I am writing this article for those individuals who have not matched for residency and have planned to reapply the following year. I am writing from my experience of mentoring students (now pharmacists) who did not match the first time and had worked on reapplying the following year for residency. I think the main differences of those who reapplied was that they were more open to geography, assessing all the programs instead of a select few. I think the more places you apply to - even out of state, opens your opportunities of being matched. It is, also only one year you get to really be really out of your comfort zone, learn as much as you can, before embarking to where you want to work, what you want to do after.
When I apply for a residency, I think of engaging activities most relevant of what you do as a resident of that program. Many of the programs will offer you clinical rotations, teaching and precepting experiences (teaching certificate), research projects, and leadership opportunities.
Work Experience
For those reapplying, programs may be interested in what you have done during your year out of pharmacy school. Did you work? If you worked in a hospital setting, what clinical activities did you do? If you worked retail, how did you keep up with your clinical knowledge? In the inpatient setting, did you have clinical duties? If you worked in the community and were interested in ambulatory care - what type of patient interactions did you have? MTM services? Wellness checks? Even out of pharmacy school, your year is still as important as your student years.
Teaching & Preceptorship
There are many ways to strengthen your application. I would first, reach out to your college of pharmacy. Many of them hold experiential activities, may allow you to teach a couple of lectures or lead small group activities with pharmacy students. For mine, I am able to apply as adjunct faculty as an alumni (think of being a faculty member per diem, in a sense). I think adding experience in teaching and precepting can help build your CV. (Ex. Lectured approximately 80 students on CAP/HAP/VAP or Vanco PK). This is also a way to show you keep up with your clinicals. You can also see what pharmacy student organization events you can be involved in. (Ex. Preceptor of student free clinic, or chaired a flu shot event precepting 6 students and immunizing 45 patients, etc.)
Leadership
Tap into your pharmacy organizations. Being involved doesn't end in pharmacy school. You can locate your local chapter, and volunteer for events, serve on a committee, or even take on a position. I had one pharmacist who worked at Walgreens during her year off and served on the board of our local state chapter. You can also take the time to network. Many residency program directors or preceptors are often part of an organization, and this is one way of meeting and getting to know them. National organizations, such as ASHP, hold application periods for volunteers.
Research
For those who had limited research experience or are seeking experience, can find opportunities with your school of pharmacy. You can contact an old preceptor or faculty to see if you can find ways to be part of a research poster or manuscript. If you don't know of any opportunities at your program, you can look for opportunities within your local chapter or national chapter.
Letters of Recommendations & Preparing for Interviews
Finally, get ready to have new letters of recommendations, redo your CV and letter of intent, and get a mentor. By building your CV, you can work on getting new letters of recommendation. If you taught lectures or served as a clinical preceptor - you can look into asking for letters from the faculty. If you work, your primary supervisor or employer will be writing a letter during your reapplication. For interviews: Do practice runs with your friends and mentors. Although residency is a competitive process, it is an attainable goal, and it isn't whether you get a residency, but when you get a residency. Good luck to those who are reapplying next year!
Best,
Jasmine