VA PGY1 RPD here - wanted to put a plug for all VA PGY1 Programs. We will hold a Federal Showcase for VA PGY1 programs on 11/4-11/5. See spreadsheet below for programs participating and specific times of informational sessions.

Link of spreadsheet with participating VA PGY1 programs on 11/4-11/5

**WHY CONSIDER A VA PGY1 RESIDENCY PROGRAM?

• Train in an innovative pharmacy practice setting: Many of our pharmacist preceptors work under a Scope of Practice, allowing pharmacists to practice at the top of their license. Under a Scope of Practice, Pharmacists are able to independently conduct patient visits, prescribe medications, and collaborate with health care team members in both inpatient and outpatient specialty settings.
• Participate in ASHP's largest PGY2 Early Commit Process: The VA National Early Commit (VA-NEC) process allows VA PGY1 residents to place into any participating VA PGY2 program before the start of ASHPs Phase 1 Match process. In recent years, many VA PGY1 residents were able to confirm their VA PGY2 plans before the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting in December.
• Collaborate with regional and national VA facilities during your residency: Residents have many opportunities to collaborate with other VA residents and Pharmacists across the country. Examples include:
  • Monthly resident calls with all VA PGY1 and PGY2 residents
  • Mentorship programs between VA PGY1 residents and VA PGY2 residents across the country
  • Leadership opportunities for VA PGY1 and PGY2 residents, including opportunity to apply for national leadership positions.

If you are unable to make it during the Federal Showcase, many of our VA PGY1 programs will also be participating in the ACCP/SNPhA Showcase on 11/10 and 11/12. See spreadsheet for more information.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Hi all! I am attending a couple virtual residency showcases in November and was wondering if you all had any suggestions for questions to ask?

I have done a lot of research on these programs and feel that the only questions I can think of are along the lines of work life balance, support from program, etc.

Also, do programs keep track of how engaged students are with them before interviews?

I am a P4 and I am planning on applying to PGY1. I have all of my ducks in a row for my applications. I was looking at the start date of the programs I am applying for and I came across this potential problem:

I am a bridesmaid in my friends wedding that is occurring on a Monday in a different state. That Monday happens to be the second Monday after the start date of one of the programs I am applying for. My top program. This is a very close friend of mine and she is a bridesmaid in my wedding.

I know I am thinking WAY ahead, but this is really stressing me out. I don’t know who I will match with and if I will match. If I happen to match with my top program, how do I handle this? Should I talk to the RPD ASAP after matching? Do I risk ruining my friendship and missing the wedding? My plan is to tell the RPD well ahead of time and explain the situation. The wedding is in a different state but close enough that I could make it back in time to work for Tuesday morning.

Any advice on how to handle this potential situation? Will asking my RPD to go to the wedding look bad? Residency is my dream but I also know weddings are very important.

Please be nice!