The Post-Graduate Pharmacist

This week on the Post-Graduate Pharmacist we highlight what to look for when putting together your PhORCAS application.  We’ve done this multiple times ourselves and have written numerous reference applications through PhORCAS.  Get the necessary tips to succeed. 

This episode’s take-aways:

1. Fill out AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE in the Extracurricular section.  Do you need to put EVERYTHING from your CV?  YES, everything!!!  Some people prefer to look at this over your CV.  It’s also the first thing they see.
2. Touch base with your reference writers to remind them they agreed to write you a reference.  Don’t have reference writers?? ASK NOW!
3. After ASHP midyear OR as soon as you know the programs you are applying to, start sending those Reference requests.  You can either send separate requests for each program or a few generic titled requests.  Your reference writers can carry forward comments.  Check out the form they get HERE. 
4. Get your CV reviewed and add in all  your done and future APPE’s
5. Submit a request to your registrar office to submit your transcripts now, and then submit another request once fall grades are updated so that way you have a back-up.  You can submit applications without having transcript loaded and they will appear once they are in. 
6. Try to submit ALL your applications at the EARLIEST deadline.  Sending them in as the individual program deadlines approach can cause mental errors and the possibility of missing a key deadline. 

What should you do now?  Get on and get familiar with the application site and how to navigate it.  Start filling out the Extracurricular section with all the things you’ve done. 

What should you do later? Piece this out over the next month and REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW!

Check out our website

Follow us on twitter @PGPharmacist or on Facebook and Instagram @ThePostGraduatePharmacist and leave us your comments or questions that we did not answer. 

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Are you on the fence about post-graduate training or pharmacy residencies? Are you applying to programs because this is the right choice for you or because you feel like you have to? We explore all these questions in more with a repeat guest.

We are joined by David Stewart, Vice Chair for the Department of Pharmacy Practice at East Tennessee State University - Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, Residency Program Director for the college’s PGY2 Internal Medicine Pharmacy Residency Program, and Post-graduate Training Coordinator for the Department of Pharmacy Practice.

Follow us on Twitter @PGPharmacist, Instagram @thepostgraduatepharmacist or on Facebook @ThePostGraduatePharmacist and leave us your comments or questions that we did not answer.

Music by: @LiQWYD

In this Halloween bonus episode, we share YOUR spooky interview stories. We also talk about tips on how to handle these situations if you were to experience them. We discuss everything from ring light catastrophes to time zone mishaps. You don't want to miss it!

We are joined by two of our student interns, Hannah Lambert and Madeline Harter.

Follow us on Twitter @PGPharmacist, Instagram @thepostgraduatepharmacist or on Facebook @ThePostGraduatePharmacist and leave us your comments or questions that we did not answer.

Music by: @LiQWYD

In this 2 part series, we discuss everything you need to know as an applicant about virtual Midyear and virtual showcases. We will discuss everything from etiquette, format, advice, and what to expect so you can feel prepared.

In part 2, we discuss Virtual Midyear from a residency program director perspective. We are joined by David Stewart, Vice Chair for the Department of Pharmacy Practice at East Tennessee State University - Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, Residency Program Director for the college’s PGY2 Internal Medicine Pharmacy Residency Program, and Post-graduate Training Coordinator for the Department of Pharmacy Practice.

General benefits for attending Midyear for students

• Many programs from all over the country in one location
• Great opportunity to make connections and see if programs are a good fit  

Pros of having midyear virtually

•  Opens midyear to more students due to fewer costs and less travel.
• Allows a quicker opportunity to speak with people (no lines/crowds).

Con’s of having midyear virtually

• Limitations regarding one-on-one interactions due to the system limitations
• The inconvenience of programs using different platforms (TIP – consider familiarizing yourself with different platforms ahead of time to be sure you’re comfortable using them)

Advice for virtual midyear from an RPD

• Be yourself! Let the program get to know you.
• Have meaningful questions
• Be prepared
• Be professional and polished
• Have appropriate attire (even on zoom)

Advice for preparation of virtual midyear

• The earlier you prepare, the better. (Should probably start about a month prior)
• Start thinking about what you want out of a program
• Think about what geographic areas you’re interested in
• Have some type of knowledge of the programs you are interested in (do your research)
• Format your questions based on your research for specific programs

Follow us on Twitter @PGPharmacist, Instagram @thepostgraduatepharmacist or on Facebook @ThePostGraduatePharmacist and leave us your comments or questions that we did not answer.

Music by: @LiQWYD

In this 2 part series, we discuss everything you need to know as an applicant about virtual Midyear and virtual showcases. We will discuss everything from etiquette, format, advice, and what to expect so you can feel prepared.

In part 1, we discuss student and resident perspectives of virtual Midyear. We are joined by Hannah Gipson (PGY2 critical care) and Erin Rountree (PGY1 pharmacy practice), both residents at Huntsville Hospital.

Information on open house

• Open houses have a more casual feel and may present candidates with more opportunities to talk with different people associated with the program.
• Not as many candidates as some larger showcases
• Increase exposure to different programs
• Find more information on social media (Twitter, Instagram, etc)

Different rooms within virtual midyear

• Specialized breakout rooms that consisted of RPD rooms, preceptor rooms, and variations of the residence rooms.
• Candidates are filtered based on their interests.

How should candidates prepare virtual midyear?

• Start researching and obtaining information on programs as soon as possible to figure out what programs you are interested in.
• Try and go to showcases/open houses for those programs.
• Have your questions ready
• Know what you’re looking for in programs
• Professional and personal needs
• Prioritize the programs you want to talk with / obtain more information from

Navigating large numbers of candidates for one program booth virtually

• Some booths had excessive amounts of candidates which made it harder to conversate
• The number of breakout rooms can help with the large number of candidates
• Smaller showcases are beneficial for more intimate conversations

Proper virtual etiquette

• Have a proper, non-distracting background
• Prepare your space – water, lighting, microphone, notes, etc
• Be yourself but stay professional
• Limit questions to top two or three
• Be courteous of other candidate’s time
• Do your research on specific programs

Links mentioned in this episode:

ASHP Residency Directory

ACCP Directory of Residencies, Fellowships, and Graduate Programs

Follow us on Twitter @PGPharmacist, Instagram @thepostgraduatepharmacist or on Facebook @ThePostGraduatePharmacist and leave us your comments or questions that we did not answer.

Music by: @LiQWYD

This week we are joined by Dr. Lea Eiland to discuss thank you note etiquette during showcase and interview season. We discuss who you should send them to, if they should be handwritten, when you should send them, and more.

Follow us on twitter @PGPharmacist or on Facebook @ThePostGraduatePharmacist and leave us your comments or questions that we did not answer.

Music by: @LiQWYD

This week we are joined by Dr. Lea Eiland to discuss a possible crossroads that candidates may be faced with this interview season. What if programs offer in-person and virtual interview formats? What should you choose? Which option will give you the best chance at securing the post-graduate training position? Is it worth the extra cost of travel? All these topics are explored and more in this episode.

Topics discussed:

Choosing between virtual or in-person interviews

1. Always consider your health, along with what is the best impression to the program for you.

Why in-person may be a better idea than virtual

1. Allows you to see future practice sites and new cities
2. Meet more people
3. Allows you and the interviewers to get a better feel for each other

Should candidates stick to one interview type over the other?

1. Do what's best for you if presented with the option
2. Depends on program
3. Do what best fits your schedule

Should the cost of traveling be a consideration?

1. Cost should be considered when applying
2. Virtual residency fairs may allow you to make a decision sooner by being able to ask questions
3. Apply to wherever you see yourself liking most
4. Don't limit your opportunities

Tips for virtual interviews

1. Try and convey who you are
2. Ask strong questions and be able to answer their questions
3. Consider an appropriate, simple background
4. Dress as if in person
5. Check surroundings
6. Take notes
7. Practice! Practice! Practice!
8. Don't log in too early.

Follow us on twitter @PGPharmacist or on Facebook @ThePostGraduatePharmacist and leave us your comments or questions that we did not answer.

Music by: @LiQWYD

This week we are re-joined by Madeline Belk, a recent graduate of her PGY2 in infectious diseases at Huntsville Hospital. Choosing whether or not to apply for out-of-state residency programs and making the choice to go out of state for your residency or other post-graduate experience is a difficult decision. We discuss the pros and cons for choosing an out of state pharmacy residency with three people who all completed out of state programs.

Key topics discussed:

1. Personal branding
2. Networking
3. Family
4. Finances

*Follow Madeline Belk on Twitter @MadelineBelk

Follow us on twitter @PGPharmacist or on Facebook @ThePostGraduatePharmacist

and leave us your comments or questions that we did not answer.

Music by: @LiQWYD

This week we are joined by Madeline Belk, who is finishing her PGY2 in infectious diseases at Huntsville Hospital. We discuss how to build a presence on social media and use it to help build your brand when applying to post-graduate training positions. We cover the do’s and don’ts of social media from a professional standpoint. The social media account you choose to use and how you use it is completely up to you.  You can choose to be both personal and professional, or select specific social media accounts to be more personal vs more professional on.  Don’t try to do too much at once, spend a few months getting really good at one social media platform before moving on to the next. 

Tips for building your profile:

1.    Select a username that’s simple and professional if using for learning or networking

2.    For your avatar or profile picture, use one of your face that is clear and that is trustworthy, likeable, and asymmetrical

3.    For your bio, include your location, city and state and where you work or train and what you are interested in. 

4.    Be more effective, share photo’s or screen shots or even just an emoji to be more visual.

5.    Tag other accounts when possible. 

6.    Identify hashtags and join the conversation

If you need help posting, try an OTILT, which stand for ONE THING I LEARNED TODAY. 

*Follow Madeline Belk on Twitter @MadelineBelk

 *Social Media primer for pharmacists article: https://doi.org/10.1002/jac5.1120

(Dixon DL, Reed BN. tweet or not to tweet? A primer on social

media for pharmacists. J Am Coll Clin Pharm. 2019;2:554-562.)

Follow us on twitter @PGPharmacist or on Facebook @ThePostGraduatePharmacist and leave us your comments or questions that we did not answer. Give us feedback or topics HERE.

Music by: @LiQWYD

We just attended Podcast Movement 2021 in Nashville so we could bring you better content. We have learned so much in such a short amount of time. One of the things we learned was that we need to bring you the most beneficial content in the most concise way possible. This means we may need to modify how we currently do our podcast. Before we make any major changes, we want to hear from you, our listeners, on what you think should be changed. We also need your help on what we can talk about in the future so you are most prepared for the post-graduate training application process. Give us your feedback here so we can make those changes.

Feedback link: https://forms.gle/Sb2BwDu32a7Wnk7b8