

Themailboxsystemcanbeoverwhelming,butitsactuallyverysimpleinCareerPharm.Youhaveamailboxtouseincommunicatingwithresidency

programs.TheywillexpresstheirinterestinyoubyinvitingyouforaPPS

interviewthroughyourmailbox(i.e.,youwillreceiveanemailmessagefromthe

emailaddressyoulinkedtoyourmailbox)andtheyhaveamailboxthatyoucan

replytoaswell.Besuretoreplyifyouareinterestedornottoletthemknowyour

careerintentions.

Theinterviewsusuallylastaround20to30minutes.Theygenerallyaskyouquestionsregardingwhyyouwanttodoaresidency,whatyourinterestsare,why

thatspecificlocation,etc.Bepreparedtoanswerthesequestionsconciselyas

yourtimeislimited.ItishelpfultobringextracopiesofyourCVeveniftheyhave

askedyoutoemailthemone.Sometimes,thereare2to3peopleinterviewing

youandeachpersonwantsacopyofyourCV.

WearaprofessionalbusinesssuitwithappropriatecomfortableshoestoyourPPSinterviewandbeontime.

IthelpstoknowthedifferencesbetweenafellowshipandaPGY1orPGY2residencywhenyouareinterviewingassomeprogramsmayofferallthree.

Trynottoschedulemorethan68interviews,asitcanbeverystressfulandmentally/physicallydraining.Alwaysremembertoapproacheachinterviewwitha

positiveattitudeanddisplaythatconsistentlythroughoutyourinterview.Theyare


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20interviewinganumberofpeoplethatday,andyouwanttomakesureyouleavea

positivelastingimpressionbyshowinghowpassionateyouareaboutwhatyou

wanttodo.

Bringyourlistofquestions(mentionedinTable4),askquestionsnotalreadyanswered,andwritedowntheanswersastheyarespeaking.Thiswillbegood

practiceforaskingquestionsatyouronsiteinterviews.

Plantoprovideeachprogramyouinterviewwithathankyounotesincepharmacyisasmallworldandmanyprogramsinterviewthesamecandidates.Italsohelps

topersonalizeitbyincludingstatementsyouortheinterviewersmadeduringthe

interviewandwhatattractsyoutotheirprogram.


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21Table8

CompletingApplicationPackets

Letterofintent Example:seeAppendixB

LettersofRecommendation AskearlypreferablyinOctober Provideeachpersonwith:

o AnenvelopewithalistofprogramsyourequestaletterofreferenceorrecommendationonyourbehalfExample:see

AppendixC

o Prestamped,preaddressedenvelopes(doublecheckyouraddresses)foreachprogram

o Anyformsrequiredbytheprogram Followupwitheachpersonbysendingoutareminderemail3to5

businessdaysbeforeyouwanttheletterstobemailedoremailed(or

both).Manypeopleprovidingyourreferenceorrecommendationletters

maysendthemviaemailwithahardcopyinthemailtomakeittothe

specificprogrambytheirrespectiveduedate.

CV Haveitreviewedbyyourpreceptors,collegefacultyand/oraresidency

programdirectorifpossible

Transcripts


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22 Remembermanyschoolsareclosedfortheholidays,sosendrequestsin

earlytopreventdelaysincompletingyourapplicationpacket


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23Table9

CommonInterviewQuestionsforResidencyCandidates

Describeyourstrengthsandweaknesses. Whatdoyouthinkisthebiggestchallengefacingthepharmacyprofession? Wouldyoucharacterizeyourselfasaleaderorafollower? Howdoyouhandlestressandwhatdoyouliketodoforfun? Whydoyouwanttodoaresidency? Whyareyouinterestedinourprogram? Howdidyoubecomeinterestedin(areaofinterest)? Whatdoyouexpecttogainuponcompletionofthisresidencyprogram? Describethedifferenttypesofpreceptorsyouhaveexperienced,includingthe

prosandconsofeachincludingwhichyouprefer.

Wheredoyouseeyourselfprofessionallyin5and10years? Describeatimewhereyouprovidedarecommendationthatwasmetwith

resistancefromtheprescriberandexplainhowyouhandledit.

Whatisthemostsignificantclinicalinterventionyouhavemade? Howareyourtimemanagementskills? Whatdoyoudowhenyourpreceptorgivesyou3articlestoreadtonight,youhave

apresentationtomorrowandatopicdiscussion,whileMidyearisin2daysand

youhaventpackedorfinishedyourposter?

Thiscouldbeanactualquestionastheyaretryingtogetafeelforhowyouhandlestressandmanageyourtime.


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24 Describeatimewhereyouhavegoneaboveandbeyondwhatwasexpectedof

you.Whydidyoudothisandwhatwastheoutcome?

Tellmeaboutaprojectthatyousuccessfullycompletedandoneinwhichyouwerenotsuccessful.Whatdidyoulearnfromeachone?

Wehaveanexcellentpoolofcandidatesthisyear.Whyshouldwepickyouovertheothers?

Whatisyourbiggestaccomplishment(canbeoutsidetheprofessionofpharmacy)?


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25Table10

Knowledge,SkillsandAbilitiesAssessmentsforResidencyCandidates

CaseDiscussionDuringinterviewsessions,ashortcasemaybeprovidedtoyouwithabout5minutestoreviewit.Thequestionstheinterviewersweregoingto

askwerelistedatthebottomofthecasesothecandidatehastimetothink

throughtheiranswersandmakerelevantnotes.Generally,yourverbalanswers

areevaluatedandanynotesyoumadeareforyourreferenceonly.The

interviewersgenerallyattempttoprovidearelaxedenvironmentbytellingthe

candidatenottobenervousanddotheirbest.

WrittenCaseYoumaybeprovidedacomputerwith30minutestoworkupananticoagulationcaseandwriteapharmacyconsultSOAPnote.Generally,the

informationforthecasewillbeprovidedonthecomputersothecandidatecan

cutandpastelabs,diagnostictesting,vitalsignsandanyotherpertinentdatafor

yourSOAPnote.

CasePresentationCandidatearegenerallyrequiredtodoa30minutepresentationoveratopicoftheirchoice.Itisbesttochooseapresentationthat

youhavedonebeforetootherpreceptorsandreceivedpositivefeedbackonyour

performance.Besuretopracticethedaybeforeyourinterviewandanticipate

commonquestionsafterthepresentation,whilemostpreceptorswillaskseveral

practicalquestions,sobeprepared!

CasePresentationandDiscussionThecandidatemayberequiredtodoashortinformalpresentationafterbeingprovidedachoiceofseveraldifferentdisease


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26statetopics.Ifyouhavenotpreviouslydoneapresentationoveranyofthetopics

listed,itisbesttochoosethetopicyouaremostinterested.Yourpresentationwill

likelybetimedwithaspecifictimelimit(e.g.,10minutes).Anticipate10to15

preceptorsorattendeesforyourpresentationandexpectthemtostayforthe

casediscussionfollowingyourpresentation.Thiscanbeanintimidating

experience,butgenerallyanytimetheinterviewersseeyoustrugglingwitha

question,theymayaskanotherquestiontoguideyouintherightdirection.

WrittenCaseandDiscussionCandidatesareprovidedaclinicalcase,severalreferencebooks,andaprogressnotetoconstructaproblemlist(inorderof

highesttolowestpriority),therapeuticgoal(s),plan(s)fortreatment,and

monitoringforeachproblemidentified.Candidatesarethenexpectedtoworkup

thecase,writeouttheirassessmentandplan(includingdose,route,frequency,

andduration),andbepreparedtopresenta2minutesummaryofthecase.

Generally,youwillhavelessthan20minutestocompleteallofthiswork.

Followingyourpresentationofthecase,theremaybeanother10minutesof

questioningfrompreceptorsandcurrentresidentsfromtheprogram.

WrittenCaseInAdvanceTheresidencyprogramsendstheircasetoyouoneweekinadvanceofyourinterviewdate.Youarerequestedtoworkupthecase

andsendthemyouranswersthreedaysbeforeyourinterviewdate.Generally,you

donothavetopresentthecase,onlybepreparedtoanswerquestionsaboutit.

QuizThecandidateisprovidedaquizovergeneralambulatorycarequestionsorotherdiseasestatetopicareasthatmaybethemainfocusofthespecific


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27residencyprogram.Ifyouwillbereceivingaquizduringyourinterview,spend

sometimereviewingthecommondiseaseareasthattheresidencyprogram

specificallyaddresses.


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28Table11

HelpfulHintsforOnsiteInterviewing

Alwayshavequestionsprepared!ItmayseemasifinterviewersaskyouDoyouhaveanyquestionsforus?every5minutes.Generally,youdonothavetohavea

questioneverytimetheyask,butifyoudonothaveANYquestions,youmayleave

theprograminterviewerswithasensethatyouwerenotinterestedorprepared

adequatelyfortheinterview.

Doyourresearchpriortoanyinterviewtoknowwhatisuniqueforeachprogramandthereason(s)youarechoosingthem.

Scheduleyourinitialtopchoiceprograminterviewthelastifpossible(usuallylateFebruary),asthisprovidesyoupracticeinterviewingandwhattoexpect.

Keepanopenmindyoumaybethinking,remaincalmasthisisonlyaninterview,Iamnotobligatedtorankthisprogramatthecurrenttime,whileyou

mayenduprankingthemfirstonceyougetonsiteandmeettheirstaff.Yourtop

choiceinitially(beforecompletingallofyourinterviews)mayendupbeingranked

lastafteryouconsideralloftheelementsofwhatyouarelookingforina

residencyprogram.

Stayontimeespeciallyifyouarerequestedtoprovideapresentation(orothertimedactivity)andmaybeunsureofyourtimelimit.Someprogramsmaybe

flexibleinthisregardandevenallowalongertimeperiodifyouaredoingwell;

however,youmaybestoppedatyourtimelimitsoknowwhatkeypointsyou

definitelyneedtocoverinyouractivity.


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29 Makeareflectionlistaftereachinterview,besuretowriteoutalistofthe

positivesandnegativesforeachprogram.Documentwhatyouexperienced,how

theymadeyoufeel,whatwasthelearningatmosphere,whattheirresident(s)

likedanddisliked,etc.Ifyouscheduleseveralinterviews,youmayfindithelpfulto

keeparunningrankorderlist.Youwillbegladyoudidwhenitcomestimeto

rankingtheprograms!

Requestatourofthecitysomeplacesmayeventakeyououttolunchordinnerifyouask.Iftheyinviteyoutolunchordinner,plantoattendsincethisisan

appropriatetimetointeractwiththemsocially.

Askforsupportsomeprogramsprovidehousingorcoverhotelcostsassociatedwithyourinterview.


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30Table12

ValuableQuestionsforYoutoAskDuringOnsiteInterviews

Whatspecificskills,knowledgeorabilitiesareyoulookingforinaresidencycandidate?

Whatcorerotationsarethere(includingthetimingofthemintheschedule)andistheprogramflexibleintailoringrotationstomeettheresidentsneedspriorto

MidyearifthereisanareaofinterestforafuturePGY2residency?

Whattypeofmentoringcantheresidentexpectfromtheresidencyprogramdirector,individualpreceptorsand/orotherpharmacystaff?

Howmanypreceptors(onsiteandoffsite)doesyourprogramhaveandhowlonghavetheybeenassociatedwiththeprogram?

Howarepreceptorsselectedforyourprogramandwhattypeofpreceptordevelopmentdoesyourprogramofferthemandtheresident(s)?

Arepreceptorsencouragedorrequiredtoobtainboardcertificationintheirrespectiveareasfortheprogram?

Areyourresidentsencouragedtopursueboardcertification? Whatstructuredoestheprogramoffertokeepresidentsontrackwiththeirmajor

and/orminorproject(s)?

Haveyoueverhadaresidentnotcompleteyourprogram? Ifyoualreadyhaveaninterestinagivenspecialtyarea,askquestionsaboutthat

specialtyiftheyarerelevanttothesiteorprogram.Askifyoucouldgooffsiteif

theprogramdoesnotprovidearotationonsitewithinyourchosenspecialtyarea.


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31 Wheredotheresidentslivethisyear?Howfaristhecommute?Istheretraffic?Is

thereparking?WheredoyousuggestIlivenextyear?Whatisthecostoflivingin

thoseareasyousuggest?

Doyoufeelthatyourprogramisagoodfitforme?(Thisisusuallyaskedtowardtheendoftheinterview,aftertheyhavehadachancetogettoknowyoubetter.)

Astheresidencyprogramdirector,whataspectsoftheresidencywouldyoualterandwhy?

FortheResidents: Whatisatypicaldaylikeforyou? Wouldyoudoitalloveragain? Whatoriginallyattractedyoutothisprogram? Areyousatisfiedwithyourchoiceofthisprogram? Whatdoyoulikebestabouttheprogram? Whatwereyourmostandleastfavoriterotationsduringtheresidencyand

why?

Doyoureceiveusefulfeedbackfromeachpreceptoronareasforimprovementand/orareasyoumayhavemastered?

Howmuchoversightdoestheprogramdirectorandpreceptorshaveintheresidency?

Whatareyougoingtodonextyearandwouldyouconsiderstayingonasstaffhereafteryourresidency?

Whatwouldyoudodifferentlywiththeprogramifyouweretheresidency


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32director?


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33AppendixA

QuestionList

QuestionstoaskeveryResidencyProgram

1. Whatwouldyouchangeaboutyourprogram?2. Whatdidyourresidentsdoafterfinishingtheirresidency?3. Howmanyresidencypositionsdoesyourprogramoffer?4. WhatPGY2programsareorplantobeavailableinthenextyearatyourfacility?

QuestionsforInterviewers/ResidencyDirector

Application:

1. Howbigofafactorisgradepointaverage,letterofintent,lettersofreferenceorrecommendationandpresentations?

2. Whatqualitiesdoyoulookforinaresidentsapplicationspecifically?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)


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346. Doyoupayforanyprofessionalmembershipsorprovideresources?7. Doresidentshaveholidaybreaksoraretheyexpectedtoworkonaregularholiday

schedule?

8. Whatistheresidentcallscheduleandwhatresponsibilitiesdoesitencompass?Whattrainingdoyouprovide?

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. Haveanyofyourresidentsprojectsbeenacceptedforpublication?


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354. Whatcurrentresearchprojectsareotherpharmacistsorresidentsatthisinstitution

workingon?

Changes

1. Willyoubemakinganychangestotheprogramasaresultofthecurrentresidentsfeedback?

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?


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364. Howandwhydidyouchoosethisprogram?5. Whatisthemostchallengingaspectoftheprogram?6. Howmanyinformalandformalpresentationshaveyougiventothe

medical/nursing/pharmacystaff?Whatotheropportunitiesforpresentationsare

available?

7. Didyoureceiveanypreceptortrainingduringtheresidencyanddoyougettopreceptstudentsindependently?

Otherquestions

1. Whatteaching/preceptingopportunities(includingmedical,nursingorpharmacy)doyouprovideandhowfrequently?

2. Doyouhireyourresidentsuponprogramcompletion?3. Whatareyourpreviousresidentsdoingnow?4. WhatspecificlearningexperienceswillIbereceiving?5. Whatisyourstructureforprovidingresearchtraining?6. Whatarethebenefitsofbeingaresidentatyourinstitution?7. Howandwhydidyouchoosethispharmacyspecialty?8. Ifyouhadtodoitalloveragain,wouldyouchoosethisareaofpharmacy?Why?


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37AppendixB

SampleLetterofIntent

December15,20??

John/JaneDoe,insertcredentials

ResidencyProgramDirector

Insertaddress

DearDr./Mr./Ms.Doe,

IamveryinterestedinpursuingapositionasaPGY1pharmacypracticeresidentat

insertfacilityorinstitution.Yourinstitutionsreputationasoneofthefinest(e.g.,teaching)

hospitalsinthenationmakeitanidealsiteformypostgraduatetraining.Iamalsoexcited

abouttheexceptionallearningopportunitiesyourfacilitycanprovideespeciallyinthespecialty

areaofinsertifapplicable.

Evenbeforebeingacceptedintopharmacyschool,oneofmycareergoalshasbeento

obtainapositionasapharmacyresidentinordertoeventuallypursueapositionasa

competentclinicalpharmacist.GiventhetimeformyPGY1pharmacypracticeresidencyhas

finallycome,Iameagertogainabroadoverviewoftheclinicalopportunitiesinthefieldof

pharmacy.IalsohopetorefinemyverbalandwrittencommunicationskillssothatImaybetter

provideconsultativedruginformationservicestohealthcareprofessionalsandpatients.

UponcompletionofmyPGY1pharmacypracticeresidency,IplantopursueaPGY2

specialtyresidencyininsertifapplicablewiththehopeofonedayobtainingapositionasa


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38insertspecialtyareaclinicalpharmacyspecialist.Asaclinicalpharmacyspecialist,Iplanto

providetailoredandcompassionatepharmaceuticalcareanddruginformationintheinsert

specialtyarea.IbelievethatlearningisalifelongprocessanditprovidesarationaleforwhyI

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


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39Phone:

Email:


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40AppendixC

LettersofReferenceorRecommendationRequestedforListedProgramsofInterest

1) Insertinstitution/university/facilitya. Contact:insertnameandcredentialsofresidencydirectorordesigneeb. Address:insertc. Phone:insertd. Fax:inserte. Email:insertforaboveindividualf. ApplicationDeadline:insertdate(Pleasepostmarkletterbyinsertdate)g. Includeanyformsspecificallyrequiredfromtheprogramifapplicableh. Pleaseemailmeacopyofyourlettertoinsertyouremailaddressbyabove

applicationdeadlinedate.


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41AppendixD

PossibleResidencyInterviewSchedules

Example1

99:30am Meetwithprogramdirector

9:3010am Tourwithresident

1011am Casediscussionwithpreceptors(Youwillpickonecasetoworkupand

presentthiscasetothepreceptors)

11am12pm Attendinpatientroundswitharesidencypreceptor

121pm Lunchwiththeresidents

12:30pm Groupinterviewwithpreceptors

2:303:00pm Wrapupwithprogramdirector

5:30pm Dinneratarestaurantwithresidents/preceptors/otherinterview

candidates

Example2

99:30am WelcomeandReviewofApplicationMaterials

9:3010am InterviewwithProgramDirector

1011am InterviewSessionGroup#1ofPreceptorsandstaff(36)

11am12:30pm CandidatePresentationwithQuestion&AnswerSession

12:301:30pm LunchwithResidentsandotherResidencyApplicants

1:302:30pm TouroffacilitywithCurrentPharmacyResident(s)

2:303pm BreakandChatwithPreceptors

34pm InterviewSessionGroup#2ofPreceptorsandstaff(36)


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4244:30pm WrapUpDiscussionwithProgramDirector

Example3(Multisiteprogram)

8:309am InterviewwithResidencyProgramDirector

99:30am TourofFacility#1

9:3010am RoundingwithPreceptoratFacility#1

1011am InterviewPanelwithDirectorofPharmacy,OperationsManager&

ClinicalStaffatFacility#1

1111:30am PresentationtopharmacystaffatFacility#1

11:30am12:30pm LunchwithResident(s)

12:301pm TraveltoFacility#2

11:30pm InterviewwithResidencyCoordinatoratFacility#2

1:302pm TourofFacility#2

23pm InterviewPanelwithPreceptorsatFacility#2

33:30pm PresentationtoPharmacyPreceptorsandStaffatFacility#2

3:304:00 FollowupwithResidencyProgramDirector&Coordinator

Example4

88:30am WelcomeandProgramOverviewwithResidencyDirector

8:309:15am InterviewwithPharmacyAdministrativeDirector

9:1510am CaseEvaluation(TimeforResidenttoPrepareforPresentation)

1011am Interviewwith36PreceptorsGroup#1

11:15am12pm CandidatePresentationtoPharmacyPreceptorsandStaff

121pm LunchwithResident(s)


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4312pm Interviewwith36PreceptorsGroup#2

23pm TourofFacility

34pm InterviewwithResident(s)inResidentsOffice

44:30pm WrapupwithResidencyDirector

Example5

1010:40am WelcomeandResidencyProgramOverviewwithResidencyProgram

Director

10:4011:40am TouroftheHospitalandIntroductionwithChiefPharmacyOfficer,

ChiefofMedicalStaff

11:40am12:20pm LunchwithResidents

12:201pm InterviewsStations15forCandidates(SeeBelow)

11:40pm InterviewsStations15forCandidates

1:402pm Break


2:403:20pm InterviewsStations15forCandidates


44:45pm WrapupwithCurrentPharmacyResidents

4:455pm WrapupwithResidencyProgramDirector

Station1InterviewwithPreceptors

Station2InterviewwithResidencyProgramDirectorandResidencyProgramCoordinator

Station3Interviewwithcurrentresidents

Station4Programreview


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44Station5Computeroverview

Documents

Surviving The Residency Application Process