Factors Associated With Interest and Progression to Postgraduate Year Two Residency Training: A Survey of Residency Program Director Perspectives

Abstract

Background

A decrease in postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) match participation has been observed in recent years. This study focuses on postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) Residency Program Director (RPD) perceptions of factors associated with interest in and progression to PGY2 training.

Methods

This cross-sectional study assessed RPD perceptions regarding factors associated with pursuit of PGY2 training by PGY1 residents. In collaboration with the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, a survey was distributed to all PGY1 RPDs of accredited residency programs. The survey collected both quantitative data and qualitative data through encouraged open response questions. Quantitative analysis included descriptive statistics and χ² test or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted on open-response comments.

Results

A total of 410 survey responses were included in the analysis. A majority of respondents (74%) perceived no difference or an increase in PGY1 resident progression to PGY2 training. Observed trends in the number of PGY1 residents pursuing a PGY2 differed based on institution type (p = 0.0055). The most frequently selected reason for not pursuing PGY2 residency was “Not interested in further training” (n = 76; 19.8%), followed by “Perceived lack of need for career goal(s)” (n = 60; 15.7%). Four major themes were identified through qualitative analysis: tradeoffs outweigh potential benefits, lack of need for specialization to enter the workforce, geography drives the decision, and early commitment is a barrier.

Conclusion

For RPDs that have observed a decrease in progression to PGY2 residency training, the results of the study suggest the benefit of further training may not align with the professional goals of recent graduates and that there is an opportunity to improve the current experience to encourage pharmacy residents to seek PGY2 training.