title: Impact of a residency interest group on students applying for residency.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the impact of a faculty-directed, residency interest group on the knowledge, confidence, and preparedness about residency-related topics of third-year (P3) and fourth-year (P4) pharmacy students.
  
  
  METHODS
  Faculty members implemented residency interest group sessions on residency and career preparation for P3 and P4 students. Group meetings consisted of four 2- to 3-hour sessions that covered topics such as residency timeline and resources, letter of intent and CV development, proper interview techniques, and navigating the midyear clinical meeting. Residency directors throughout Mississippi, current pharmacy residents, P3 and P4 students, and other faculty members were invited to attend these sessions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Surveys were administered prior to and after completion of the interest group sessions. Students who attended the sessions demonstrated increased knowledge, confidence, and preparedness on residency-related topics. However, non-attendees also demonstrated increased knowledge, confidence, and preparedness from baseline.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The majority of students who accepted a residency position had attended at least 1 residency interest group session, suggesting this program had a positive influence.
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, Jackson, Mississippi.
authors.forename: Kayla R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Stover
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, Jackson, Mississippi.
authors.forename: Laurie W
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Fleming
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, Jackson, Mississippi.
authors.forename: Daniel M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Riche
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, Jackson, Mississippi.
authors.forename: Justin J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Sherman
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, Jackson, Mississippi.
authors.forename: Lauren S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Bloodworth
mesh_terms: D002755:Choice Behavior; D003625:Data Collection; D006801:Humans; D064172:Pharmacy Residencies; D011639:Public Opinion; D013339:Students, Pharmacy / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: career preparation; postgraduate training; residency