WVU Pharmacy Students Match with Residencies Near and Afar

(Photo Caption: Dr. Michelle Grose (left) and Dr. Claire Daniels (right) are among the recent graduates who will begin their PGY1 Residencies this summer.)

Results from 2024 Pharmacy Match Day reveal the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy new graduates who participated will be doing residencies in seven different states but many are staying in or close to West Virginia.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) provides a national matching service that helps place applicants with the residency of their choice. This year, 22 candidates from the School participated in the Match, with 18 of them securing PGY1 placements.

"Serving the people of West Virginia and surrounding states is a commitment that reflects the values and dedication of our graduates.” Said Dr. Jay Martello, clinical associate professor. It also strengthens the healthcare system in our region.”

Graduates will serve as residents in health facilities across West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio including Beckley VAMC, Huntington VAMC, CAMC, Morgantown Kroger/WVU School of Pharmacy, WVU Medicine Specialty and Home Infusion Pharmacy, Louis A. Johnson VAMC, WVU Medicine Ruby Memorial Hospital, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center (2), Allegheny General Hospital, Central Ohio Wylie VAMC, Butler VA Health Care System and Marietta Kroger/WVU Pharmacy School. Other states where the graduates have been selected for residencies include South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and New York.

While graduates who received PharmD degrees are "practice ready," many choose to do residencies to qualify for highly specialized positions. Pharmacy Residency Match Day, an annual event held in March, facilitates a structured process for applicants to secure positions in their desired residency programs while enabling institutions to choose suitable candidates. Various health professions, such as medicine, dentistry, psychology, podiatry, optometry, and others employ similar matching programs.