Myth vs. Reality: How to find a residency program for you
Dawn S. Knudsen, Pharm.D.; Kristyn Straw, Pharm.D.; Jennifer Williams, Pharm.D.


CareerPharm’s Personnel Placement Service (PPS) has been in existence for over 60 years. Taking place annually at the ASHP Midyear Clinical meeting, attendance at PPS is a convenient means for pharmacists to find new job opportunities while obtaining continuing-education credits, updating expertise, and networking with tens of thousands of peers, all in one week. Over the years, PPS has been an especially valuable and trusted source for pharmacy students seeking residency programs. Unfortunately, some students are not aware of what PPS is and how to make it work for them. These students miss out on the competitive advantage that well-informed, prepared students have. This article dispels common misperceptions about PPS and provides firsthand accounts and testimonials about PPS from students and faculty alike. You’ll also find some interesting points of emphasis that can help you make a more informed decision about a residency.

Dispelling the myths

Myth: PPS is not of benefit to candidates interested in postgraduate year-one (PGY1) residencies.
Fact: In recent years, a close to 400 residencies participated, one third of which were PGY1 residencies. As a student seeking a first year residency, it is important to seek out and communicate with someone who has participated in PPS within the last 2--3 years. Residency search criterion needs to be discussed to determine whether or not PPS will fulfill that criterion.

Myth: Residency programs that participate in PPS are not interested in pursuing students seeking PGY1 residencies.
Fact: “After posting my profile on the PPS Web site, I started receiving correspondence from PGY1 residency programs within a week. I was shocked when one program contacted me to schedule an interview during PPS. I was able to schedule eight PPS interviews before Midyear even started. In three days at PPS, I met with 18 programs.”
“During the three and half days at PPS, I met with 12 programs. Once I got to PPS, I received written information from over 30 programs in my PPS mailbox. I was able to meet the residency directors and current residents during the interview. I was able to collect written materials about the program, discuss the structure of the program, and get face-to-face interaction with those I could possibly be working with at that program.”

Myth: PPS is not worth the money.
Fact: The student fee for PPS is nominal compared with the amount of money candidates will spend traveling to onsite residency interviews. Candidates are responsible for most expenses, including hotel, airfare, ground transportation, and food.
“Without PPS, I would have probably applied to at least 20 programs and traveled to every program that offered me an interview without hesitation. Using PPS, I was able to narrow my application process to 9, using initial impressions to rule out programs that I was considering before PPS. I spent an average of $450 per onsite interview.”
“An average interview can cost close to $500 for the trip, not including any missed work or school. Even with cheap airfare, I spent close to $350 dollars per onsite interview.”
Common questions about PPS

Who is PPS Made For?
PPS is best suited for those willing to keep an open mind about programs and locations.
“I knew I wanted to relocate upon graduation. PPS gave me a great opportunity to see what was available to me across the country. I wasn’t limited to any city or state, which left me very open going into PPS.”
“I knew what type of program I wanted, but did not know where to find it until PPS. I was willing to relocate to the area that had what I was looking for.”

Is PPS complicated? PPS is easy to use! The setup of PPS makes contacting programs and receiving correspondence from programs quick and easy. Computers and books are available to research each program.

How else can PPS help me in my search? PPS is great for “practice” interviewing. Most of the interviews are quick 20--30 minute introductions and informational sessions to learn about the programs and for the programs to learn about the candidate. Interview-type questions will be asked, so candidates need to be prepared with answers.
Participating in PPS will help candidates gain an initial impression of the programs they are interested. Candidates should use this time to evaluate programs' basic criteria. Professional honesty on both sides is invaluable. If the program is not what the candidate is looking for, concluding an interview with a strong handshake and a sincere “thank you for your time” is appropriate.
By participating in PPS, candidates have the opportunity to interview many programs in a short span of time. For fourth-year pharmacy students, time is a valuable commodity. Between clinical rotations, work, and other responsibilities, finding adequate time to pursue every program of interest is not possible. Typical onsite interviews require at least a 24-hour commitment. The same basic initial assessment can be determined in 15 minutes at PPS.

Conclusion
PPS only happens once a year and is the only event of its kind. If you are interested in pursuing a residency and open to different opportunities, make sure you participate in PPS.