PGY1 Residency: The Hard Truth They Don’t Tell You!

by | Jan 17, 2025 | Career, Career Path, pharmacist, Pharmacy

There’s a myth that if you don’t do a residency, you’re somehow behind in your pharmacy career. I get it—residencies have been heavily promoted, and for a good reason. They open doors. They offer valuable hands-on experience, expand your professional network, and help you hone clinical skills. But here’s the reality check: not every pharmacist needs a residency to thrive.

 

 

Pharmacy education is pushing clinical pharmacy, and for good reason—clinical pharmacists improve patient outcomes, reduce medication errors, and save the healthcare system billions. It’s a noble path, and yes, it’s growing. But the truth is, the majority of pharmacy jobs still aren’t clinical. In fact, half of the jobs available each month are in retail and community settings, roles that don’t require a residency. Academia is pushing clinical pharmacy because that’s where most professors have been—many of them are residency-trained clinicians. They’re doing what worked for them and, understandably, they encourage that path.

But just because a residency worked for someone doesn’t mean it’s the best path for everyone. I’ve had countless conversations with students who feel the pressure to pursue a residency because they think it’s the only way to avoid ending up in a job they hate. I was there too, feeling like a residency was my escape from retail or a traditional pharmacy role. I viewed it as my safety net, my ticket to something better. But here’s the thing: a residency isn’t a guarantee of happiness or career fulfillment. It’s just a part of your career journey.

I’ll share a story to illustrate this. One of my former clients, let’s call her Pariah, was convinced that a residency was the only way to achieve success in her pharmacy career. She applied to multiple programs and got in, but four months into her residency, she realized it wasn’t for her. She felt trapped in a toxic work environment, unsure whether quitting was a mistake. She thought she was doomed to settle for a traditional job. But after working with her and helping her discover what she truly wanted, she networked her way into a pharmaceutical role as a medical science liaison, making a real impact in a completely different way.

It’s not about quitting when things get tough—it’s about recognizing when something isn’t right for you. If you’re questioning whether a residency is the right choice, working with a coach can help you explore other options that might align better with your goals. A career coach isn’t just a resume editor—they’re there to help you discover your unique path, especially if you’re unsure about the value of a residency.

Let’s take a deeper look at what a residency really offers. It’s an investment in your career. Just like you wouldn’t put all your money in one stock, you shouldn’t base your entire career on the hottest trend. A residency can strengthen your profile by giving you hands-on clinical experience and developing critical thinking skills. You’ll build a network that could be invaluable as you progress in your career. But the price is steep—many residents forgo earning a full salary, potentially losing out on a $70K–$80K income during that year. That’s a sacrifice, and it’s not something to take lightly.

The tradeoff can be worth it, though, especially if you’re planning to work in a clinical setting. Clinical pharmacists often enjoy predictable work hours, less stress over filling prescriptions, and the opportunity to collaborate with a variety of healthcare professionals. But let’s not gloss over the fact that clinical pharmacists face burnout too. Just because you’re not filling prescriptions doesn’t mean you’re immune to the pressures of the healthcare system. Clinical burnout rates are just as high as community pharmacy burnout. I’ve seen it firsthand—clinical work isn’t a perfect solution.

I learned this the hard way during my own residency. I expected diverse, hands-on ambulatory care rotations, but I found myself sitting idle with one of my preceptors who had little patient interaction. I had to hustle, to create my own opportunities by seeking out additional preceptors outside of my program. That experience taught me a valuable lesson: success in pharmacy isn’t about following a predefined path—it’s about making the most of the opportunities in front of you, even when they’re less than ideal.

This mindset is crucial because less than 20% of pharmacy hires come from job boards. The real opportunities come from networking, from meeting people and making personal connections. Some of the most successful pharmacists I know didn’t do a residency. Instead, they built their careers by working their way up, pursuing additional training, and finding opportunities through other channels like fellowships or volunteering. So when making your decision, don’t just focus on the short-term goal of getting a job. Think about the long-term flexibility of your career, and whether a residency is the best way to reach your goals.

If you’re considering a residency, it’s important to consider the big picture. Will it align with your career aspirations? Do you prefer fast-paced hospital work or the predictability of other settings? And don’t forget about your personal life—residencies often come with lower pay, and depending on your circumstances, that could be a dealbreaker. I’ve worked with plenty of pharmacists who transitioned into clinical roles without a residency, and they’ve thrived.

Ultimately, don’t just do something because it seems like the right choice. Pursue the path that makes you excited about your career. It’s not about what others are doing, it’s about what’s right for you. Whether you go the residency route or not, the key is to take ownership of your career, make decisions based on your values, and never settle for a job that doesn’t fulfill you. Your career is a marathon, not a sprint, and there are many ways to reach your destination.

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Creating Happy Pharmacists

If you really want to build the career and life that you’ve dreamed of, one where you are helping people and working in a field that you love, you need to do something different than what you’ve been doing.

Through coaching you can re-discover why you became a pharmacist and find your passion again.