Factors Influencing Post-Residency Career Choices Among Graduating PGY1 Pharmacy Residents

Purpose: To examine factors that influence the post-residency decision-making process of PGY1 pharmacy residents. Methods: An eleven-question survey was disseminated to individuals who completed a PGY1 residency in the past 5 years (2019-2023). The primary outcome was the most common factors that influenced PGY1 residents to choose either a PGY2 residency or employment after graduation. Factors evaluated included finances, family obligations, clinical experience, burnout, and career opportunities. Only fully completed surveys were included in analyses. Results: A total of 135 participants completed the survey. Response rate from all possible PGY1 graduates was 1.3%, with a response rate of 50.6% of those who clicked the distributed survey link. Of the 135 responses, 89 (66%) pursued PGY2 residency, while 46 (34%) pursued employment. Of those pursuing PGY2, desire to specialize, clinical experience, and career opportunities were the top 3 factors influencing their decision. Those choosing employment reported well-being/burnout, career opportunities, and job outlook as their top 3 most influential factors. Statistically significant differences were observed regarding the influence of 7 (64%) factors contributing to deciding between pursuing a PGY2 residency or employment, although some, including convenience and competitiveness of a specialty, had low scores on overall influence. Conclusion: Many factors influence post-PGY1 career decision with desire to specialize being the most influential factor among those pursuing PGY2, while well-being/burnout was the most influential factor among those pursuing employment. By identifying these factors, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of resident preferences and informs strategies to optimize pharmacy education and training programs.