To PGY2 or not

[20Pharmacist15]

I am currently a PGY1 pharmacy resident at a large academic medical center. I came into it wanting to do a PGY2 residency to specialize, but I am finding myself questioning it now. (I am ready to move back to my hometown and settle down)

My question is how hard will it be for me to find a clinical pharmacist position with just a PGY1 or should I suck it up and do the PGY2?

However, the PGY2 would be in transplant, and I find myself worried about finding a job in that after a 2nd year and having to get a generic clinical position anyways.

Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated!

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[CrCl]

Regardless that I'm just a P3, here is what I think:

As you probably know already, a PGY1 completion is the preferred standard and/or requirement for most clinical positions.

Therefore, finding such a position will be as hard as having to compete with other pharmacists with a similar--PGY1 or higher--training as well.

If you complete a PGY2 in transplant, then that niche will obviously grant you more leverage or competitive advantage.

 

[steveysmith54]

We have no idea about the job outlook in your hometown, cause we simply don't know where it is. Also, it's hard to predict. there are periods where there are lot of job openings, then there are periods where there is absolutely nothing. As a hospital pharmacist, there is def demand for pgy1 trained rph. If you truly want to be a transplant rph, then go ahead and pursue it. Or just apply for it, and look for a job in your hometown, if you get both, then make a choice.

 

[20Pharmacist15]

My hometown in Nashville. While there are lots of jobs available, it is a popular place.

 

[KARM12]

Transplant is limited to hospitals that have transplant programs (usually academic medical centers). Not as universal as some other PGY2 areas. If you desire to specialize, then you should do the PGY2. I'll never say it is impossible, but it is becoming more difficult to be a specialist in this area without a PGY2.

 

[steveysmith54]

My hometown in Nashville. While there are lots of jobs available, it is a popular place.

Then, you should be ok. Nowadays, you have to just start somewhere. so your first job, may not be your dream job. Also be ready for undesirable hours, including graveyard. But, as residency trained RPH, you should fine.

 

[bacillus1]

If you want to do PGY2, go for it, just know that you may have to move. If you want to be a clinical generalist and have a PGY2, places might think you're overqualified (as happened to one of my classmates) so a PGY1 is enough. I guess if you don't really want to do transplant, PGY1 is enough.

 

[20Pharmacist15]

Thanks for all your advice everyone!