Pharmacy Residency | Match Day, Applications, Competition, Was It Worth It?

[@ghalibinasser1122]

Proud of you Dr.Sarah 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💜

[@SarahPharmD]

Aww Thank you so much!! :)

[@himanshxsehrawat]

Hi Sarah, could you create a vlog for international students on how to apply for a residency program? Please cover the required documents, planning strategies, and methods for obtaining scholarships.

[@vikxey]

Hi! I really appreciate your helpful videos and tiktoks hehe and you are absolutely😭! I just finished my first APPE rotation and it was general medicine! I was wondering if we should be asking got letters of recommendation early on or wait towards application time?

[@SarahPharmD]

Aww thank you for watching!! Congrats on finishing your first APPE rotation! Generally I give my preceptors a heads up in the beginning that I am interested in residency so that they have an idea. If I think I did well on the rotation, I would ask them during my final evaluation at the end if they would be willing to write me a letter of recommendation when the time comes. I will then email them a general heads up email a few weeks before applications open so that they are aware of deadlines :) Since you are done with this rotation, you can either email to ask or try to stop by your site with a thank you gift and ask them in person.

[@vikxey]

@@SarahPharmD Omg thank you so much for replying!! I will go ahead and do that :) Thank you so much!!

[@prettypuff1]

New here 😊 im interviewing for pharmacy school in November and I’m interested in applying to residency and your video really makes it approachable. How much guidance did your program provide?

[@SarahPharmD]

I would say my pharmacy school gave me a lot of guidance since it had a very strong alumni network. I had many opportunities to get guidance from alumni and upperclassmen at networking events. Our school also paired every student with a faculty mentor as well as a student mentor - so I never felt like I had to go through pharmacy school alone! You just have to be proactive at keeping those relationships and attending the outreach events.

[@courtdino4420]

Hey! I've been watching your videos for a while and just wondering if you think being a pharmacy technician is worth it & a good introduction to pharmacy in general? I am fresh out of high school and am interested in being a pharmacy tech but not sure if I want to commit to being a pharmacist so I am just wondering your opinion!

[@SarahPharmD]

I think that’s a great idea! I was a pharmacy tech during undergrad - it was my way of getting an introduction to pharmacy and to see if I can envision myself working in the environment in the future! I say go for it and get to know both the pharmacists & techs there to get their insight ☺️

[@SarahPharmD]

It’s good to get some experience before you commit to the profession!

[@ryankawahara1771]

now i want to become a pharmacist resident

[@Brownskinwhitecoat]

Do you have a video for help with interviews ?

[@SarahPharmD]

Not yet, but I plan to eventually. Hopefully I can make it in time for this years round of interviews!

[@trangngo1131]

Hi Sarah, I have some questions after watching your vlog. How much gpa is safe to be accepted for residency? When did you start doing as a pharmacy intern at hospital? I am gonna start my P1 next semester and I am really stressful about the gpa cuz I keep in mind I won’t be accepted to residency with 3.6 gpa or above

[@SarahPharmD]

Hi! That’s hard to say, I don’t have an exact gpa to provide since each residency program is different! However, if you feel that your GPA is not as competitive, you can plan out how you can make your resume/experiences stand out! Securing leadership positions and getting a great internship can help balance out an average GPA. Very good letter of recommendations will convince residency program directors to pick you as well despite gpa. Most people apply for a hospital internship P1 year and start working summer after P1 year! I worked P2-P4 year. Overall, don’t be discouraged by GPA ☺️ you got this!

[@somibidar4556]

Hi dear sara I am a doctor of pharmacy in my country. I am intrested in working as a clinical pharmacist in your country.. is there enough opportunity to work as a hospital pharmacist in your country? How can i get information about job offer there? I work in hospitals and drug industry about 10 years in my country... Thanks for your attractive videos..

[@SarahPharmD]

Wow, 10 years! That is amazing. Thank you for watching! In terms of jobs, hospital pharmacist positions vary a lot depending on your location. If you are flexible and are willing to relocate for a job, then I think you may be able to find one. However, it can be quite competitive since hospital positions are highly sought after. Double check and see if your license will work in the states first! Sorry, I am not too familiar with that process.