A 4-year study of the correlation between numbers of clinical rotations completed before ASHP midyear to being selected for a residency

Abstract

PurposeCompetition for pharmacy residencies has drastically increased in the past decade. It is not known if there is a correlation between the number of clinical advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) completed before the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Midyear Clinical Meeting (Midyear) and an increased likelihood of matching to a residency program. Exposure to clinical experiences has many benefits. We examined here if there is a relationship between the number of clinical APPEs completed prior to Midyear and overall, and matching for a PGY1 residency in the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy Classes of 2012–2015. MethodsBoth the type and timing of APPEs for 238 students in the identified cohort who applied for residencies were analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed to determine if there is a significant effect of the number of clinical APPEs completed prior to Midyear, or an effect of the number of clinical APPEs completed during pharmacy school on matching for a PGY1 residency. ResultsThere was no significant effect of the number of clinical APPEs completed before Midyear on matching for a PGY1 residency (p = 0.214). The total number of clinical APPEs completed by graduation had no significant effect on matching for a PGY1 residency (p = 0.240). ConclusionWhile students may find great value in clinical APPEs as a strong foundational base for pursuing a PGY1 residency, there was no significant effect of the timing of clinical APPEs and matching to a residency. Further study into other contributing variables is warranted.