An analysis of two approaches to residency preparation and their effect on residency match results

OBJECTIVE: To examine the match outcome of students who participated in a residency preparation approach, or did not, at a single college of pharmacy. METHODS: The UAMS College of Pharmacy offers multiple avenues for residency preparation: a residency preparation elective in the third year and workshops in the fourth year. Residency match data from 2021-2025 was analyzed using bivariable analyses and Pearson's chi-square to examine participation in these approaches and success of matching with residency. RESULTS: Of the 178 students, a total of 66 (37.1%) students took the residency elective and 108 (60.7%) students participated in at least one workshop. More students who participated in at least one residency preparation offering successfully matched than those who participated in neither. More students who took the elective successfully matched compared to those who did not take the elective, while no difference was observed between students who did or did not participate in the workshops. DISCUSSION: More students who participated in residency preparation activities successfully matched than those who did not participate in either option. Additionally, more students who took the residency preparation elective successfully matched than those who did not. CONCLUSION: Residency preparation activities can be beneficial for preparing students pursuing residency training, compared to no preparation; however, more research is needed to identify approaches best suited to prepare students to successfully match with a residency.