PGP Fundamentals: Evaluating Programs

The Post-Graduate Pharmacist

Introduction to Program Evaluation:

• Mention the timing in June for APPE students.
• Six months away from most deadlines for residencies, fellowships, and graduate programs.
• Previous episode discussed setting aside protected time for postgraduate training.
• Today's deep dive: Program Evaluation.

Self-Reflection:

• Importance of self-reflection before diving into program evaluation.
• Questions candidates should ask themselves.
• Decisions to make early: geographic limitations, program structure preferences, class size preferences, mentor expectations, and specialization preferences.

Basics of Program Evaluation:

• Where to find programs: ASHP Residency Directory, ACCP Residency, Fellowship, and Graduate Program Directory.
• Specialty residencies may have their own directories.
• Filters and parameters for narrowing down the search.

Starting the Search:

• Use geographic filters and program type filters.
• Consider preferences for program structure and class size.
• Example of a combined PGY1, PGY2 program.

Using Program Websites:

• Transition from basics to self-reflection.
• Importance of program evaluation as an ongoing process.
• Program directories as a starting point.
• Moving to program websites for more in-depth information.
• Importance of looking beyond program descriptions.
• Program websites often provide detailed information about rotations, staffing, mentors, and more.
• Checking for updated information on program websites.
• Exploring teaching certificates, research opportunities, and other unique features.
• Utilizing information about current and past residents.

Continuation of Using Program Websites:

• Investigating preceptor qualifications.
• Checking for teaching certificates and research opportunities.
• Consideration of the potential for a residency to lead to a job opportunity.

Sweet Spot in the Program Evaluation Process:

• Discussion of the stepwise process.
• Sweet spot for self-reflection, initial program search, and in-depth website evaluation.
• Emphasis on feeling comfortable with each step.

Tracking Information:

• Importance of tracking information during the program evaluation process.
• Utilizing Word documents, Excel sheets, notepads, or specialized tools.
• Announcement of an upcoming program evaluation tool from the hosts.

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