Introduction
• Begin with why I’m writing this letter to express my interest for the pgy-1 residency program at the specific hospital
• Follow by how I learned about the program
• End with a general statement on why I chose that site
Body
• Paragraph 1
o Why did I decide to do a residency?
Tell them exactly why
Include your weakness and how a residency can help turn them into a strength
Tell them you love feedback and criticism and a residency will refine your clinical skills by providing this
Tell them you want to be challenged and pushed to the limits
o Why do I want to do a residency at this specific institution?
Do research on specific institution and find out to see if they have any awards, patient populations, specialties, faculty and pharmacy environment.
Acknowledge their accomplishment and how you would like to be a part of that
Link what they offer to what you are looking for
How did the past residents turn out? What are their current careers?
• Paragraph 2
o What are my goals during residency?
What would you like to accomplish during residency?
Your goals as a resident must align with why you’re doing a residency
Focus on what you can do for them, the community, and pharmacy profession
Help advance and improve something that they’ve already started or known for
o What skills and experience will help my succeed during residency?
Before answering the question, you must first acknowledge possible challenges or obstacles expected during residency
After, list the skill sets I have to help me get through the residency
• Paragraph 3
o What are your future plans after residency?
What career do you have?
What are you doing for the institution you’re working in?
What are you doing to advance the profession?
What are you doing for the community?
How are you helping or mentoring students with common goals?
o How will this residency help me with future plans?
Based on the training and knowledge it will provide me with
The mental strength and skill set that will be developed
The resource and outreach program the institution offers
Presentation and admin roles