Comparing pharmacy practice faculty perceptions of first-year post-graduate residency (PGY1) selection criteria to those reported by PGY1 residency directors

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study characterizes the professional opinions of residency directors and pharmacy faculty members regarding the relative importance of first-year post-graduate pharmacy (PGY1) residency interview selection criteria. MethodsTwo survey instruments were distributed to PGY1 residency directors of all ASHP-accredited PGY1 programs and to pharmacy practice faculty members. Respondents identified and ranked the perceived importance of the interview selection criteria used in their application review process or student mentoring approaches, respectively. ResultsResponse rates for completion of the survey instruments were 14.4% for faculty members and 25.5% for residency directors. Both groups of respondents indicated the importance of the synergy between a candidate’s letter of intent and a residency program, as well as for letters of recommendation. PGY1 residency directors identified more criteria used for screening purposes, including cumulative grade point averages (GPAs) (94.4% versus 86.7%, p = 0.0017), previous work experience (85.3% versus 66.4%, p < 0.0001), and synergy between the candidate and the residency (80.6% versus 71.5%, p = 0.0081). ConclusionsResidency directors and faculty members consistently identify key criteria for residency selection, but better aligning faculty members’ mentoring of students prior to the residency application process with interview selection criteria used by residency directors may increase students’ success with obtaining residency interviews.