The 2023 pharmacy residency match was among the most successful in the history of the University of Florida College of Pharmacy, as a record 154 fourth-year pharmacy students and recent graduates secured positions in the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, or ASHP, match. It marked the seventh time in eight years that the college has led the nation in total residency placements.
UF’s 154 residency matches eclipsed the previous record of 153 set in 2022. There was strong interest in Gator pharmacists on the national scene as this year’s match featured placements in a record 29 states and Washington, D.C.
“Matching with a pharmacy residency represents a significant step in the career of a pharmacist, and we are proud of the 154 student pharmacists and graduates of the UF College of Pharmacy who will have this opportunity to learn and grow as a health care professional,” said Peter W. Swaan, Ph.D., M.Pharm., dean and professor of the UF College of Pharmacy. “To lead the national residency rankings again reflects highly upon the curriculum, faculty and experiential learning opportunities that set our students up for future success.”
ASHP’s match program pairs thousands of student pharmacists across the country with a variety of pharmacy practice settings, including hospitals and community pharmacies. More than 5,800 postgraduate year one, or PGY1, and postgraduate year two, or PGY2, residency positions were available this year.
UF’s residency matches included 106 PGY1 and 48 PGY2 placements. The class of 2023 PGY1 match rate was 91%, while the total PGY2 match rate was 96% — both represent the highest match rates in the last five years.
For those participating in the match, the months-long process of securing a residency position presents many emotions.
On March 15, UF College of Pharmacy student Shane Artiles arrived for his general medicine rotation at UF Health Shands Hospital full of nerves. It was match day, and he was about to learn whether he was matched with a pharmacy residency program.
“I was refreshing my email every few seconds waiting on the results,” Artiles said. “It was among the most stressful moments of my life.”
Around 8:30 a.m. the much-anticipated email arrived. Without hesitation, Artiles opened it and learned he matched with the University of Kansas Health System — his top choice.
“It was so exciting to see KU Health System on the email,” Artiles said. “I have wanted to pursue a health system leadership and administration residency for a couple of years, and this program met all my requirements and more. To finally know where I will be starting my pharmacy career is a huge relief.”
Artiles was one of three members of the class of 2023 to secure a two-year health system administration and leadership residency. These residents will complete a master’s degree program during their residency training.