Predictors of Success in Obtaining Post-Graduate Residency or Fellowship

Abstract

As more pharmacy students are pursuing post-graduate training, colleges of pharmacy are investigating ways to predict success in matching for residency or fellowship. While data have been published about characteristics predictive of matching, we sought to study student scores, rotation types, and rotation evaluations as predictors of success. Data was collected from students in the graduating classes of 2021, 2022, and 2023. Students were surveyed as to participation in mock interviews, numbers of programs to which they applied, and number of interviews received. In addition, data was collected on imposter phenomenon, grit, perceived stress, anxiety, grade point average (GPA), types of patient care rotations, and preceptor evaluations. Overall, 295 students were included, with 69 unsuccessful and 226 successful students. Successful students were more likely to have lower PSS-10 scores in the final three semesters of school, a higher GPA, more elective patient care rotations, and preceptors who answered yes to "would you hire this student" after graduation. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, final GPA and preceptors answering yes to "would you hire this student" were independent predictors of success in obtaining a post-graduate position. As colleges of pharmacy prepare students for post-graduate residencies or fellowships, in addition to GPA, stress levels during the final three semesters of pharmacy school may be areas on which to focus. Since the willingness of a preceptor to hire a student after graduation was a predictor of success in securing a post-graduate position, this should be explored in future research.