Evaluation of pharmacy residency recruitment and interview processes during the COVID‐19 pandemic (2020‐2021 application cycle)

Introduction Due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, most pharmacy residency programs changed to an all‐virtual format for recruitment and interviews for the 2020 to 2021 application cycle. There are no data evaluating the experiences and perceptions of these changes from the perspective of pharmacy residency programs and applicants. Methods An electronic cross‐sectional survey was distributed via email to postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) and postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) pharmacy residency programs and applicants across the Southeastern United States. Results have been reported according to the Checklist for Reporting of Survey Studies (CROSS) guidelines (Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research [EQUATOR] Network). Results Exactly, 142 residency applicants and 104 residency programs responded to the survey. Most respondents participated in virtual recruitment and interviews. In 2020 to 2021, less residency programs participated in local/regional showcases and personal placement services, but social media engagement increased. Of the applicants who responded, over half felt the need to apply to more programs during this application cycle, and a corresponding increase in applications were seen by residency programs. Residency interviews appeared shorter than previous years, and less programs offered an informal time to get to know the applicants. Overall, applicants and residency programs preferred on‐site interviews, but both parties reported feeling confident creating rank lists after virtual interviews. Conclusion These results highlight the impact of COVID‐19 on residency recruitment and the interview process. Residency programs should implement feedback for improving the virtual experience, as able. The ongoing pandemic may affect the 2022 to 2023 application cycle, and pharmacy leadership organizations should consider developing guidance for applicants and residency programs on navigating another year of virtual events.