1 SurvivingtheResidencyApplicationProcess AshleyShupp,PharmD PGY1PharmacyResident ShandsJacksonville KimLe,PharmD ClinicalPharmacySpecialist,NeonatalICU TexasChildrensHospital SapanaDesai,PharmD PGY1PharmacyResident TheMethodistHospital AngelaTong,PharmD PGY1PharmacyResident MichaelE.

chaelE.DeBakeyVeteransAffairsMedicalCenter SagunaPatel,PharmD ClinicalPharmacist ChildrensMedicalCenterinDallas ToddCanada,PharmD,BCNSP,FASHP TheUniversityofTexasMDAndersonCancerCenter DivisionofPharmacy,Box377 1515HolcombeBoulevard Houston,Texas770304009 Office:(713)7450685 Fax:(713)7944399 Email:tcanada@mdanderson.org

2 The4thyearofpharmacyschoolcanbestressfulforstudentswhoareapplyingfora 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, butgoingyour3rdyearmeansyouwillbemuchlessoverwhelmedyour4thyearofpharmacy school.Itoftenhelpsduringthistimetoaskwhatadviceresidencydirectors,preceptorsor

3 residentsmayhaveforyouasapharmacystudenttodoinschooltoincreaseyourchancesof 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

4 throughthisprocess.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

5 individualswhomyouhaverequestedtowritealetteronyourbehalfacopyofyourletterof 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

6 programsiftheyhaveaneveningreception(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

7 fundingoroffertoprovidehousingforresidencycandidatesifyouask.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:usuallytheprogramdirectororcoordinatorwillmeetwithyoufor anhourandreviewthestructureoftheresidencyyear.Listencarefullytoaskrelevant questionsandifthereissomethingthatdoesntmakesenseorsoundrighttoyou,ask aboutitevenifitfeelslikeadumbquestion.Manyprogramsareflexibleandallowyougo offsiteforaspecificrotationtheymaynotbeabletooffer.Someprogramshaveeven allowedresidentstodo2weeksinadifferentcountry!Ifyouareinterested,thisis definitelyagoodtimetoaskaboutoffsiterotationsthatarenotavailableattheprogram site.

8 InterviewwithPreceptorsand/orOtherStaff:Thisiswhereyoureceivenumerous questions,butitisalsoyourchancetoreallysharewiththeprogramhowgreata candidateyouare!Somecandidatesprefertothinkofeveryanswertheygiveasastory, andthenitbecomesstorytellingtimeratherthanapotentiallyintimidatingexperience. ThecommonquestionsaskedarelistedinTable9;however,thisisbynomeansa completelist. Tour:Mostprogramsenlistoneoftheircurrentresidentstoprovideyouatourofthe facility,andoftentheprogramdirectororcoordinatormayalsocontribute.Itisgenerally preferabletowearappropriatecomfortableshoesonthedayofyourinterview. Lunch:Usuallywiththecurrentresidentsandthebesttimetoaskthemquestionsabout theprogram.Youwillwanttoaskthemquestionswhentheprogramcoordinatoror directorisnotaround,sotheresidentswillbehonestwithyouabouttheissuestheydo anddontlikeabouttheirprogram. CasePresentationorDiscussion:Eachprogrammayaskyoutoprovideapresentationor oraldiscussionand/orawrittencasewithSOAPnoteorsomeothervariation.Examples areprovidedinTable10. WrapupandQuestions:Mostprogramsallowyouseveralopportunitiestoaskquestions throughouttheday,soitisreasonableifyoudonothavequestionsattheendofyour interviewday.AdditionalhelpfulhintsfortheinterviewareprovidedinTable11with questionexamplesprovidedinTable12andAppendixA.

9 Table1 Howtochooseresidencyprogramsofinterest WebsitestoReview:ASHPonlineresidencydirectory (www.ashp.org/ResidencyDirectory),AmericanCollegeofClinicalPharmacy (www.accp.com/resandfel),AmericanPharmacistsAssociation (www.pharmacist.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Residencies_Advanced_Training) Ifyouknoworareconsideringaspecificareaofpharmacypracticeyouwanttofocus yourcareer,thensearchforprogramswiththatspecificfocus.Forexample,ifyouare interestedinambulatorycare/primarycare,trylookingatdifferentVeteransAffairs MedicalCenterprograms. IfyouareplanningaPGY2residencyandknowthespecialtyareayouareprimarily interestedinpursuing,thenreviewprogramsthatalsoofferyourspecificPGY2career focusasaPGY1. Ifyouareunsureorundecided,thenreviewprogramsprovidingabroadrangeof rotationssoyoucangetthegreatestrangeofpossiblecareeroptionsandhopefully determinewhatareamostinterestsyouprofessionally. DoyourRESEARCH!Askaroundaboutprogramsbydiscussingwithcurrentresidents youmaymeetduringrotationsorprofessionalmeetings.Specificallyaskabouttheir experiencesandlistentowhattheyshareabouttheirprogramstoseeifitiswhat qualitiesyoudesire.Asktheresidentswhathasoccurredthatwasexpectedand unexpected.Askpreceptorsorfacultyforadviceandanywordsofwisdominmaking finalselections.

10 FormulatealistofrequirementsyouMUSTHAVEinaresidency(e.g.,directpatient care,speakingandwritingopportunities,administration,research).Thiswillhelp narrowyourfinalsearch.Theminimumgoalistodevelopalistofprogramsyouare trulyinterestedinfindingmoreinformationaboutbeforeMidyearcomes.

11 Table2 AboutTheMatchingProcess www.natmatch.com/ashprmp/ o ThisisalsolinkedfromtheASHPwebsite (www.ashp.org/Import/ACCREDITATION/ResidentInfo/SeekingaResidency.aspx). Cost:$112 TheonlineregistrationdeadlineisinearlyJanuarysodonotdelayinsigningup.You willreceiveaninformationpacketinthemailshortlyaftertheirregistrationdeadline passes. Afteryouregister,writedownyourmatchingnumber(a5digitapplicantcode number)andputitinyourResidencyfolder.Youwillneeditforyourletterofintent forsomeprograms. YouarerequiredtocompleteyourinterviewsbyearlyMarchsoyoucansubmityour RankOrderListofprogramsyouwouldbewillingtoacceptanofferprovidedthey selectyouaswell. TheMatchingProcessresultsaregenerallyavailableinmidMarchtoseeifyou matchedwithanyoftheprogramsyoulistedonyourRankOrderList.

12 Table3 AboutPersonnelPlacementService(CareerPharm) Cost:$60 WheretofindPPS:ASHPswebsite AllowsyoutointerviewONLYduringMidyear;however,itdoesnottaketheplace ofanonsiteinterview.Ifyoudontsignup,youcannotparticipatein interviewingatMidyear(onsiteregistrationisavailableatahigherprice).Youdo notneedtosignupforPPSifyouareonlyplanningonattendingtheResidency ShowcaseasaP3student. PPSisrecommendedespeciallyifyouareinterestedinoutofstateresidencies andalsogivesyoupracticeinterviewingforyouronsiteinterviews. Someprograms,especiallyPGY1residencies,maynotallparticipateinPPS.Be suretostopbytheirresidencyshowcaseboothifthisisthecaseonMondayor Tuesday.Iftheprogramwillnotbeparticipatingintheresidencyshowcase,make planstocontactthembeforeMidyear. OnceyouhavesignedupforPPS,postyourCVassoonasyoucanin CareerPharmsincesearchinggenerallystartsinmidOctober.Programswillthen begintocontactyouforPPSinterviewsandyoucandothesame.Thisishighly recommended,especiallysincePPSinterviewspotscanfillupevenbeforeyou gettoMidyear.Ifyouarenotinterestedinaparticularprogram,besureto respondprofessionallythatyouarelookingelsewhereifyouaresurethe programisnotforyousotheyknowyourcareerintentions.

13 Hereisanexampleemailtosendtoprospectiveprogramsyouareinterestedin interviewing: DearDr.X, Iamcurrentlya4thyearpharmacystudentatInsertUniversityName,andmyareaof interestisinsertyourarea.IamveryinterestedinyourPGY1residencyprogramsince yourhospitalhasinsertinstitutionspecificsofrelevance.IwillbeattendingtheASHP Midyearmeetingininsertcity.IfyouareparticipatinginPPS,isitpossibleformetoset upaninterviewwithyouaheadoftime?MyCVisattachedandIlookforwardto hearingbackfromyou! Regards, Insertyourname AfteryouregisterforPPS,writedownyourmailboxnumberandputitinyour Residencyfolder. IMPORTANTNOTE:Eachprogramhas3numbersyoullneedtoknowatMidyear iftheyareparticipatinginPPS:PPSmailboxnumber,PPSboothnumber(toknow wheretogoforyourinterview),andresidencyshowcaseboothnumber(soyou canfindthemonthedatetheyareparticipating).WritedownALLTHREEofthese numbers!IftheyarentparticipatinginPPS,theywillonlyhavearesidency showcaseboothnumber. FindingthePPSmailboxnumber:directlyfromCareerPharm FindingthePPSboothnumber:obtainfromresidencydirector Findingtheresidencyshowcaseboothnumberanddateoftheirshowcase

14 (MondayorTuesday):OctoberissueofAmJHealthSystPharm

15 Table4 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

16 differentsheetforeachprogram.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!

17 Table5 HelpfulArticlesforResidencyTraining MancusoCE,PaloucekFP.Understandingandpreparingforpharmacypractice residencyinterviews.AmJHealthSystPharm2004;61:16869. NelsonT.Selectingtherightresidencyprogram.AmJHealthSystPharm 2005;62:1138,1140. PochopS.Pharmacypracticeresidencyprograms.AmJHealthSystPharm 2005;62:1562,1564. SongA.SOAPnote:WhyIwanttocompleteapharmacypracticeresidency.AmJ HealthSystPharm2005;62:20412. FitKE,PadiyaraRS,RabiSM,BurkiewiczJS.Factorsinfluencingpursuitofresidency training.AmJHealthSystPharm2005;62:2226,2235. WeantKA.Onbeingapharmacyresident.AmJHealthSystPharm2006;63:12301. BurkiewiczJS,SincakCA.Onlinetoolforpharmacystudentsseekingresidency positions.AmJHealthSystPharm2008;65:20912. DeCoskeMA,CavanaughT,ElliottS,GarrisL,GiannakosM,HeggAM,etal.Anew practitionersguidetoasuccessfulinterview.AmJHealthSystPharm2008;65:21003.

18 Table6 PreparingfortheMidyearResidencyShowcase Bepreparedtobringyourlistofquestions(mentionedinTable4),asktospeak withcurrentresidentsandtheresidencydirector,andwritedowntheanswers theyprovide.Itcanbeahassle,andyoumighthavetotalkingroups,butgetin there,getyourinformationandgetout. Besuretovisitallthesitesyouareinterestedin.Ifyoucantgettheinformation youneedrightthen,gettheircontactinformationandemailthemwithyour additionalquestions. Besuretotalktothecurrentorformerresidents.Nooneknowstheinsideofthe residencyprogramliketheydo. Ifpossible,talktotheresidencydirector.Youwillbespendingthenextyearwith thatindividualsomakesureyoucangetalongwellwithhim/her.

19 Table7 PersonnelPlacementServiceHelpfulHints Themailboxsystemcanbeoverwhelming,butitsactuallyverysimplein CareerPharm.Youhaveamailboxtouseincommunicatingwithresidency programs.TheywillexpresstheirinterestinyoubyinvitingyouforaPPS interviewthroughyourmailbox(i.e.,youwillreceiveanemailmessagefromthe emailaddressyoulinkedtoyourmailbox)andtheyhaveamailboxthatyoucan replytoaswell.Besuretoreplyifyouareinterestedornottoletthemknowyour careerintentions. Theinterviewsusuallylastaround20to30minutes.Theygenerallyaskyou questionsregardingwhyyouwanttodoaresidency,whatyourinterestsare,why thatspecificlocation,etc.Bepreparedtoanswerthesequestionsconciselyas yourtimeislimited.ItishelpfultobringextracopiesofyourCVeveniftheyhave askedyoutoemailthemone.Sometimes,thereare2to3peopleinterviewing youandeachpersonwantsacopyofyourCV. WearaprofessionalbusinesssuitwithappropriatecomfortableshoestoyourPPS interviewandbeontime. IthelpstoknowthedifferencesbetweenafellowshipandaPGY1orPGY2 residencywhenyouareinterviewingassomeprogramsmayofferallthree. Trynottoschedulemorethan68interviews,asitcanbeverystressfuland mentally/physicallydraining.Alwaysremembertoapproacheachinterviewwitha positiveattitudeanddisplaythatconsistentlythroughoutyourinterview.Theyare

20 interviewinganumberofpeoplethatday,andyouwanttomakesureyouleavea positivelastingimpressionbyshowinghowpassionateyouareaboutwhatyou wanttodo. Bringyourlistofquestions(mentionedinTable4),askquestionsnotalready answered,andwritedowntheanswersastheyarespeaking.Thiswillbegood practiceforaskingquestionsatyouronsiteinterviews. Plantoprovideeachprogramyouinterviewwithathankyounotesincepharmacy isasmallworldandmanyprogramsinterviewthesamecandidates.Italsohelps topersonalizeitbyincludingstatementsyouortheinterviewersmadeduringthe interviewandwhatattractsyoutotheirprogram.

21 Table8 CompletingApplicationPackets Letterofintent Example:seeAppendixB

LettersofRecommendation AskearlypreferablyinOctober Provideeachpersonwith: o Anenvelopewithalistofprogramsyourequestaletterof referenceorrecommendationonyourbehalfExample:see AppendixC o Prestamped,preaddressedenvelopes(doublecheckyour addresses)foreachprogram o Anyformsrequiredbytheprogram Followupwitheachpersonbysendingoutareminderemail3to5 businessdaysbeforeyouwanttheletterstobemailedoremailed(or both).Manypeopleprovidingyourreferenceorrecommendationletters maysendthemviaemailwithahardcopyinthemailtomakeittothe specificprogrambytheirrespectiveduedate. CV Haveitreviewedbyyourpreceptors,collegefacultyand/oraresidency programdirectorifpossible Transcripts

22 Remembermanyschoolsareclosedfortheholidays,sosendrequestsin earlytopreventdelaysincompletingyourapplicationpacket

23 Table9 CommonInterviewQuestionsforResidencyCandidates Describeyourstrengthsandweaknesses. Whatdoyouthinkisthebiggestchallengefacingthepharmacyprofession? Wouldyoucharacterizeyourselfasaleaderorafollower? Howdoyouhandlestressandwhatdoyouliketodoforfun? Whydoyouwanttodoaresidency? Whyareyouinterestedinourprogram? Howdidyoubecomeinterestedin(areaofinterest)? Whatdoyouexpecttogainuponcompletionofthisresidencyprogram? Describethedifferenttypesofpreceptorsyouhaveexperienced,includingthe prosandconsofeachincludingwhichyouprefer. Wheredoyouseeyourselfprofessionallyin5and10years? Describeatimewhereyouprovidedarecommendationthatwasmetwith resistancefromtheprescriberandexplainhowyouhandledit. Whatisthemostsignificantclinicalinterventionyouhavemade? Howareyourtimemanagementskills? Whatdoyoudowhenyourpreceptorgivesyou3articlestoreadtonight,youhave apresentationtomorrowandatopicdiscussion,whileMidyearisin2daysand youhaventpackedorfinishedyourposter? Thiscouldbeanactualquestionastheyaretryingtogetafeelforhowyou handlestressandmanageyourtime.

24 Describeatimewhereyouhavegoneaboveandbeyondwhatwasexpectedof you.Whydidyoudothisandwhatwastheoutcome? Tellmeaboutaprojectthatyousuccessfullycompletedandoneinwhichyou werenotsuccessful.Whatdidyoulearnfromeachone? Wehaveanexcellentpoolofcandidatesthisyear.Whyshouldwepickyouover theothers? Whatisyourbiggestaccomplishment(canbeoutsidetheprofessionof pharmacy)?

25 Table10 Knowledge,SkillsandAbilitiesAssessmentsforResidencyCandidates CaseDiscussionDuringinterviewsessions,ashortcasemaybeprovidedtoyou withabout5minutestoreviewit.Thequestionstheinterviewersweregoingto askwerelistedatthebottomofthecasesothecandidatehastimetothink throughtheiranswersandmakerelevantnotes.Generally,yourverbalanswers areevaluatedandanynotesyoumadeareforyourreferenceonly.The interviewersgenerallyattempttoprovidearelaxedenvironmentbytellingthe candidatenottobenervousanddotheirbest. WrittenCaseYoumaybeprovidedacomputerwith30minutestoworkupan anticoagulationcaseandwriteapharmacyconsultSOAPnote.Generally,the informationforthecasewillbeprovidedonthecomputersothecandidatecan cutandpastelabs,diagnostictesting,vitalsignsandanyotherpertinentdatafor yourSOAPnote. CasePresentationCandidatearegenerallyrequiredtodoa30minute presentationoveratopicoftheirchoice.Itisbesttochooseapresentationthat youhavedonebeforetootherpreceptorsandreceivedpositivefeedbackonyour performance.Besuretopracticethedaybeforeyourinterviewandanticipate commonquestionsafterthepresentation,whilemostpreceptorswillaskseveral practicalquestions,sobeprepared! CasePresentationandDiscussionThecandidatemayberequiredtodoashort informalpresentationafterbeingprovidedachoiceofseveraldifferentdisease

26 statetopics.Ifyouhavenotpreviouslydoneapresentationoveranyofthetopics listed,itisbesttochoosethetopicyouaremostinterested.Yourpresentationwill likelybetimedwithaspecifictimelimit(e.g.,10minutes).Anticipate10to15 preceptorsorattendeesforyourpresentationandexpectthemtostayforthe casediscussionfollowingyourpresentation.Thiscanbeanintimidating experience,butgenerallyanytimetheinterviewersseeyoustrugglingwitha question,theymayaskanotherquestiontoguideyouintherightdirection. WrittenCaseandDiscussionCandidatesareprovidedaclinicalcase,several referencebooks,andaprogressnotetoconstructaproblemlist(inorderof highesttolowestpriority),therapeuticgoal(s),plan(s)fortreatment,and monitoringforeachproblemidentified.Candidatesarethenexpectedtoworkup thecase,writeouttheirassessmentandplan(includingdose,route,frequency, andduration),andbepreparedtopresenta2minutesummaryofthecase. Generally,youwillhavelessthan20minutestocompleteallofthiswork. Followingyourpresentationofthecase,theremaybeanother10minutesof questioningfrompreceptorsandcurrentresidentsfromtheprogram. WrittenCaseInAdvanceTheresidencyprogramsendstheircasetoyouone weekinadvanceofyourinterviewdate.Youarerequestedtoworkupthecase andsendthemyouranswersthreedaysbeforeyourinterviewdate.Generally,you donothavetopresentthecase,onlybepreparedtoanswerquestionsaboutit. QuizThecandidateisprovidedaquizovergeneralambulatorycarequestionsor otherdiseasestatetopicareasthatmaybethemainfocusofthespecific

27 residencyprogram.Ifyouwillbereceivingaquizduringyourinterview,spend sometimereviewingthecommondiseaseareasthattheresidencyprogram specificallyaddresses.

28 Table11 HelpfulHintsforOnsiteInterviewing Alwayshavequestionsprepared!ItmayseemasifinterviewersaskyouDoyou haveanyquestionsforus?every5minutes.Generally,youdonothavetohavea questioneverytimetheyask,butifyoudonothaveANYquestions,youmayleave theprograminterviewerswithasensethatyouwerenotinterestedorprepared adequatelyfortheinterview. Doyourresearchpriortoanyinterviewtoknowwhatisuniqueforeachprogram andthereason(s)youarechoosingthem. Scheduleyourinitialtopchoiceprograminterviewthelastifpossible(usuallylate February),asthisprovidesyoupracticeinterviewingandwhattoexpect. Keepanopenmindyoumaybethinking,remaincalmasthisisonlyan interview,Iamnotobligatedtorankthisprogramatthecurrenttime,whileyou mayenduprankingthemfirstonceyougetonsiteandmeettheirstaff.Yourtop choiceinitially(beforecompletingallofyourinterviews)mayendupbeingranked lastafteryouconsideralloftheelementsofwhatyouarelookingforina residencyprogram. Stayontimeespeciallyifyouarerequestedtoprovideapresentation(orother timedactivity)andmaybeunsureofyourtimelimit.Someprogramsmaybe flexibleinthisregardandevenallowalongertimeperiodifyouaredoingwell; however,youmaybestoppedatyourtimelimitsoknowwhatkeypointsyou definitelyneedtocoverinyouractivity.

29 Makeareflectionlistaftereachinterview,besuretowriteoutalistofthe positivesandnegativesforeachprogram.Documentwhatyouexperienced,how theymadeyoufeel,whatwasthelearningatmosphere,whattheirresident(s) likedanddisliked,etc.Ifyouscheduleseveralinterviews,youmayfindithelpfulto keeparunningrankorderlist.Youwillbegladyoudidwhenitcomestimeto rankingtheprograms! Requestatourofthecitysomeplacesmayeventakeyououttolunchordinner ifyouask.Iftheyinviteyoutolunchordinner,plantoattendsincethisisan appropriatetimetointeractwiththemsocially. Askforsupportsomeprogramsprovidehousingorcoverhotelcostsassociated withyourinterview.

30 Table12 ValuableQuestionsforYoutoAskDuringOnsiteInterviews Whatspecificskills,knowledgeorabilitiesareyoulookingforinaresidency candidate? Whatcorerotationsarethere(includingthetimingofthemintheschedule)andis theprogramflexibleintailoringrotationstomeettheresidentsneedspriorto MidyearifthereisanareaofinterestforafuturePGY2residency? Whattypeofmentoringcantheresidentexpectfromtheresidencyprogram director,individualpreceptorsand/orotherpharmacystaff? Howmanypreceptors(onsiteandoffsite)doesyourprogramhaveandhowlong havetheybeenassociatedwiththeprogram? Howarepreceptorsselectedforyourprogramandwhattypeofpreceptor developmentdoesyourprogramofferthemandtheresident(s)? Arepreceptorsencouragedorrequiredtoobtainboardcertificationintheir respectiveareasfortheprogram? Areyourresidentsencouragedtopursueboardcertification? Whatstructuredoestheprogramoffertokeepresidentsontrackwiththeirmajor and/orminorproject(s)? Haveyoueverhadaresidentnotcompleteyourprogram? Ifyoualreadyhaveaninterestinagivenspecialtyarea,askquestionsaboutthat specialtyiftheyarerelevanttothesiteorprogram.Askifyoucouldgooffsiteif theprogramdoesnotprovidearotationonsitewithinyourchosenspecialtyarea.

31 Wheredotheresidentslivethisyear?Howfaristhecommute?Istheretraffic?Is thereparking?WheredoyousuggestIlivenextyear?Whatisthecostoflivingin thoseareasyousuggest? Doyoufeelthatyourprogramisagoodfitforme?(Thisisusuallyaskedtoward theendoftheinterview,aftertheyhavehadachancetogettoknowyoubetter.) Astheresidencyprogramdirector,whataspectsoftheresidencywouldyoualter andwhy? FortheResidents: Whatisatypicaldaylikeforyou? Wouldyoudoitalloveragain? Whatoriginallyattractedyoutothisprogram? Areyousatisfiedwithyourchoiceofthisprogram? Whatdoyoulikebestabouttheprogram? Whatwereyourmostandleastfavoriterotationsduringtheresidencyand why? Doyoureceiveusefulfeedbackfromeachpreceptoronareasfor improvementand/orareasyoumayhavemastered? Howmuchoversightdoestheprogramdirectorandpreceptorshaveinthe residency? Whatareyougoingtodonextyearandwouldyouconsiderstayingonas staffhereafteryourresidency? Whatwouldyoudodifferentlywiththeprogramifyouweretheresidency

32 director?

33 AppendixA QuestionList QuestionstoaskeveryResidencyProgram 1. Whatwouldyouchangeaboutyourprogram? 2. Whatdidyourresidentsdoafterfinishingtheirresidency? 3. Howmanyresidencypositionsdoesyourprogramoffer? 4. WhatPGY2programsareorplantobeavailableinthenextyearatyourfacility? QuestionsforInterviewers/ResidencyDirector Application: 1. Howbigofafactorisgradepointaverage,letterofintent,lettersofreferenceor recommendationandpresentations? 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)

34 6. Doyoupayforanyprofessionalmembershipsorprovideresources? 7. Doresidentshaveholidaybreaksoraretheyexpectedtoworkonaregularholiday schedule? 8. Whatistheresidentcallscheduleandwhatresponsibilitiesdoesitencompass?What trainingdoyouprovide? 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?

35 4. Whatcurrentresearchprojectsareotherpharmacistsorresidentsatthisinstitution workingon? Changes 1. Willyoubemakinganychangestotheprogramasaresultofthecurrentresidents feedback? 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?

36 4. Howandwhydidyouchoosethisprogram? 5. Whatisthemostchallengingaspectoftheprogram? 6. Howmanyinformalandformalpresentationshaveyougiventothe medical/nursing/pharmacystaff?Whatotheropportunitiesforpresentationsare available? 7. Didyoureceiveanypreceptortrainingduringtheresidencyanddoyougettoprecept studentsindependently? Otherquestions 1. Whatteaching/preceptingopportunities(includingmedical,nursingorpharmacy)do youprovideandhowfrequently? 2. Doyouhireyourresidentsuponprogramcompletion? 3. Whatareyourpreviousresidentsdoingnow? 4. WhatspecificlearningexperienceswillIbereceiving? 5. Whatisyourstructureforprovidingresearchtraining? 6. Whatarethebenefitsofbeingaresidentatyourinstitution? 7. Howandwhydidyouchoosethispharmacyspecialty? 8. Ifyouhadtodoitalloveragain,wouldyouchoosethisareaofpharmacy?Why?

37 AppendixB 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

38 insertspecialtyareaclinicalpharmacyspecialist.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

39 Phone: Email:

40 AppendixC LettersofReferenceorRecommendationRequestedforListedProgramsofInterest 1) Insertinstitution/university/facility a. Contact:insertnameandcredentialsofresidencydirectorordesignee b. Address:insert c. Phone:insert d. Fax:insert e. Email:insertforaboveindividual f. ApplicationDeadline:insertdate(Pleasepostmarkletterbyinsertdate) g. Includeanyformsspecificallyrequiredfromtheprogramifapplicable h. Pleaseemailmeacopyofyourlettertoinsertyouremailaddressbyabove applicationdeadlinedate.

41 AppendixD PossibleResidencyInterviewSchedules Example1 99:30am 9:3010am 1011am Meetwithprogramdirector Tourwithresident Casediscussionwithpreceptors(Youwillpickonecasetoworkupand presentthiscasetothepreceptors) 11am12pm 121pm 12:30pm 2:303:00pm 5:30pm Attendinpatientroundswitharesidencypreceptor Lunchwiththeresidents Groupinterviewwithpreceptors Wrapupwithprogramdirector Dinneratarestaurantwithresidents/preceptors/otherinterview candidates Example2 99:30am 9:3010am 1011am WelcomeandReviewofApplicationMaterials InterviewwithProgramDirector InterviewSessionGroup#1ofPreceptorsandstaff(36)

11am12:30pm CandidatePresentationwithQuestion&AnswerSession 12:301:30pm 1:302:30pm 2:303pm 34pm LunchwithResidentsandotherResidencyApplicants TouroffacilitywithCurrentPharmacyResident(s) BreakandChatwithPreceptors InterviewSessionGroup#2ofPreceptorsandstaff(36)

42 44:30pm WrapUpDiscussionwithProgramDirector

Example3(Multisiteprogram) 8:309am 99:30am 9:3010am 1011am InterviewwithResidencyProgramDirector TourofFacility#1 RoundingwithPreceptoratFacility#1 InterviewPanelwithDirectorofPharmacy,OperationsManager& ClinicalStaffatFacility#1 1111:30am PresentationtopharmacystaffatFacility#1

11:30am12:30pm LunchwithResident(s) 12:301pm 11:30pm 1:302pm 23pm 33:30pm 3:304:00 Example4 88:30am 8:309:15am 9:1510am 1011am 11:15am12pm 121pm WelcomeandProgramOverviewwithResidencyDirector InterviewwithPharmacyAdministrativeDirector CaseEvaluation(TimeforResidenttoPrepareforPresentation) Interviewwith36PreceptorsGroup#1 CandidatePresentationtoPharmacyPreceptorsandStaff LunchwithResident(s) TraveltoFacility#2 InterviewwithResidencyCoordinatoratFacility#2 TourofFacility#2 InterviewPanelwithPreceptorsatFacility#2 PresentationtoPharmacyPreceptorsandStaffatFacility#2 FollowupwithResidencyProgramDirector&Coordinator

43 12pm 23pm 34pm 44:30pm Example5 1010:40am WelcomeandResidencyProgramOverviewwithResidencyProgram Director 10:4011:40am TouroftheHospitalandIntroductionwithChiefPharmacyOfficer, ChiefofMedicalStaff 11:40am12:20pm LunchwithResidents 12:201pm 11:40pm 1:402pm 22:40pm 2:403:20pm 3:204pm 44:45pm 4:455pm InterviewsStations15forCandidates(SeeBelow) InterviewsStations15forCandidates Break InterviewsStations15forCandidates InterviewsStations15forCandidates InterviewsStations15forCandidates WrapupwithCurrentPharmacyResidents WrapupwithResidencyProgramDirector Interviewwith36PreceptorsGroup#2 TourofFacility InterviewwithResident(s)inResidentsOffice WrapupwithResidencyDirector

Station1InterviewwithPreceptors Station2InterviewwithResidencyProgramDirectorandResidencyProgramCoordinator Station3Interviewwithcurrentresidents Station4Programreview

44 Station5Computeroverview