Well, another Midyear has come and gone, and what an experience! Thousands ascended to Orlando and left wiser, more educated and excited for what the future holds. I consider myself to be one of the many who left Orlando with a much stronger sense of what career path I want to pursue.
A number of my friends in good jest call me an overachiever. While some might not like that title, I tend to embody it. After all, I had evaluated the residency programs I was interested in back in July. I had some free time, so I decided to get a head start and check out which programs I was going to consider for residency next year. I've known since starting pharmacy school that I want to work in pediatrics, and I learned while in school that I had a knack for teaching and also was bit by the research bug. So, I tailored my search to programs that would help me attain my career goals. Using the ASHP online residency directory (http://accred.ashp.org/aps/pages/directory/residencyProgramSearch.aspx), I was able to go through and find the programs that interested me. This made it much easier for me once PhORCAS opened up and Midyear quickly snuck up. Even still, there was plenty for me to look in to, and I had many questions for the programs I was considering.
In talking with residents and pharmacists, I heard the same messages: "Ask yourself what you want to get out of a residency," and "The Midyear is about interviewing programs and getting information to help you decide if that residency is the right fit for you." Even though you might not be sure about the program on paper, your interaction with a resident or pharmacist from that program may change your mind and make it one of your top choices. Conversely, you might find out your top choice doesn't suit you the way other programs do and that's okay. Going to Midyear, I knew I wanted to look at residencies that offered a full pediatric experience with some teaching, but that was it. I realized after attending the Showcase that I want much more than that, and there are programs out there that can offer me the experience I desire. Many of my colleagues expressed that very same sentiment, and felt the Residency Showcase cleared up a number of their questions.
I wish all the final year pharmacy students good fortune with their applications and encourage those considering a residency in future years to start looking at programs today. It's never too early to see what's available and find out what appeals to you.