Almost 5K matches made for pharmacy residency programs
The number of positions has grown from 5,127 in 2019 to 5,832 this year, a sign that the pipeline for new pharmacists is getting bigger.
Photo: Tom Werner/Getty Images
In a sign of growing interest in the pharmacy field, the American Society of Health System Pharmacists issued a report showing that 4,890 people matched with 2,162 pharmacy residency programs across the country during Phase I of ASHP's 2023 Pharmacy Residency Match.
The Phase I results include an early commitment of 601 postgraduate year 1 residents who accepted a year 2 position at their current program. With 5,832 residency positions in the Match, 942 positions remain available to be filled in Phase II.
The Match continued its steady growth in the number of available residency positions. The number of positions has grown from 5,127 in 2019 to 5,832 (including early commits), a 12% growth in positions.
"Residency training provides an invaluable clinical learning experience allowing practitioners to deepen their ability to deliver optimal patient care," said Stephen Ford, ASHP's director of residency accreditation services.
ASHP is the largest association of pharmacy professionals in the United States, representing 60,000 pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians in all patient care settings, including hospitals, ambulatory clinics, and health-system community pharmacies.
WHAT'S THE IMPACT?
The growing number of residency slots means the pipeline for new pharmacists is getting larger, an encouraging sign given shortages of workers in most healthcare specialties, and an injection of much-needed labor in a workforce that has been strained and stressed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
ASHP recently completed a significant revision of its pharmacy accreditation standards, aligning postgraduate training with contemporary pharmacy practice, including the virtual care environment. The revised standards include a focus on diversity, inclusion, and well-being; ASHP said they're designed to equip residents with the outcome to meet patient and community healthcare needs.
"Our goal is to ensure that residents receive a learning experience that supports the development of competencies that result in better patient health, better patient care and a better patient and provider experience of care," said Ford.
THE LARGER TREND
ASHP conducts the Match in two phases. The deadline to register to participate in Phase II of the Match is April 3. The informal post-match scramble will be held following Phase II of the Match to ensure that individuals have as many chances as possible to connect with a residency program.
ASHP provides several resources with guidance on navigating the Match process, including advice for Phase II, as well as interview tips. National Matching Services administers and conducts the Match and provides an overview of the 2023 ASHP Residency Match process.
Twitter: @JELagasse
Email the writer: Jeff.Lagasse@himssmedia.com
