Joshua Caballero1, Sandra Benavides2, Kevin A Clauson3, Patrick C Hardigan4, Jennifer G Steinberg1, Timothy P Gauthier5, Elizabeth M Sherman1, Matthew J Seamon1, Jose Valdes1, Jennifer E Thomas1,6. 1. 1 Department of Pharmacy Practice, Nova Southeastern University, College of Pharmacy, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA. 2. 2 Department of Clinical and Administrative Services, Larkin College of Pharmacy, Miami, FL, USA. 3. 3 Department of Pharmacy Practice, Lipscomb University, College of Pharmacy, Nashville, TN, USA. 4. 4 Health Professions Division, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA. 5. 5 Department of Pharmacy, Miami Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Miami, FL, USA. 6. 6 Department of Pharmacy Practice, Husson University, School of Pharmacy, Bangor, ME, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Different strategies have been implemented to assist students in securing residency positions. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of student participation in residency preparation activities on match rates. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted to explore the effect of participation in residency preparation activities and grade point average (GPA) on residency match rate. Match rates for students participating in the Residency Interview Preparation Seminar (RIPS) or mock interviews (ie, intervention group) were compared with students who participated in neither activity (ie, control group). RESULTS: A total of 118 individuals were included in the comparison. Forty-eight students participated in RIPS (n = 29) or mock interviews (n = 19), while 70 students were in the control group. The intervention group had a statistically larger proportion of students securing residency than the control group (81% vs 57%; P = .009). Match rates between students enrolled in RIPS versus those in the mock interview group were not significant. No statistically significant differences were observed based on GPA. CONCLUSION: Students receiving additional preparation prior to interviews when seeking postdoctoral training were significantly more likely to obtain a residency position. In academic settings with limited resources, mock interviews may be preferred over comprehensive preparatory courses.
PURPOSE: Different strategies have been implemented to assist students in securing residency positions. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of student participation in residency preparation activities on match rates. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted to explore the effect of participation in residency preparation activities and grade point average (GPA) on residency match rate. Match rates for students participating in the Residency Interview Preparation Seminar (RIPS) or mock interviews (ie, intervention group) were compared with students who participated in neither activity (ie, control group). RESULTS: A total of 118 individuals were included in the comparison. Forty-eight students participated in RIPS (n = 29) or mock interviews (n = 19), while 70 students were in the control group. The intervention group had a statistically larger proportion of students securing residency than the control group (81% vs 57%; P = .009). Match rates between students enrolled in RIPS versus those in the mock interview group were not significant. No statistically significant differences were observed based on GPA. CONCLUSION: Students receiving additional preparation prior to interviews when seeking postdoctoral training were significantly more likely to obtain a residency position. In academic settings with limited resources, mock interviews may be preferred over comprehensive preparatory courses.