As a final year pharmacy student last year, I was somewhat overwhelmed with the residency application process. Letters of intent, The Midyear and the Residency Showcase, and hearing from some of my hopeful residency programs for an interview while being turned down from others, all made for an exciting and anxious period of time for myself and my career. I was fortunate to receive several interview opportunities and was Matched on that fateful day to a great program.
Possibly the most difficult aspect of the whole process last year (outside of
waiting) was really understanding what I wanted to get out of my PGY-1
residency. I had a general idea of what I wanted to experience, but I didn't really know a lot of specifics. What has made a huge difference for me this year has been my experience as a PGY-1 resident - this year, I know exactly what I want from a PGY-2 residency program.
Through the first half of my residency, I have experienced and learned a tremendous amount about pharmacy practice, my career direction and goals, and how I directly help my patients and their families. During these months, I have recognized that what's most important to me for my career and how I provide care to my patients is to pursue a PGY-2 residency. A PGY-2 residency will continue to help me advance my clinical and practical skills as a pharmacist while allowing me to focus more within a specific area of pharmacy and prepare me to become a clinical specialist.
I've found that my preparation for interviews this year is similar to what I did last year. I'm researching interview questions, reflecting on my experiences from residency and rotations, and tweaking presentations. I'm also thinking about what I want from the program and am coming up with a list of questions for my interviewers to learn as much as I can about where I could be working for the next year and growing as a pharmacist. While I'm nervous for interview season, I'm confident in knowing what I want to get out of the PGY-2 residency and am excited to find out what program or programs can offer me my desired opportunities; the right fit for me, if you will.
Whether you're applying for a PGY-1 or PGY-2 residency, it's always a great idea to be as prepared as possible. Reach out to past and current residents and program directors if you have questions. Confer with a mentor or preceptor about advice on how you can best represent yourself. Whatever you do, realize that you are interviewing the residency program just as much as they are interviewing you. Not every program will be for you and you won't be the best fit for every program. If you feel you just don't fit, then it's probably not the right place for you, and that's okay. Regardless of how things turn out, continue to provide the best care for your patients and develop as a practicing pharmacist.
Best of luck to all of you during this exciting transition period!