Residency scramble: program directors' experiences with the Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy residency program administration
• Graduate medical education

Background:

• The pharmacy residency scramble process historically presented challenges for programs and applicants.
• Standardized application services aim to streamline recruitment and matching.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate pharmacy residency program directors' perceptions of the 2013 scramble process.
• To assess the impact of the Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service (PhORCAS) on the scramble.

Main Methods:

• A survey was electronically distributed to 1905 program directors post-Match.
• The survey assessed satisfaction with PhORCAS and adherence to a one-week offer moratorium.
• Response rate was 28.2% with 531 completed surveys.

Main Results:

• The majority of directors were satisfied with PhORCAS, finding it easier or similar to previous systems.
• PhORCAS use was associated with easier filling of unmatched postgraduate year 1 positions (64.5%).
• Most directors adhered to the moratorium, but many perceived non-adherence by others, citing process stress.

Conclusions:

• The implementation of PhORCAS and ASHP guidelines improved the pharmacy residency scramble process.
• The system facilitated the filling of unmatched residency positions.
• Program directors provided recommendations for further process improvement.