Advice From the 2006 Attendees:

 

I attended midyear to learn more about residency programs and confirm that I truly wanted to do a residency upon graduation.  To make the most out of midyear, it is best to research the programs prior to attending midyear by using the ASHP online residency directory.  It’s even a good idea to contact residency directors/current residents by email or mailing a letter prior to midyear.  This demonstrates to residency directors that you are interested in their program.  The residency showcase itself is all about you getting to know current residents/directors/clinical pharmacists and finding out what programs you want to apply to.  Be sure to have a list of questions to ask each program, as they will not be asking you any questions.  Also, wear a business suit to the residency showcase and bring copies of your curriculum vitae.

 

I participated in the Personnel Placement Service (PPS) too.  I actually do not recommend doing this unless you are a shy person and would benefit from extra practice interviewing.  I personally found PPS to be too overwhelming.  I was contacted by so many residency programs that I had a difficult time keeping them straight.  In addition, while almost all residency programs attend the residency showcase, only some participate in PPS.

 

Ellyn
Class of 2007

 

There is a lot that you can learn at the midyear meeting.  If you are seriously interested in doing a residency then I would suggest that you research places that you are interested in well before the meeting.  You should also have a CV or at least a resume ready to go, but don't print too many, because most places will have you submit another CV with the formal application.  Find out when the sites you are interested in are showing and find out where they will be located in the showcase, because things can get a little over-whelming at times and this allows you to move through quickly from one site to the next so that you can have a chance to visit with everyone you are interested in.  Think of some issues or questions/concerns that you have before the meeting and write them down so that when you are at a booth it will expedite the whole process.
 
PPS is a service that allows you to have one-on-one interviews with program directors or other representative.  You pay a little extra for this service.  If you are interested in highly competitive programs or programs that are not within driving distance, then this might be a good chance to get your foot in the door.  Not to mention it helps to strengthen your interview skills.
 

Chip
Class of 2007

For me, the best thing I did, was to go to ASHP Midyear during both my P3 and P4 years.  By doing this, I knew exactly what to expect this year.  I would recommend wearing a suit to the residency showcase as well as comfortable shoes since you will be standing for most of the day.  To prepare for the residency showcase, I would recommend that students research the programs and narrow them down to about their top 10 choices, and visit those residency booths.  For programs you know you want to apply to, I suggest contacting the residency director before the conference to ask any questions and to let them know you are interested.

Kala
Class of 2007

Midyear in Anaheim, CA was the first Midyear meeting that I have had the opportunity to attend.  It is a requirement of most residency programs to attend.  At the meeting I attended an all day conference for residents only that helped me prepare for the job market after my residency is completed.  I also spent time at our booth recruiting new candidates for next year’s position.  My program also requires me to do a poster presentation at Midyear.  This entails submitting an abstract and preparing a poster and tending the poster during the session to answer questions or take comments.   I attended a few clinical sessions as well.  Midyear is a very good networking opportunity for students, residents and practitioners. 

As a student going to Midyear next year in Las Vegas, I would encourage all P4’s to submit an abstract and participate in the poster presentation.  This does not have to be an elaborate project or profound research topic.  This can be as simple as writing up an interesting case you have seen on rotations. The point is to gain experience.  I wish I had gone to Midyear my P4 year and presented a poster.  I would also advise those who are attending the residency showcase to plan ahead.  Make a concise list of programs you would like to touch base with and specific questions you want to ask.  Ask about, staffing requirements, projects, required meeting attendance and what experiences are required parts of the program. 

Meredith
Class of 2006