Black student perspectives to inform actionable steps toward diversity, equity, and inclusion in pharmacy residency programs

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionPharmacy residency training is a valuable tool in the advanced postgraduate training of clinical pharmacists. Although there is literature about increasing diversity in medical residencies, there is a lack of literature about initiatives to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in pharmacy residencies.ObjectivesTo describe the perspectives of Black students about pharmacy residency and to assist institutions and pharmacy residency programs in improving diversity, equity, and inclusion.MethodsFour residency focus groups were conducted among Black students in the second through fourth years of a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program at a college of pharmacy in the United States. Five pharmacy year 2 (P2) students, 12 pharmacy year 3 (P3) students, and eight pharmacy year 4 (P4) students participated. The average age was 25.5 years and the sample was 84% female. A qualitative analysis was conducted based on results from the focus groups using a “restorying” approach for analysis due to a lack of a pre‐existing framework to narrate Black student pharmacists' experience in seeking residency training.ResultsThe Black students in this study expressed apprehensiveness about multiple components of the residency attainment process, including representation during recruitment and potential racial bias during the application and interview process. Cost was an additional concern expressed by students throughout the focus groups.ConclusionThe results of this study can inform institutions and pharmacy residency programs as to the perception of Black residency candidates. Although increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion is important in the overall pharmacy academy, individual programs can work to improve their processes for recruitment and interviewing to improve overall equity and inclusion, not only for the pharmacy residency programs, but for the patients they serve.