Determining student-level characteristics predictive of successful matching in PGY1 community-based residency programs: A curriculum vitae analysis

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this analysis was to determine which characteristics increase a candidate's likelihood of matching with a post-graduate year 1 (PGY1) community-based residency program (CBRP).

Methods: Current and former CBRP residents' curriculum vitae (CVs) were collected and reviewed utilizing a survey and standardized rubric. Eligible participants were current PGY1 CBRP residents or had completed a PGY1 program no earlier than 2015. Primary endpoints included number of participants with extensive leadership experience, relevant experiential rotations, presentation history, and involvement in pharmacy organizations. Descriptive statistics were performed to identify the most common characteristics and their relative quantities.

Results: A total of 50 eligible CVs were submitted and reviewed. The majority of participants had extensive (defined as four or more) presentation experiences, at least three mid- to high-level leadership experiences, multiple ambulatory/outpatient pharmacy experiential rotations, and involvement in pharmacy organizations. Few participants (26%) had previous teaching experience.

Conclusions: Residency candidates who matched with CBRPs tended to have extensive mid- to high-level leadership experiences and presentation experience. Based on these findings, additional studies are warranted to compare existing and/or redesigned postgraduate training preparation curricula and their impact on residency match rates.

Keywords: Community pharmacy; Elective; Matching; Postgraduate training; Residency.