An Exploration of the Relationship Between Pharmacy School Admission Variables and PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program...

To explore the relationship between pharmacy school admission variables and matching to a postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy residency program.

Demographic data, academic indicators, and application review scores were collected for the 2017-2020 Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) graduating classes. Multiple mini-interview (MMI) scores were collected for the 2018-2020 PharmD graduating classes. Postgraduate year 1 matching data were collected for all students. Bivariate analyses were performed comparing students who matched to a PGY1 residency versus those who did not match versus those who did not pursue a residency. Logistic regression modeling was performed to explore predictors of matching to a PGY1 residency program.

A total of 616 students were included. Bivariate analyses revealed that students who matched to a PGY1 had a higher undergraduate grade point average, higher pharmacy college admissions test composite score, were younger in age, and were more likely to identify as female. Students who matched also scored higher on MMI stations with constructs related to integrity, adaptability, critical thinking, and why pursuing our school. Logistic regression modeling found that an increase in age was associated with lower odds of matching to a PGY1 (0.88 [0.78-0.99]) and an increase in composite MMI station score was associated with higher odds of matching (1.8 [1.31-2.47]).

Several pharmacy school admission variables were found to be associated with successful matching to a PGY1 residency. These findings have the potential for impact at a programmatic level when evaluating the weight of certain criteria for admission decisions and at the individual student level when providing career services support.