Evaluating faculty time investment in a residency preparation elective and impacts on match rates

Introduction

To assess the impact of a pharmacy residency preparation elective course on residency match rate and faculty workload.

Methods

This cohort study used residency match data to compare the match success rate of students who did and did not participate in the residency preparation elective. Surveys were administered to students who completed the elective to obtain course feedback and to the graduating class regarding how prepared they felt for residency/job interviews and applications. Faculty estimated time spent preparing for and executing the elective.

Results

Match success rates for students who participated in the residency preparation elective were higher than those who did not. Students who took the elective were more likely to feel prepared for the residency application process. Both faculty members co-teaching the course spent a yearly average of 73 h each in preparation, class time, grading, and course improvement.

Discussion

Those who took the residency preparation elective had an improved match success rate and felt more prepared for the residency/job application and interviewing process than those who did not. Considering the significant amount of time spent by faculty to execute this course, the time and effort may be better spent facilitating student participation in other opportunities to prepare for application for residencies/jobs.

Conclusion

Student participation in the residency preparation elective resulted in a higher match success rate compared with those who did not participate. Future studies could better inform the utility of an in-house residency preparation course versus other preparation.