Using institutional track programs and block scheduling to help students prepare for postgraduate residency training

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Postgraduate Training

Background:

• Traditional pharmacy curricula may not fully prepare students for competitive postgraduate residency training.
• Developing specialized programs can enhance student readiness for residency applications and interviews.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and implementation of institutional track and block scheduling programs.
• To assess the effectiveness of these programs in preparing pharmacy students for postgraduate residency.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of institutional track and block scheduling within advanced pharmacy practice experiences.
• Application process mimicking the ASHP Resident Matching Program to refine student skills.
• Mentorship provided for residency preparation, CV/cover letter development, and career planning.

Main Results:

• 71 students participated in these programs between 2011 and the study period.
• 83% of institutional track students and 81% of block scheduling students successfully matched to residency programs or hospital pharmacy positions.

Conclusions:

• Institutional track and block scheduling models provide valuable, site-based experiences for pharmacy students.
• These programs enhance essential skills for residency applications and interviews.
• The majority of students participating in these programs achieved successful postgraduate placement.