Pharmacy Residency Podcast
TLDR: Skip the grief process for now, take on Phase II, and email me if you want some quick advice Here’s a list of the top reasons students get turned down for pharmacy residency programs, not necessarily ordered by most common to least common based on why you in particular did not match: Weak or Unfocused Letters of Intent A poorly written or generic letter of intent is one of the most common reasons candidates are overlooked. Programs want to see clear, specific reasons for your interest in their residency and how your experiences align. Poor Interview Performance Even strong...
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Here's the website for the Interview Materials What to Do Once You Get a Pharmacy Residency Interview Research the Program Dive deep into the residency program's structure, goals, and key rotations. Understand their mission statement and identify what makes them unique. This will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest. Use the Excel file to match your APPEs to other residency rotations and offerings. Make sure you talk about PGY-2 if it's available. Review Your Application Familiarize yourself with your CV and personal statement. Be prepared to discuss any...
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I just wanted to remind you that I’m still offering one-on-one help with letters of intent for residency applications. If you’d like to work with me, simply head to . Look for the interview course, sign up there, and then email me your letter of intent. Make sure your letter is addressed and formatted according to the template provided in the free LOI course to your top choice. Include as much detail as possible—aiming for a page and a half is better than a single page because it’s always easier to trim content than to add more later. When you send your email, I’ll also ask for...
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Welcome to the Pharmacy Residency Podcast! I just wanted to remind you that I’m still offering one-on-one help with letters of intent for residency applications. If you’d like to work with me, simply head to . Look for the interview course, sign up there, and then email me your letter of intent. Make sure your letter is addressed and formatted according to the template provided in the free LOI course. Include as much detail as possible—aiming for a page and a half is better than a single page because it’s always easier to trim content than to add more later. When you send your email,...
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Free Residency Application DIY Course How to Win an Interview at ASHP Midyear Preparation is Everything Research programs thoroughly before arriving. Understand each program's unique features and align them with your career goals. Prepare a succinct, engaging "elevator pitch" to introduce yourself to program representatives, but stop talking an listen after Polished Materials Ensure your CV is tailored, error-free, and professional. Bring plenty of printed copies and have a digital version ready to share (you probably won't use them, but it's good to be prepared with what...
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Free DIY Residency Prep Course Link: Coupon Code: MEMORIZING2024 If you want my one-on-one help with the LOI, sign up for the Residency LOI One-on-One Help and Interview Course and send your LOI to me at for revision. In this episode, we break down a Residency Application Rubric to help you assess your strengths, identify gaps, and build a winning pharmacy residency application. From GPA and clinical rotations to leadership roles and community service, we’ll guide you on how to prioritize and rank your experiences effectively. Whether you’re just starting or polishing up...
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$95 dollar coupon is MEMORIZING2024 (all caps) In this episode, I give my general recommendations for the residency process and give you the free code above for the Extreme LOI/Cover Makeover course focuses on crafting standout Letters of Intent (LOI) for pharmacy residency applications. It includes templates, video guides, and editing assistance to refine LOIs, emphasizing clarity and professionalism. The course also covers CV writing and interview prep to help candidates increase their match success. Participants can access resources for a year. If you are interested in working...
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In this multi-part series we're going to start looking at what makes residency applications stand out. One of the wow moments, is if you have your name as an author on a peer-reviewed publication, but there are other reasons to publish as well, including finding where your area of specialty is. Want to work with me one-on-one on your letter of intent, you can find some free resources here to get started.
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The lack of urgency with preparing for the NAPLEX and MPJE always bothered me. It's like here's the one thing that if you don't pass, you don't work, and students are completing APPE requirements instead of getting deep into their preparation. In this episode, I talk about how NAPLEX pass rates which were in the high 90s in 2009 are now in the high 70s. Only 1554 students last year graduated from a school of pharmacy with a pass rate in the 90s. Make sure you prepare early and often for the NAPLEX. I reference a pharmacology review course here: and that TLDRPharmacy has some great MPJE...
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My wife and I matched in the old scramble (which is now more organized as Phase II) but 15 years later she is in an ambulatory care clinical position and I have been teaching in college for that same time, both jobs we love. In this episode, I talk about the importance of mentors and how those residencies available in the scramble can lead to an excellent career that is very work/life balance excellent as well. Need help preparing for the NAPLEX, check out my online self paced pharmacology course here
info_outlineTLDR: Skip the grief process for now, take on Phase II, and email me if you want some quick advice [email protected]
Here’s a list of the top reasons students get turned down for pharmacy residency programs, not necessarily ordered by most common to least common based on why you in particular did not match:
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Weak or Unfocused Letters of Intent
A poorly written or generic letter of intent is one of the most common reasons candidates are overlooked. Programs want to see clear, specific reasons for your interest in their residency and how your experiences align. -
Poor Interview Performance
Even strong candidates can falter in interviews if they fail to communicate their skills, goals, and personality effectively. -
Inadequate Clinical Experience
Limited exposure to diverse rotations or insufficient patient care experience can make you seem unprepared for the demands of a residency. -
Weak CV or Resume
Even with solid experience, a poorly formatted CV or lack of emphasis on accomplishments can weaken your application. -
Lack of Strong References or a Poor Recommendation
Residency directors heavily rely on references. If your letters are vague or uninspiring, it can raise concerns about your performance or professionalism. -
Poor Professionalism or Attitude
Residency directors look for candidates who are adaptable, humble, and collaborative. Arrogance, lack of teamwork, or failing to follow up can severely hurt your chances. -
Low or Unbalanced GPA
While GPA isn’t always a dealbreaker, a poor academic record may suggest you’ll struggle with the demands of residency. -
Limited Leadership and Involvement
Programs often seek candidates who demonstrate initiative, collaboration, and leadership through involvement in student organizations or volunteer work. -
Weak Research or Project Involvement
While research experience isn't always mandatory, a lack of engagement in presentations, posters, or projects can make your application less competitive. -
Not Ranking Programs Strategically
This mistake is common but avoidable. Candidates may undermine themselves by ranking too few programs or focusing only on highly competitive sites without backup options.
Key Takeaway: Focus most on crafting a compelling letter of intent, preparing thoroughly for interviews, and maximizing clinical experience. Strengthen your CV, build strong mentor relationships for references, and demonstrate professionalism throughout the process, but get back on the horse and start emailing programs . . . now.