The influence of a hospital pharmacy residency program on career advancement and satisfaction

A mail survey of practicing hospital pharmacists in British Columbia who graduated since the introduction of hospital residency programs was conducted to determine the influence of a hospital pharmacy residency program on career advancement and satisfaction. Respondents included 33 past residents and 38 non residents. Career advancement was measured by union grade level. Professional and employment satisfaction were assessed using a five-level satisfaction scale. Percentage time allocated to each of administrative, clinical, distributional and research activities was determined for each group. Past residents were also requested to estimate residency program time allocation devoted to these activities which would best prepare them for their present employment. The results of this study indicate that in the ten years the program has been in operation, no difference can be demonstrated between past residents and non residents with respect to career advancement, professional satisfaction or employment satisfaction. Past residents recommend that a hospital residency should consist of approximately 40% clinical activities, 30% distributional activities and the remainder time allocated equally to administrative and research activities. Further research is recommended to evaluate the impact of a hospital pharmacy residency program in a location independent of union grade restrictions and later in the career of past residents to determine the influence of these factors on career advancement and satisfaction.