The wait is over for students in the UT College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences doctor of pharmacy program who were anxiously awaiting their matches for upcoming residencies.
Students graduating in May from the doctor of pharmacy program include, from left, Andrew Azzi, Julie Miller, Benjit Singh, Sarah Albers, Amber DeVore and Stephanie Ogorzaly. All will continue their post-graduate training.
Dr. Martin Ohlinger, the critical care pharmacy residency program director, said residency programs are looking for students who understand that pharmacy has become more individualized and that pharmacists have to develop relationships where they actively engage their patients and other health-care providers.
“We are looking for candidates who have a good understanding of that,” Ohlinger said. “Employers want candidates with good patient care skills and who have had some experience in that setting.”
UT students matched with the Beth Israel Medical Center in New York and Harper Hospital in Detroit, as well as the Rutgers University Daiichi Sankyo fellowship program in Parsippany, N.J. Of the total 15 matches, 11 have been placed in Ohio.
“We have a nice mix of students,” Ohlinger said. “Some of our grads are even staying in Toledo. We have a very comprehensive program at UT, so the student and resident experience is quite diverse.”
The process to match into a residency is very competitive, Ohlinger said, and includes criteria beyond grades that are considered to get into a program. Selected students usually show leadership in professional organizations, community involvement and charity work.
