Lost in Pharmacy, rejected

[tnguy117]

I am a current pharmacist at a small hospital in California. Graduated 2008.

I applied for residency, once in 2008 and again 2010.
I thought with my current registered pharmacist status and inpatient job (started in Nov), I would be some what of a competitive candidate. However, my transcript is weak and no teaching/research experience.
I recently found out that I won't be invited to interviews, rejected/denied.

I desire very much so to continue training, and I thought residency would be perfect for what I want to do now and later in the future, specialize in peds and certified in nutrition.

Now, without residency, can't continue doing such.

I feel so lost. My current job is fine in the mean time, but it's not some thing I want to do in the long run. I really wanted to be trained more.

Any one with insights? Anyone with suggestions/recommendations on what other avenues are there for those like me who desire to train more, yet isn't welcomed into residency???

Any feedback is deeply appreciated =)

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[Fatpharm]

There are some hospitals that are doing part time residencies where you split between actually working and doing rotations. I would check academic centers with pgy 2 residencies with your interest to see if they have a part time pgy 1. That way you can better your chances in getting into a pgy 2program with your interest. The place where I am a student intern requires 6 months as a working pharmacist for the hospital before you can apply. It is something to look into if you are looking to later switch positions.

You can always scramble too. You would just have to make sure that a residency can provide opportunities to grow.

 

[KARM12]

There has to be something missing from your application...i think hospital experience will get you far, but if that is all you have, then maybe not.

Get involved in professional organizations and not just paying dues, but as an active member. Maybe you don't have the right people writing your letters of rec? Residency programs are looking for motivated candidates.

 

[MustLoveDrugs]

I don't know where you applied in 2008 or 2010, but I would encourage you to apply outside of California if you have the ability to relocate. Applying more broadly will open up new opportunities, and I know there are some fantastic children's hospitals that offer PGY-1s in other states. Your commitment to pediatrics may be more appreciated there, as opposed to a facility that focuses in adult medicine.

As for the non-traditional residency programs that Fatpharm was describing, the only ones that I know of require at least 1 year of service to the organization prior to applying for residency. That means you would already have to be working at a hospital that offers a non-traditional residency program before you could apply.

 

[suviphi]

^ Can I ask what states offer PGY-1's? I'm interested with residency in the long run. I've been recently accepted into 2 pharmacy schools and I really want to weigh my options in the chances of entering residency. I've noticed a few times of the words 'non-traditional' popping up. Even after researching what it is, I'm still not certain what it means and how that's any different from traditional.

 

[PharmaTope]

IMO,

i dont think you need a residency. Try getting some certifications and do some volunteer work with your free time so you get "experience" in those areas.

Don't forget you have experience that is more than 1 year residency will give you.

 

[tnguy117]

Hi, what certifications are there in pharmacy? besides BPS?

Thanks

 

[rxforlife2004]

I am a current pharmacist at a small hospital in California. Graduated 2008.

I applied for residency, once in 2008 and again 2010.
I thought with my current registered pharmacist status and inpatient job (started in Nov), I would be some what of a competitive candidate. However, my transcript is weak and no teaching/research experience.
I recently found out that I won't be invited to interviews, rejected/denied.

I desire very much so to continue training, and I thought residency would be perfect for what I want to do now and later in the future, specialize in peds and certified in nutrition.

Now, without residency, can't continue doing such.

I feel so lost. My current job is fine in the mean time, but it's not some thing I want to do in the long run. I really wanted to be trained more.

Any one with insights? Anyone with suggestions/recommendations on what other avenues are there for those like me who desire to train more, yet isn't welcomed into residency???

Any feedback is deeply appreciated =)

u should have gone to med school...they train u a lot there more....just my 2 cents!

 

[PharMed2016]

Hi, what certifications are there in pharmacy? besides BPS?

Thanks

Go grab an MPH or Ph.D if you want more credentials

 

[Pharmella]

Keep trying! If you want a residency, and are willing to work for it, then there IS a program out there for you. First, take a look at your application materials. Is your letter of intent clear and error-free? Is your CV up to date and error free? How are your letters of recommendation? Do you have leadership experience? I think for a candidate who has been out of school for a year or two, you should demonstrate leadership potential by volunteering for projects at your work, giving drug information lectures to your colleagues, and being involved in volunteer activities outside your work, present a poster or paper at a professional organization's national meeting. You need to prove that you have the drive to continue your personal growth and development as a practitioner.

You may also consider applying to more programs, including those outside your geographic area. Go to ASHP Midyear. And enroll in the matching process even if you don't get an interview- you may get lucky in the scramble. You can also start pursuing the BCPS certificate in nutrition.

 

[drugdoc]

Hi, what certifications are there in pharmacy? besides BPS?

Thanks

Look them up. They are easy to find.