Students attending the exclusive student session, “Navigating the Transition from Pharmacy School to Residency: Perspectives from Current Residents,” held at the recent ACCP/ESCP International Congress on Clinical Pharmacy, received tips, tools, and advice to prepare for postgraduate training. Attendees were able to interact directly with residents in PGY-1, PGY-2, and dual-degree programs.

Shannon Holt, Pharm.D., PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Resident at Duke University Hospital, shared with students “Residency Prep 101: What to Do While You Are Still in Pharmacy School.” Dr. Holt provided students a detailed timeline of the residency application process, offered examples to help prepare a curriculum vitae and letter of intent, and shared key tips to prepare for the interview process.

Rachel Stratman, Pharm.D., BCPS, PGY-2 Critical Care and Chief Resident at the University of Kentucky’s UK HealthCare, together with Russell Attridge, Pharm.D., M.S. Candidate, and Specialty Resident in Pharmacotherapy at the University of Texas Health Science Center, gave students a real-world “day-in-the-life” perspective of residency training during their presentation, “Making the Most of Residency: Time Management and Lessons for Success.” Drs. Stratman and Attridge shared strategies they have employed to meet the many demands on a resident’s time and resources.

This practical hands-on approach to prepare for postgraduate training was well received by the attendees. Here is just a sample of the comments made by session participants:

• “The program was more specific to transitioning from a student to a resident; more applicable to where I am right now.”
• “(I enjoyed hearing from) successful residents with a broad range of experiences. Handouts with examples of CVs, cover sheets, and timelines were very helpful.”
• “I got so much out of this program. It was extremely informative and helpful!”

Even if you were unable to join us in Orlando, you can still obtain the meeting handout materials and slide presentations. Please click here to access these valuable career preparation materials.

Make plans now to join us at the ACCP Annual Meeting in Anaheim, California, October 17–21, 2009. Students attending this meeting will have the opportunity to network with a variety of clinical pharmacy leaders, attend the ACCP Residency Forum, showcase their research interests during the student poster session, and attend an exclusive session highlighting specialty career paths and opportunities within the clinical pharmacy profession.

Student Travel Awards and group meeting registration discounts will again be available for the upcoming Annual Meeting. Please visit the StuNet Web site at www.accp.com/stunet in the coming weeks for updated Annual Meeting information for students. We look forward to seeing you in Anaheim!