INTRODUCTION
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a 2.4% employment growth is predicted for pharmacists between 2021 and 2031, with an estimated 7700 job openings.1 Residency has become an important step in the process for pharmacist employment in clinical settings because many hospitals require at least 1 year of postgraduate residency training to apply for clinical pharmacy positions. Residency is a postgraduate training program that allows a licensed practitioner to work alongside knowledgeable and skilled preceptors. Throughout most residencies, residents work in several different settings, allowing advanced opportunities in clinical practice and patient care. Residency application criteria typically consist of a curriculum vitae, a transcript, a letter of intent, and several letters of recommendation.
As student pharmacists enter their advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs), the next big milestones include residency applications and interviews for those interested in becoming clinical pharmacists. However, the pressure of becoming a standout residency candidate grows each year. According to the 2023 residency cycle data, almost 20% of PGY1 (postgraduate year one) applicants did not successfully match in phase 1 or 2.2
During their 3 years of didactic curriculum, pharmacy students at High Point University Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy (HPU FWSOP) have opportunities to participate in standardized client programs, longitudinal patient experiences, nontraditional research, and leadership opportunities, and some have obtained an MBA degree. Everyone’s experiences and opportunities contribute to growing into a competitive residency applicant. This article expands on the unique opportunities beyond the traditional leadership opportunities we typically think of and the role they can play in helping you stand out from the crowd of residency applicants.
GET THE MOST OUT OF STANDARDIZED CLIENT ENCOUNTERS
Standardized client encounters, also known as objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), play an important role in helping pharmacy students become exceptional pharmacists and communicators. The standardized client is typically a simulated patient or standardized patient who is trained to portray a patient, caregiver, or provider during the interaction with the student. During these encounters, students can practice obtaining patient histories, communicating with patients and providers, providing education and medication counseling, and acquiring additional skills related to inpatient and outpatient care.3
Practicing these skills teaches students how to engage with patients and providers and navigate real-world medication-related problems. Students learn to build a professional and trustworthy relationship with the standardized client during the process. Feedback gained through standardized client encounters enables students to be better prepared for real-world patient experiences. Overall, standardized client encounters help prepare students to become pharmacists with excellent communication skills, and taking full advantage of these opportunities will allow students to be better prepared for future endeavors regarding patient care and residency.3
EXPLORE DUAL-DEGREE OPPORTUNITIES, SUCH AS A MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DEGREE
Advancing your education outside pharmacy school is a tremendous opportunity to further your knowledge as well as show your dedication to learning. For example, at HPU FWSOP, students can pursue an MBA degree with a concentration in Healthcare Management while obtaining their Pharm.D. degree. Students can take an additional one to four classes per semester to graduate with their MBA at the same time as or even before their Pharm.D. degree.
Obtaining a dual degree during pharmacy school not only sets students apart from their peers, but also gives them the opportunity to expand on their learning in pharmacy. Working toward two degrees can demonstrate a student’s work ethic, determination, and ability to manage time well. An MBA or other dual-degree opportunity is an exceptional way for students to explore career pathways and advance their skills in certain areas. These classes can also tie into a pharmacy career in any setting. Whether it is being a pharmacy manager, owning a pharmacy, or even working as a staff pharmacist, the knowledge and skills gained from an MBA or other dual degree will allow the student to be an outstanding leader in any position.
If you are interested in a leadership role in your future job or this sounds interesting to you, be sure to check with your pharmacy program and see what dual degrees are offered. You never know what doors an MBA might open for you!
PARTICIPATE IN RESEARCH
Pharmacy students are traditionally advised to participate in research as a way to prepare for research requirements during residency. The research may be traditional or nontraditional, but the type of research chosen should be unique and of interest to the student. Traditional research may typically be thought of as research performed in a laboratory, whereas more nontraditional research may occur outside a laboratory or bench setting.
Students who are eager to excel in research and stand out as exceptional candidates for residencies should first identify a topic that truly captivates their interest. Next, they should seek out a professor or research mentor who has experience in that area. Once they’ve found a suitable match, they may become a valuable addition to an ongoing project, or they can propose and lead a research endeavor of their own.
SEEK OUT PROFESSIONAL AND EXPERIENTIAL EXPERIENCES
Pharmacy schools provide co-curricular events, experiential opportunities, and clinical rotations for a well-rounded education. Co-curricular activities may include point-of-care testing, immunization clinics, and outreach for students’ communities. Experiential opportunities may occur in various settings at pharmacy schools and in the community.
Many pharmacy schools provide professional experiences during clinical rotations and community outreach opportunities. These experiences can allow you to stand out by giving you an opportunity to go above and beyond the minimum expectations. Going above and beyond allows you to become a standout candidate when asking for letters of recommendation and can open doors to careers.4
You may initially be uncomfortable when engaging with community members and preceptors. However, you will see that this is worthwhile when you see your progress. Every time you have a patient encounter or a chance to step outside the status quo, take it. You never know where it will lead you in your professional career or personal development.
BECOME A “LITTLE L” LEADER
Many of us strive to be “big L” leaders – those positions with formal leadership titles.5 These are positions like class president, president of your local Student Societies of Health-System Pharmacy chapter, or chief intern of your pharmacy internship. During your time in pharmacy school, you may feel obligated to run for these positions to obtain some leadership experience to talk about during residency interviews. However, available “big L” leadership positions are limited, and maybe you are one of the many who did not get elected to the position they applied for. Most organizations require “big L” leadership to operate efficiently, but “little L” leaders are also a necessity for successful outcomes. Leaders have self-initiative, and all leaders work to influence others to achieve an outcome regardless of whether they are “big” or “little.”4
“Little L” leaders are committee members, leaders of small groups, or those who are proactive and lead by example regardless of their title.5 All of these “little L” leadership opportunities will give you plenty of leadership practice to build your leadership skills during your time in pharmacy school. “Little L” leaders go above and beyond what is expected of them in their current position.5 By taking the initiative to lead in this way, you will connect with people and find groups you would otherwise not have had the opportunity to join.
CONCLUSION
Each residency program is unique, just like every applicant, so to be competitive, seek out opportunities to help you stand out from others. Strategies that can advance your knowledge while advocating for pharmacy, as discussed, include taking advantage of skills obtained during OSCEs, obtaining a dual degree, being involved in your local community, partaking in nontraditional research, and becoming a “little L” leader within each involvement.
Being intentional with your professional experiences and involvement while in pharmacy school can help you earn a “gold star” on a residency application. The pressure of pursuing a residency can be daunting; however, being your authentic self and engaging in opportunities that can help you grow as a student pharmacist will help guide you in your residency and career pathways.
REFERENCES
1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pharmacists: Occupational Outlook Handbook. February 21, 2023. Available at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacists.htm.
2. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). ASHP Match Statistics. April 14, 2023. Available at https://news.ashp.org/news/ashp-news/2023/03/15/ashp-announces-phase-i-results-of-2023-pharmacy-residency-match.
3. High Point University Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy (HPU FWSOP). Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy Standardized Client Program Student Guide. 2021. Available at https://www.highpoint.edu/pharmacy/files/2021/04/22.08.24-sc-program-guide-high-point-university-school-of-pharmacy-general-information.pdf
4. Bauman JL, Sims KA. The ACCP Field Guide to Becoming a Standout Pharmacy Residency Candidate, 3rd ed. American College of Clinical Pharmacy, 2020.
5. White SJ. Leadership: successful alchemy. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2006;63:1497-503.