ABSTRACT
The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Leadership Development Special Interest Group (LD SIG) created a Virtual Social Networking Hour (VSNH). The VSNH explored pharmacy leadership educators' connections through discussing topics of interest that influence current teaching and scholarship practices. The VSNH also served to connect members in the LD SIG through informal networking, which was vital during a time when in-person connection was heavily restricted due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The VSNH functioned as both a space for members to connect with LD SIG leadership and other members of the LD SIG and a tool to areas of leadership development the SIG should explore in future programming. Each of the four sessions included a skeleton structure that grew organically based on the conversations of the attendees. Common themes of scholarship, adaptation to a virtual landscape, leadership, and student-focused endeavors were interwoven across all four sessions. The VSNHs have since become an integral component in LD SIG Programming.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: A study was conducted to identify significant associations between affective domain (AD) features identified using the Birkman Method assessment and students' likelihood to pursue and to successfully match for postgraduate residency training (PGRT), while controlling for demographic and academic variables known to impact PGRT match rates. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 3 graduating classes of PharmD students from 2 colleges of pharmacy was performed. Data points such as PGRT match results, PGRT pursuit, student demographics, academic performance information, and AD data from the Birkman assessment were analyzed. Regression analysis was used to identify statistically significant associations between demographic, academic performance, and AD variables with both pursuit of PGRT and successful matching for PGRT. RESULTS: Data from 503 students were evaluated, with 211 (42%) pursuing PGRT. A variety of AD variables were significantly associated with pursuing PGRT and matching for PGRT. Two groups of actionable variables emerged: (1) variables associated with a lesser likelihood of pursuing PGRT but a greater likelihood of successful matching, and (2) variables associated with a greater likelihood of pursuing PGRT and a lesser likelihood of successful matching. CONCLUSION: Early identification of students' AD features along with specific interventions to promote PGRT pursuit in those less likely to pursue but more likely to match, as well as interventions to promote successful matching in students most likely to pursue but less likely to match for PGRT, is a strategy for possibly optimizing PharmD student career path planning and PGRT match success that merits further evaluation.