Impact of a residency interest group on students applying for residency

To determine the impact of a faculty-directed, residency interest group on the knowledge, confidence, and preparedness about residency-related topics of third-year (P3) and fourth-year (P4) pharmacy students.

Faculty members implemented residency interest group sessions on residency and career preparation for P3 and P4 students. Group meetings consisted of four 2- to 3-hour sessions that covered topics such as residency timeline and resources, letter of intent and CV development, proper interview techniques, and navigating the midyear clinical meeting. Residency directors throughout Mississippi, current pharmacy residents, P3 and P4 students, and other faculty members were invited to attend these sessions.

Surveys were administered prior to and after completion of the interest group sessions. Students who attended the sessions demonstrated increased knowledge, confidence, and preparedness on residency-related topics. However, non-attendees also demonstrated increased knowledge, confidence, and preparedness from baseline.

The majority of students who accepted a residency position had attended at least 1 residency interest group session, suggesting this program had a positive influence.