Innovative approach to career pathway mentorship for pharmacy postgraduate training

Abstract

Introduction: This brief describes the results of two initiatives, a Postgraduate Training Seminar elective course and a P4 Postgraduate Mentorship Programme, on pharmacy residency match rates at a College of Pharmacy. Description of programmes: The Postgraduate Training Seminar elective course was developed to aid third-year pharmacy students interested in residency. The P4 Postgraduate Mentorship Programme was founded to help fourth-year students interested in postgraduate job attainment. Evaluation: For students participating in the elective, College of Pharmacy residency match rates varied in comparison to the national rates (2019: 55% vs 63%; 2020: 67% vs 65%; 2021: 94% vs 77%). In 2021, students who participated in both the elective course and mentorship programme achieved the highest match results compared to the national rate (2019: 38% vs 63%; 2021: 55% vs 77%). Future plans: Both initiatives will continue, with plans for the expansion of mentorship into the earlier years of the curriculum.