Residency Programs & Fellowships Angela Singh, PharmD Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy

What is a Residency? Defined by the ASHP as an organized, directed, postgraduate training program in a defined area of pharmacy practice. The first residencies began in the early 1930’s and were known as internships. Exist primarily to train pharmacists in professional practice and management activities.

What type of experience does a residency offer? Residencies offer experience in – Integrating pharmacy services with the comprehensive needs of individual practice settings – Provide in depth experiences leading to advanced practice skills and knowledge. – Foster the ability to conceptualize new and improved pharmacy services

Residency Programs Are consistent in content for each resident. Program guidelines are produced by national pharmacy associations which fosters consistency among different programs. Resident is closely directed and evaluated by a qualified preceptor.

Are there different types of residencies? Yes….. – Pharmacy Practice Residency General residency which gives a broad overview of all aspects of pharmacy practice from internal medicine to administration. – Specialized Residency Programs Allows the resident to focus on one area such as infectious disease, community pharmacy, or oncology. It is preferred and sometimes required that a pharmacy practice residency be completed before a specialized residency program.

How long does a residency last? The typical residency lasts 12 months and generally begins in July of each year. A person completing a general pharmacy practice residency and a specialized residency will be required to spend two years in the residency program.

Does a resident receive a salary? Yes! The salary for a residency position can range from the $22,000 to $42,000 dollars depending on the residency program. The resident also typically receives benefits such as health insurance and vacation. This is a salary and often times the resident works more than 40 hours a week without compensation.

Do you have to begin a residency as soon as you finish school? No! A residency can occur at any career point following an entry-level degree in pharmacy. However, it is recommended that you enter a residency program immediately following completion of your degree.

What is a fellowship? ASHP defines a fellowship as… – A directed, highly individualized, postgraduate program designed to prepare the participant to become an independent researcher. Conducted primarily in colleges of pharmacy and in academically based health centers. Goal is to train and educate individuals to conduct pharmacy research.

What type of experience does a fellowship offer? Primarily provide experience in developing competency in the scientific research process, including conceptualization, planning, conducting and reporting research. The fellow is under the close direction and instruction of a qualified researcher and receives highly individualized learning. Utilizes research interests and knowledge needs as a focus for education and training.

How long does a fellowship last? Fellowships are usually offered for a predetermined, finite period of time, often exceeding 12 or even 24 months.

What type of experience is needed to obtain a fellowship? A candidate is expected to possess basic skills relevant to the knowledge area of the fellowship. These skills may be obtained by… – Practice experience – Appropriate residency Individuals planning research oriented careers shoud receive education in research design and statistics either before or during a fellowship.

Does a fellowship provide a salary? Yes! Salaries may range from the 28,000 to 33,000 dollars with benefits.

How do I find a good residency or fellowship program? Both the ACCP and ASHP publish a list of the different residency and fellowship programs on an annual basis. These can be accessed through their websites.

How are residency applicants compared? Pharmacy residency candidates are generally evaluated based on: – Completeness of their application – Internship rotation choices in their 6 th year – Letter of recommendations – GPA – Previous pharmacy experiences – Candidate's maturity, self confidence, and knowledge shown at interview – Research/publication/certification – Team player – Communication skills – Work ethics – Leadership skills ***It is always a good idea to send thank you notes after each interview***

How are fellowship applicants compared? The type of fellow candidate that a preceptor will consider varies widely. Some preceptors prefer fellow candidates that have had residency experience while others consider new graduates. The primary consideration is the career goals, motivation, and enthusiasm of the potential fellow. Obviously, the more experience a candidate has the more competitive he or she will be in the application.

Residency Timeline: P-1 – P-2 Keep an open mind about residency training Talk with upper classmen and residents for their perspectives on post-training If possible, participate in extracurricular activities

Residency Timeline P-3 Give serious consideration for your career. Look at your faculty and other practitioners for a role model and talk with that person. If you have an interest in a special area or clerkship site try to schedule it for the fall of your P-4 year. Go to the ASHP Residency Directory to review currently available residencies Compare different residencies. Talk with current trainees and your faculty about prospective residencies.

Residency Timeline P-4 Complete your curriculum vitae early fall. – Easily readable font on conservative paper Obtain residency applications Late fall send out letters of intent to apply for residency to programs of interest Attend the ASHP mid-year meeting in December

Residency Timeline P-4 Residency matching program application due middle of January On-site interviews January- February – Candidate is responsible for travel. Rank order lists must be completed soon after the first week of March. Match results available in the last week of March. Residencies begin early July

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