Efficacy and benefits of mock residency interviews

Obtaining a residency has become more competitive as more pharmacy students seek postgraduate training. This is likely due to pharmacist positions increasing in clinical settings. To be fully prepared, students seeking residency positions should be trained for the interview process by their pharmacy school.

Mock residency interviews (MRI) were conducted at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy which included components of typical residency interviews. The primary outcome compared residency match rates for MRI participants vs. non-participants. Secondary outcomes evaluated student preparedness, student and faculty feedback, and satisfaction/benefit of the event along with comparison of school vs. national match rate and assessment of those matching compared to grade point average (GPA).

Match rates were similar between MRI participants vs. non-participants (75% vs. 73%) with significant difference in Phase I match rates between MRI participants vs. non-participants (75% vs. 51%, P = .007). MRI was significantly associated with Phase I matching in the multivariable analysis (odds ratio (OR) = 2.81, 95% CI 1.27-6.22). The overall school's match rate exceeded the national two out of three years in the quality improvement project period. GPA was the only other factor independently associated with Phase I matching (OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.01-1.32). Students and faculty consistently reported positive feedback following participation.

MRI are valuable and are making a difference as indicated by improved Phase I match rates for those that participated. Students and faculty reported an increase in preparedness and overall satisfaction after attending MRI.