PGY-2 chances

[Dalteparin]

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I finished PGY-1 several years ago and am currently toying with the idea of applying for a PGY-2. I need new challenges, I want to take my career to a higher level, I'd like to teach at a pharmacy school someday, and my partner and I are trying to relocate and I'll have more job options if I get the PGY-2 under my belt.

However, there are a few things holding me back (and this is one of many reasons why I didn't apply before):

1. Most programs require a letter from your PGY-1 RPD. My PGY-1 RPD was forced out shortly after I finished residency. (I don't want to get into the reason why; let's just say I support management's decision.) I have no way to get in touch with him and even if I did, he hardly ever gave me feedback of any sort so I really have no clue whether he'd be a good reference. Is the lack of an RPD rec a deal breaker?

2. My GPA was meh - greater than 3.0 but less than 3.5. There's only one PGY-2 that interests me in the city where my partner and I are hoping to move to, and it's one of the most competitive places in the country. Is my GPA going to be a deal breaker?

Be honest with me. I'd love to do a PGY-2, but if the RPD is just going to throw my app in the trash then I don't want to waste everyone's time.

 

[njac]

I would say you are an excellent candidate for PPS. Go in, talk to them about their program, and acknowledge your concerns.

 

[Dalteparin]

I would say you are an excellent candidate for PPS. Go in, talk to them about their program, and acknowledge your concerns.

I didn't go to Midyear. Somebody has to stay behind and run the hospital while you cool kids party it up. 🙂

 

[njac]

I didn't go to Midyear. Somebody has to stay behind and run the hospital while you cool kids party it up. 🙂

I meant next year! It's also worth contacting the program director and asking for a 1 on 1 site visit where you can have the same types of conversation.

No midyear for me this year either! Despite the fact that I have 2 student posters and a resident poster, but my work doesn't seem me important enough to get the time off.

I almost drove to Anaheim last night to see some old friends, but decided I'd rather stay in than deal with traffic.

 

[GoldfishPharmD]

I meant next year! It's also worth contacting the program director and asking for a 1 on 1 site visit where you can have the same types of conversation.

No midyear for me this year either! Despite the fact that I have 2 student posters and a resident poster, but my work doesn't seem me important enough to get the time off.

I almost drove to Anaheim last night to see some old friends, but decided I'd rather stay in than deal with traffic.

FYI: you stink! 😛

 

[njac]

FYI: you stink! 😛

I'm so sorry 🙁 so many people are mad 🙁

 

[GoldfishPharmD]

I'm so sorry 🙁 so many people are mad 🙁

I'm just messing. I know traffic sucks down here and you're busy with work. I'm sure we'll bump into each other eventually!

 

[janeno]

I went back for PGY2 after working for two years on the floors. The best decision ever - I love what I get to do now!

You would be a very competitive candidate but it depends on PGY2. Be smart about which PGY2 to pursue. If you are looking at critical care or ID, competition is insane and jobs are scarce. PM me if you want more info.

 

[Dalteparin]

Thanks for your thoughts, everyone. I have decided NOT to apply for PGY-2. It was never going to work, and posting this helped me understand that. Thanks for helping me save a lot of time and money.

 

[GoldfishPharmD]

Thanks for your thoughts, everyone. I have decided NOT to apply for PGY-2. It was never going to work, and posting this helped me understand that. Thanks for helping me save a lot of time and money.

Why wasn't it?

 

[argon18]

Yes, why? I am applying this year for a PGY-2 after a year of working as a staff pharmacist after residency. I am not worried about the salary cut or relocating. I just want to do what makes me happy...I hope I match

 

[Dalteparin]

Why wasn't it?

Let's see:
I can't get a rec from my PGY-1 director.
My PGY-1 was so awful that hospital no longer has a program and my projects from PGY-1 had nothing to do with oncology.
I can't ask anyone at my current job for a rec because layoffs are looming and if they find out I'm looking for a new job, I'm gone.
I waited too long. Five years out of residency is a lot different than one.
I'd only be applying to one extremely competitive program with one position.

Yeah. Bad idea, but posting it gave me a lot of clarity. Thanks for reading, sorry I wasted your time.

 

[abxk1234]

It sounds like you're making a rational decision Dalteparin- it is definitely more challenging to make it into a PGY2 program when you are limited geographically.
There are definitely other ways to advance your career outside of doing a PGY2.
For example-
The ASHP Foundation has several training programs in specialty areas that is specifically for practicing pharmacists.

http://www.ashpfoundation.org/MainM...ineeships/OncologyPatientCareTraineeship.aspx

Other than that- I still believe that there is such a thing as learning on the job, and sometimes you may end up falling into specialty areas (i.e. covering a certain region), especially at hospitals where clinical pharmacy services may not be as developed yet.
My point is, stick with it- look for opportunities to advance your career- get involved in your hospital committees, become indispensable. Look for a hospital that is interested in clinical pharmacy services and advancing them and you may just end up working your way up internally.
If you're interested in teaching, you can always gain experience by doing nursing education, pharmacist education at your hospital. Having an affiliation with a school of pharmacy- ( or even a PA school, etc) would be helpful- reach out and see if they need any gues lecturers, etc.

Anyway, my point is PGY-2 is a good way to get where you want to be- but not the ONLY way. Good luck!