Impact of Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences on Residency Interview Invitations

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Residency Program Admissions
• Experiential Learning

Background:

• Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs) are crucial components of pharmacy education.
• Understanding program director perceptions of APPEs is vital for optimizing candidate selection for postgraduate year one (PGY1) pharmacy residency programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how PGY1 pharmacy residency program directors evaluate factors of APPEs during candidate selection for interviews.
• To identify the perceived influence and desirability of various APPE characteristics.

Main Methods:

• A nationwide online survey was distributed to 1,280 PGY1 residency program directors.
• Participants ranked the influence of APPE categories (location, structure, elective type, timing, preceptor references) and specific variables.
• Data from 375 respondents (29% response rate) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• APPE preceptor reference letters were the most influential category for program directors.
• APPE timing factors were the least influential.
• Program directors favored candidates with experiences similar to their own residency environment (person-environment fit), specifically desiring two reference letters and letter grades for APPEs.
• Inpatient elective APPEs were preferred over a balanced mix of electives.

Conclusions:

• Applicants should strategically select APPEs to demonstrate person-environment fit with desired residency programs.
• While certain APPE factors are preferred, their absence does not automatically disqualify an applicant.
• Residency program directors seek candidates whose attributes and experiences align with their program's specific setting and culture.