A survey of current trends in postgraduate year 2 pediatric pharmacy residencies and growth of pediatric ambulatory care pharmacy practice

Purpose This study sought to characterize current trends in the program structure of postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) pediatric pharmacy residencies and to describe the growth of pediatric ambulatory care as a practice specialty.Methods A 99-question survey was designed to collect information regarding the current structure of PGY2 pediatric pharmacy residency programs. The survey was distributed electronically to PGY2 residency program directors (RPDs) and was open for 6 weeks from September to November 2023.Results 75 distinct programs were eligible for participation; 43 programs (response rate, 57.3%) were included in the final analysis. Of the 43 respondents, 14 (32.6%) indicated their program was at a stand-alone children's hospital. The majority of programs (22 of 43, 51.2%) require residents to spend 7 to 9 months of their residency year on required rotations. Nineteen of 40 respondents (47.5%) indicated their residents staff in both clinical and operational areas. The most commonly reported frequency was every third weekend. Most respondents indicated requiring up to 15 presentations of varying types. A total of 41 respondents participated in the ambulatory care section of the survey; 75% of respondents (30 of 40) reported there has been growth in the number of pharmacists in pediatric ambulatory care at their institution in the last 5 years.Conclusion This study describes the current state of PGY2 pediatric pharmacy residency programs, including educational opportunities and trends in staffing and academic activity requirements. This study also adds to available literature on pediatric ambulatory care and potential opportunities for resident-led expansion.