A Survey of Pandemic Impacts on Pharmacy Residency Applications, Interviews, and Selection Factors

Dustin K. Miracle, Jenni Thomas, Nicole F. Keenan, Robert J. Kuhn, Aric D. Schadler, Stacy Taylor

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective. To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pharmacy residency application/interview processes, match rate, and factors influencing match rankings at a single college of pharmacy Methods. In spring of 2020 and 2021, an anonymous survey of fourth-year pharmacy school (P4) residency applicants at one college of pharmacy was administered. Survey responses were compared to explore trends in showcase participation, number/type/geographic dispersion of applications submitted, interview invitations, grade point average (GPA), research experience, and match rate. A thematic analysis evaluated common factors influencing match rankings. Results. Responses were collected from 75 of 99 (75.8% response rate) residency-seeking students in 2020 and 79 of 94 (84.0% response rate) in 2021. Students in 2021 reported applying to a higher median number of programs, with no significant differences in mean reported number of interview invitations or match rate. The virtual American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Midyear Showcase led to a median reported savings of $1000 with no significant impact on perceived value. Virtual interviews led to a median reported savings of $430. Thematic analysis revealed feel/culture, location, and learning experience options as the most prevalent deciding factors for match rankings in both years. Conclusion. The pandemic led to an increase in the number of residency applications per student and yielded a net cost savings. There were no differences in number of interviews offered, match rate, or in deciding factors influencing match rankings. As the pandemic evolves, schools should maintain a flexible and dynamic approach to support students.

Original languageEnglish
Article number8954
Pages (from-to)207-212
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican Journal of Pharmaceutical Education
Volume87
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2023

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023, American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • internship and residency
  • interview
  • pharmacy
  • students

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Pharmacy
  • General Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics

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