Pharmacists' decision to undertake a mid-career residency

To outline factors motivating a pharmacist who has been in practice for five or more years to pursue a residency, and to compare the advantages and disadvantages of completing a residency.

Descriptive study. Program directors from all residency programs accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists were contacted by mail to inquire about the number of past or current residents of their programs who could participate in the survey. From their responses we identified 111 potential participants. Postage-paid survey packets were then sent to the program directors, to be forwarded to the residents. The first section of the survey gathered demographic information; the second section focused on respondents' reasons for pursuing a pharmacy residency, the obstacles they had to overcome, and the benefits gained from completion of a residency.

62 respondents (56.0%) were eligible for inclusion in the data analysis. Professional growth was the most important reason given for pursuing a mid-career residency (n = 25; 40.3%). For 20 (32.3%) respondents, money or a decrease in salary was the "biggest obstacle" to pursuing a residency, and 18 (29.0%) cited family obligations. The most important benefits gained from the residency experience were improved marketability (40.0%) and skills (33.3%).

Although challenging and demanding, a mid-career residency can be a rewarding experience for the practicing pharmacist. A residency will be of value to a mid-career pharmacist seeking professional growth and job satisfaction, rather than an increase in salary, through a change in career direction.