help on applying for residencies

[pharmergator]

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Hey, I'm new to this forum and I'm a little confused on the whole process of applying to residencies. It seems a little overwhelming and have a lot of questions-any advice would help!

1. I have narrowed down some programs I would like to apply to. Should I contact them now just to introduce myself and say I'm interested and request info now or should I wait until I have completely updated my CV and send my attached CV and letter of intent along with the e-mail? How far in advance do I need to contact the schools by?

2. What is a letter of intent, but mainly, how long should it be?

3. How long in advance should I ask for letters of recommendations? Is there an official process I need to go through (I believe there are ASHP recommendation forms I suppose we have to use?)

4. I'm confused because it says some schools may require you to be licensed before you start? Is that true? Does that require me to wait a year before applying? That doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

5. Assuming it's before the deadline, when should I apply to the meeting in December and the National Matching Service

6. Has anyone completed a pharmacy residency in the South Florida area? Any comments?

If anyone can help, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

 

[kwizard]

Please see:
http://www.ashp.org/rtp/index.cfm?cfid=17543439&CFToken=53165585


1. I have narrowed down some programs I would like to apply to. Should I contact them now just to introduce myself and say I'm interested and request info now or should I wait until I have completely updated my CV and send my attached CV and letter of intent along with the e-mail? How far in advance do I need to contact the schools by?

Contacting them at any time is fine. Typically in Sept or October is really good to starting inquiring a developing a dialogue prior to going to midyear in November. You can list future rotations on your CV w/ expected dates for completion. ASHP always has a seminar on this at midyear (possibly also posted on the website). Many pharm schools have regional residency showcases in October for those applicants who may want to stay in a particular local area. These often occur in October/November (contact any local school of pharmacy).

2. What is a letter of intent, but mainly, how long should it be?

Typically they give you a avg length, I think 1-2 pages. If not specified you can always email program director. See ashp website as listed above for directory. ACCP also has a directory (www.accp.com). Same programs listed on both, but a different format and ACCP also includes fellowships and various non-accredited residencies if interested. General type of information you want to include is why you want to due a residency, why you want to do a residency there (i.e. what are their best aspects and how do they coincide w/ what you like). For instance the VA system is big on Am Care so applying their for a big focus in critical care may not be a good idea. Do your research on the practice site and residency program (ask around, check out website, talk to residents/pharmacy staff/etc). Other things to consider is where you plan to go in pharmacy (i.e. your doing the residency for a reason so what is it and how are you going to apply the experience after graduating from the residency).

3. How long in advance should I ask for letters of recommendations? Is there an official process I need to go through (I believe there are ASHP recommendation forms I suppose we have to use?)

Reccomendation forms may also be obtained from residency program websites if they have one. The process will be outlined by the residency. Typically it includes emailing/mailing letters to program director/residency coordinator. You should start asking for reccomendation letters in October/November/Decemeber as most application deadlines are w/i the 1st 2 wks of January.

4. I'm confused because it says some schools may require you to be licensed before you start? Is that true? Does that require me to wait a year before applying? That doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

No, you don't have to wait a year. Typically they allow you up until Sept. to have obtained licensure. Some programs are more strict than others. It would be best to be licensed in May/June just to minimize stress when starting residency program in late June/early July.

5. Assuming it's before the deadline, when should I apply to the meeting in December and the National Matching Service


The meeting in December is just a general "meet and greet" to put a name w/ the face from all of the various emails. It may also include an informal interview and review of the application process, but always take a lot of copies of your CV to hand out. In addition it may be worthy to make a good impression b/c depending on how competitive the program is they may not be able to invite all applicants for an interview so the better the impression you make via midyear (Dec. meeting) and you application packet the better your chances are. National matching service (NMS) has a deadline in March (I think, see ashp website for link to NMS). NMS is basically the organization that you rank w/ to determine which program you like the most and which program liked you the most.

6. Has anyone completed a pharmacy residency in the South Florida area? Any comments?

Nope, check out www.ashp.org (and search residencies in the state of FL). I know there are quite of few of programs down there, but don't know people who have come out of those programs. Hope this helps.

 

[bananaface]

kwizard - if there is anything you have posted here or elsewhere that would be useful in the FAQ, let me know and I will see that we get it added in. 🙂

 

[kwizard]

kwizard - if there is anything you have posted here or elsewhere that would be useful in the FAQ, let me know and I will see that we get it added in. 🙂

I guess the various questions on residency training may be helpful. The common question seems to be why to do residency training vs why not, application/matching process, types of residencies, etc.

Other common questions are what types of board certified specialties are available and potential career outlook (i.e. are there jobs really out there and potential salaries; although salary may vary a lot).

Other common questions are what options are out there for those who don't want to practice in a hospital or in retail. My previous responses on long term care/home infusion, federal sector (FDA), and/or industry may be helpful.

Hope this helps.