Tips from MCPHS Doctor of Pharmacy Graduates: Residencies

What advice would you give to MCPHS students who are preparing to apply for a residency?

“I recommend getting prepared for midyear/residency in the summer of sixth year. Begin to build your CV throughout different rotations. Ask your preceptors for the opportunity to do research and/or make a poster for the midyear meeting. Jump at any opportunities that seem to be unique, as this will allow you to stand out from your peers.”

Tips on surviving the Midyear conference?

“Start thinking about different programs and areas of pharmacy you are interested in. Begin to look at programs a few months before midyear. I started with looking at residency programs based on their locations. Then I went through the ASHP website and looked at each individual program in those cities. If the program sparked my interest, I added it to a chart that I made. In that chart, I listed all the rotations and any pertinent information that those residencies had. I had an area for questions to ask the program [representatives]. Once I was at midyear, I knew exactly what programs I wanted to talk to and what questions I wanted to ask. Being prepared allowed me to not get overwhelmed by the thousands of programs at midyear. I was able to narrow my list after midyear to the programs [to which] I wanted to apply. Keep the business cards of each individual you talk to at each specific program. Immediately after walking away from the booth take notes on the back of business cards or prepare a chart to track your impressions. This way you can personalize all further contact with the program.”

Tips for surviving the application and interview process?

“Be prepared and look at deadline dates early on! Make sure you send in your transcript ASAP, even if it does not have your fall grades. Send it a second time after grades are submitted, this way you know you have something on PhORCAS. Being the holiday season, there are many days when offices will be shut down. In regards to your references, notify them as soon as you want to use them as a reference. Give them plenty of time to complete your letter of recommendation. If it is getting close to deadline dates, politely remind your references to complete their portion. It is imperative that all the parts are completed on time! There is no excuse for late transcripts or letters of recommendation. You got this far, you can do it! Once you start receiving interview requests, you’ll have to schedule them around your rotations. You may be flying (if you decide to travel far) up to twice a week. You have to think about how you will balance rotation work, interview presentations, interview preparation, expenses, and traveling. Know your CV inside and out and have it memorized. You can never be too prepared!”