Perceived value of leadership experiences in a postgraduate year 2 ambulatory care pharmacy residency

Leadership experiences taught within the Kaiser Permanente Colorado (KPCO) postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) ambulatory care pharmacy residency program were evaluated.

KPCO leadership training incorporated 6 mandatory leadership sessions and offered a 6-week elective rotation. In this qualitative study, an 18-item semistructured interview guide was developed, tested, and administered telephonically to former KPCO PGY2 residents who had been in clinical practice for a minimum of 1 year. The primary outcome was the perceived value of the leadership experiences, and perceived gaps was the secondary outcome. Qualitative analysis was performed for open-ended questions. Responses were coded and key phrases were highlighted to illustrate major concepts and themes.

Of 34 former residents, 29 (85%) completed the interview. Ninety-seven percent of participants reported that the leadership experiences provided value in their professional career; 89% reported value in their personal development. The 3 most common themes of perceived value that emerged from the interviews were exposure to leadership, managing and leading self and others, and clinical service development. Identified gaps included further exposure to senior leadership within the organization and a better understanding of the national pharmacy landscape.

Leadership experiences during the PGY2 ambulatory care pharmacy residency at KPCO were perceived positively by former residents on a professional and a personal level.