Program Screening, Selection, and Ranking Process

UCSF Health Pharmacy Enterprise Policy #200.04
Revised: October 2016*

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PGY1 Pharmacy Practice

Once an application is received in PhORCAS, it is reviewed for completeness. In order to be reviewed, all PGY1 Pharmacy Practice applications and special requirements for acceptance must be received by the application deadline. Candidates must be eligible for pharmacist licensure in the State of California to apply, and must be licensed soon after starting the program.

Each PGY1 applicant packet is screened and scored by a member of the Resident Selection Committee. Screeners assess the following: communication skills, clinical experience (breadth, performance, scope of activity), personal/environmental factors (maturity, confidence, motivation, and adaptability), and work experience, aggregate letters of recommendation, leadership/initiative, teaching (interest and/or experience), research (interest and/or experience), extracurricular involvement and academic performance. The screening score is used to determine if an on-site interview will be granted. On-site interviews are offered to approximately 45 applicants each year.

The interview process consists of one 45 minute personal interview, one 45 minute clinical panel interview, a question and answer session where the applicant can ask questions that they have to clinical pharmacists and residents, a tour and lunch. The Personal interview is with the Residency Program Director, the Director of the Department of Pharmaceutical Services for the Parnassus and Mount Zion campus or their representative (e.g. clinical manager). The clinical interview is with 4 panel members (a PGY1 resident in the current class, a pharmacist from the Medication Outcomes Center, a pharmacist from the Medication Safety Unit and a pharmacist from the UCSF Department of Clinical Pharmacy and/or the UCSF Department of Pharmaceutical Services in the Medical Center). Questions are standardized for both interviews and assess overall fit with the PGY1 residency program based on personal career goals, ability to discuss information presented in the applicant’s curriculum vitae, ability to answer clinical and non-clinical questions, oral communication skills, and interpersonal skills. The applicant receives a tour of the facility with current PGY1 residents and has lunch with the residency program director, select current residents, and select clinical faculty.

There are approximately 10 pharmacists and 2 co-chief residents who participate on the Resident Selection Committee. Each committee member presents 4 to 5 applicants to the group for discussion. The initial rank score of each applicant going into the Selection meeting is based upon the sum total of their screening and interview scores. A candidate may move up or down in rank order based on discussion generated after the applicant is presented to the group and considering any general comments submitted by pharmacists or residents who interacted with the candidate on interview day as part of their tour or the question and answer session. The Resident Selection Committee approves the final rank order list before it is submitted to the Chair of the Department of Clinical Pharmacy for the School of Pharmacy, the Dean of the School of Pharmacy and Chief Pharmacy Officer for the Medical Center for final review before it is submitted to National Matching Services.

PGY2 Oncology

Once an application is received in PhORCAS, it is reviewed for completeness. In order to be reviewed, all PGY2 Oncology applications and special requirements for acceptance must be received by the application deadline.

Each PGY2 applicant packet is screened and scored by 2 members of the Oncology Clinical Pharmacy Team and the Residency Program Director (RPD). Each screener will fill out a specialty resident application rating form (Part II form) and submit with additional comments to the Oncology Specialty Residency Program Director. Each candidate will be assessed for:

  • Written communication skills
  • Clinical experience (PGY1 program, breadth, performance, scope of activity)
  • Leadership experience/initiative
  • Operational experience
  • Teaching experience
  • Research experience
  • Extracurricular involvement
  • Academic performance
  • Aggregate letters of recommendation
  • Professionalism
  • PPS Interview Screening Form (Part I form, if applicable)

The RPD will average the score of the screeners to determine if an on-site interview will be granted. The average score determines the order in which interviews are offered from highest score to lowest score.

On-site interview will consist at minimum of the following:

  • Interview with PGY2 Oncology Residency Program Director
  • Interview with Director of Pharmacy or designee
  • Interview with preceptors from the Hematology/BMT Pharmacy team
  • Interview with preceptors from the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center Pharmacy team
  • 15-20 minute oral PowerPoint presentation to the Oncology Pharmacy Team
  • Tours of Oncology Facilities at UCSF Medical Center at Parnassus and at Mission Bay (Recommended for candidate who has not completed a PGY1 residency at UCSF) by the current PGY2 resident(s)

Each candidate is required to complete an on-site interview and complete a 15-20 minute oral presentation on an oncology topic of their choice. Each candidate will be assessed on the following:

  • Presentation skills
  • Verbal communication skills
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Leadership experience/Initiative
  • Operational experience
  • Teaching experience/Interest in teaching
  • Research Experience/Creativity
  • Career goals
  • Personal/Environmental Factors (maturity, confidence, motivation, adaptability)
  • Overall Assessment of candidate/fit into the program

Each interviewer will complete an on-site interview evaluation form (form III) and submit with additional comments to the PGY2 Oncology RPD.

Once all interviews have been completed, the RPD and the oncology residency coordinator will tally up the average scores from both the application and the interview evaluations for each candidate and candidates will be ranked according to their aggregate scores. A proposed ranking list will be generated from this process. This list will then be reviewed by the preceptors of the oncology specialty residency program and they may submit changes to the ranking. If the majority of the preceptors agree, changes in the ranking may be made. Once approved, the ranking list will be submitted to the National Matching Services.

PGY2 Pediatrics

Once an application is received in PhORCAS, it is reviewed for completeness. In order to be reviewed, all PGY2 Pediatric applications and special requirements for acceptance must be received by the application deadline.

Each PGY2 applicant packet is screened and scored by 2 members of the Pediatric Clinical Pharmacy Team and the Residency Program Director (RPD). Each screener will electronically fill out a specialty resident application rating form (Part II form) and submit with additional comments to the Pediatric Specialty Residency Program Director (RPD). Each candidate will be assessed for:

  • Written communication skills
  • Clinical experience (PGY1 program, breadth, performance, scope of activity)
  • Leadership experience/initiative
  • Operational experience
  • Teaching experience
  • Research experience
  • Extracurricular involvement
  • Academic performance
  • Aggregate letters of recommendation
  • Professionalism
  • PPS Interview Screening Form (Part I form, if applicable)

The RPD will average the score of the screeners to determine if an on-site interview will be granted. The average score determines the order in which interviews are offered from highest score to lowest score.

On-site interview will consist at minimum of the following:

  • Interview with Residency Program Director for PGY2 Pediatrics
  • Interview with Director of Pharmacy or designee
  • Interview and tour of UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay facilities with current PGY2 residents
  • Interview with preceptors from Pediatric service
  • Interview with Pediatric MD
  • 20 minute oral presentation to Pediatric Clinical Pharmacy Team

Each candidate is required to complete an on-site interview and complete a 20 minute oral presentation on a pediatric clinical topic of their choice. Each candidate will be assessed on the following:

  • PGY1 program/clinical experience
  • Program interest
  • Pediatric experience
  • Teaching experience/Interest in teaching
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Code (Emergency) experience
  • Operational experience
  • Presentation skills
  • Verbal communication skills
  • Leadership experience/Initiative
  • Research Experience/Creativity
  • Career goals
  • Personal/Environmental Factors (maturity, confidence, motivation, adaptability, questions)
  • Overall Assessment of candidate/fit into the program

Each interviewer will complete an electronic on-site interview evaluation form (Part III form) and submit with additional comments to the PGY2 Pediatric RPD.

Once all interviews have been completed, the RPD will tally up the scores and candidates will be ranked according to their scores. This list will then be reviewed by the preceptors of the pediatric specialty residency program and they may submit changes to the ranking. If the majority of the preceptors agree, changes in the ranking may be made. Once approved, the RPD will fill out the Final Applicant Interview Scores – Part A and Part B (Part IV) and submit the final ranking list to the National Matching Services.

PGY2 Critical Care

Once an application is received in PhORCAS, it is reviewed for completeness. In order to be reviewed, all PGY2 Critical Care applications and special requirements for acceptance must be received by the application deadline.

Each PGY2 applicant packet is screened and scored by 2 members of the Critical Care Clinical Pharmacy Team. Each screener will fill out a specialty resident application rating form (Part II form) and submit with additional comments to the Critical Care Specialty Residency Program Director (RPD). Each candidate will be assessed for:

  • Communication skills
  • Clinical experience (breadth, performance, scope of activity)
  • Leadership/initiative
  • Work experience
  • Aggregate letters of recommendation
  • Personal/environmental factors (maturity, confidence, motivation, and adaptability)
  • Teaching Experience
  • Research Experience
  • Extracurricular involvement
  • Academic performance
  • PPS Interview Screening Form (Part I form, if applicable)

The RPD will average the score of the two screeners to determine if an on-site interview will be granted. If the screener’s scores are discrepant by more than 10 points, the two screeners will meet to discuss discrepancies and rescore so that difference is =/<10 points. The average score determines the order in which interviews are offered from highest score to lowest score.

On-site interview will consist at minimum of the following:

  • Interview with PGY2 Critical Care Residency Program Director
  • Interview with Director of Pharmacy or designee
  • Interview with preceptors from the Critical Care Pharmacy team
  • Interview/tour with current PGY2 resident (if available)
  • Interview with Critical Care attending MD (if available)
  • 30 minute PowerPoint oral presentation to the Critical Care Team (pharmacists, NPs, residents, attendings if available)
  • Tour of UCSF Medical Center (Recommended for candidate who has not completed a PGY1 residency at UCSF)

Each candidate is required to complete an on-site interview and do a 30 minute oral presentation on a critical care topic of their choice. Each candidate will be assessed on the following using Part III form:

  • Quality of PGY1 program, clinical rotation experiences
  • Interest in program
  • Interest in critical care/critical care experience
  • Teaching experience
  • Clinical questions/critical thinking/problem solving skills
  • Code blue experience
  • Operational experience

Once all interviews have been completed, the RPD will tally up the scores and candidates will be ranked according to their scores. This list will then be reviewed by the preceptors of the critical care specialty residency program and in person discussion will take place regarding the ranking order. If the majority of the preceptors agree, changes in the ranking may be made. Once approved, the RPD will fill out the Final Applicant Interview Scores (Part IV) and submit the final ranking list to the National Matching Services.

PGY2 Infectious Diseases

Once an application is received in PhORCAS, it is reviewed for completeness. In order to be reviewed, all PGY2-ID applications and special requirements for acceptance must be received by the application deadline.

Each PGY2 applicant packet is screened and scored by 2 members of the PGY-2-ID Residency Selection Team (RST). Each screener will fill out a specialty resident application rating form and submit with additional comments to the Infectious Disease Specialty Residency Program Director (RPD). Each candidate will be assessed on characteristics including:

  • Communication skills
  • Clinical experience (breadth, performance, scope of activity)
  • Leadership/initiative
  • Aggregate letters of recommendation
  • Personal/environmental factors (maturity, confidence, motivation, and adaptability)
  • Teaching Experience
  • Research Experience
  • Academic performance

The RST will review the screening rating forms to determine if an on-site interview will be granted.

The on-site interview will consist at minimum of the following:

  • Interview with PGY2 Infectious Diseases Residency Program Director
  • Interview with Pharmacy Lead for Antimicrobial Stewardship
  • Interview with clinical pharmacy manager (Director of Pharmacy or designee)
  • Interview with at least one non-ID clinical pharmacist at UCSF Medical Center
  • Interview with Medical Director of Antimicrobial Stewardship or another infectious diseases attending MD
  • Interview/tour with current PGY2-ID resident (if available)
  • 20 minute oral presentation to the Infectious Diseases team (pharmacists, NPs, residents, medical attendings if available)
  • Tour of UCSF Medical Center (Recommended for candidate who has not completed a PGY1 residency at UCSF)

Each candidate will be assessed on the following using Part III form:

  • Quality of PGY1 program, clinical rotation experiences
  • Interest in program
  • Interest in infectious diseases
  • Teaching experience
  • Clinical questions/critical thinking/problem solving skills

Once all interviews have been completed, the RPD will tally up the scores and candidates will be ranked according to their scores. This list will then be reviewed by the PGY-2-ID Residency Selection Team and an in-person discussion will take place regarding the ranking order. If the majority of the preceptors agree, changes in the ranking may be made. Once approved, the RPD will fill out the Final Applicant Interview Scores (Part IV) and submit the final ranking list to the National Matching Service

PGY2 Solid Organ Transplantation

Once an application is received in PhORCAS, it is reviewed for completeness. In order to be reviewed, all PGY2 Solid Organ Transplantation applications and special requirements for acceptance must be received by the application deadline.

Each PGY2 applicant packet is screened and scored by 2 members of the Solid Organ Transplant Team and the Residency Program Director (RPD). Each screener will fill out a specialty resident application rating form (Part II form) and submit with additional comments to the Solid Organ Transplant Specialty RPD. Each candidate will be assessed for:

  • Oral and written communication skills
  • Clinical experience (breadth, performance, scope of activities)
  • Leadership/initiative
  • Operational experience
  • Aggregate letters of recommendation
  • Personal/environmental factors (maturity, confidence, motivation, and adaptability)
  • Teaching Experience
  • Research Experience
  • Extracurricular involvement
  • Academic performance
  • PPS Interview Screening Form (Part I form, if applicable)

The RPD will average the score to determine if an on-site interview will be granted. The average score determines the order in which interviews are offered from highest score to lowest score.

On-site interview will consist at minimum of the following:

  • Interview with PGY2 Solid Organ Transplant Specialty Residency Program Director
  • Interview with Director of Pharmacy or designee
  • Interview with preceptors from the Solid Organ Transplant Pharmacy team
  • Interview/tour with current PGY2 resident (if available)
  • 15-20 minute PowerPoint oral presentation to the Solid Organ Transplant Team (pharmacists, residents (if available)
  • Tour of UCSF Medical Center (Recommended for candidate who has not completed a PGY1 residency at UCSF)

Each candidate is required to complete an on-site interview and give a 15-20 minute oral presentation on a solid organ transplant topic of their choice. Each candidate will be assessed on the following using Part III form:

  • Quality of PGY1 program, clinical rotation experiences
  • Interest in the program
  • Interest in solid organ transplant experience
  • Teaching experience
  • Clinical questions/critical thinking/problem solving skills
  • Operational experience
  • Presentation skills
  • Oral / written communication skills
  • Leadership experience / initiative

Once all interviews have been completed, the RPD will tally up the scores and candidates will be ranked according to their scores. This list will then be reviewed by the preceptors of the Solid Organ Transplant Specialty Residency Program and in person discussion will take place regarding the ranking order. If the majority of the preceptors agree, changes in the ranking may be made. Once approved, the RPD will fill out the Final Applicant Interview Scores (Part IV) and submit the final ranking list to the National Matching Services.

PGY2 Medication Use Safety

Once an application is received in PhORCAS, it is reviewed for completeness. In order to be reviewed, all PGY2 Medication Use Safety applications and special requirements for acceptance must be received by the application deadline.

Each PGY2 applicant packet is screened and scored by 2 members Medication Safety Specialists and the Residency Program Director (RPD). Each screener will fill out a specialty resident application rating form (Part II form) and submit with additional comments to the Medication Safety Specialty RPD. Each candidate will be assessed for:

  • Oral and written communication skills
  • Clinical experience (breadth, performance, scope of activities)
  • Leadership/initiative
  • Operational experience
  • Aggregate letters of recommendation
  • Personal/environmental factors (maturity, confidence, motivation, and adaptability)
  • Teaching Experience
  • Research Experience
  • Extracurricular involvement
  • Academic performance
  • PPS Interview Screening Form (Part I form, if applicable)

The RPD will average the score to determine if an on-site interview will be granted. The average score determines the order in which interviews are offered from highest score to lowest score.

On-site interview will consist at minimum of the following:

  • Interview with PGY2 Medication Use Safety Specialty Residency Program Director
  • Interview with Director of Pharmacy and other members of the management team
  • Interview with preceptors from the Safe Medication Practices team
  • Interview/tour with current PGY2 resident (if available)
  • 15-20 minute PowerPoint oral presentation to the Safe Medication Practices team (pharmacists, Managers and residents (if available)
  • Tour of UCSF Medical Center (Recommended for candidate who has not completed a PGY1 residency at UCSF)

Each candidate is required to complete an on-site interview and give a 15-20 minute oral presentation on a medication safety or quality improvement topic of their choice. Each candidate will be assessed on the following using Part III form:

  • Quality of PGY1 program, clinical rotation experiences
  • Interest in the program
  • Interest in medication safety experience
  • Teaching experience
  • Clinical questions/critical thinking/problem solving skills
  • Operational experience
  • Presentation skills
  • Oral / written communication skills
  • Leadership experience / initiative

Once all interviews have been completed, the RPD will tally up the scores and candidates will be ranked according to their scores. This list will then be reviewed by the preceptors of the Medication Use Safety Specialty Residency Program and in person discussion will take place regarding the ranking order. If the majority of the preceptors agree, changes in the ranking may be made. Once approved, the RPD will fill out the Final Applicant Interview Scores (Part IV) and submit the final ranking list to the National Matching Services.

*Name updated from Department of Pharmaceutical Services to UCSF Health Pharmacy Enterprise in June 2022