News

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy (SOP) has reached a new milestone by matching 93% of graduates into residency programs during the formal match process. SIUE’s 2024 cohort has attained the number one match rate in the state of Illinois and 21st in the nation with this ranking. Two students received residency offers outside the match, skyrocketing the overall residency placement at 97%.

Jess Kerr, PharmD, associate dean of student affairs in the SOP, shared the news to prospective pharmacy students last week.
The SOP works with students interested in residency training on their applications and interview preparation. These students then begin a match process conducted by the National Match Services and American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. After interviews, both the students and the residency programs rank their preferences of programs and candidates, respectively. “The Match” then places students into programs based on the rank order lists. Match lists are announced in late spring.

While the match rate is impressive, for the SOP it is also unsurprising. The data shows a natural progression from previous years’ match rates, which have been consistently higher than the national average. The national average was 81.1% this year.
Mark Luer, PharmD, FCCP, dean of the SOP, is elated by this cohort’s success.

“The success of the Class of 2024 is tremendous,” Luer said. “SIUE Doctor of Pharmacy graduates are a dedicated group of professionals who are in high demand by employers. Their high rate in achieving postgraduate opportunities is reflective of their education, talent and abilities.”

Jennifer Hookstra, PharmD, chair of Department of Pharmacy Practice, credits the impressive work of the faculty in addition to the students’ achievement. Hookstra acknowledges three outstanding faculty members who advocate for residency preparation: Jess Kerr, PharmD, associate dean for Student Affairs; Lisa Lubsch, PharmD, student advisor and recipient of the Distinction in Service Award and Beth Cady, PharmD, student advisor. Hookstra noted the abundant dedication and support provided in Lubsch’s monthly residency Zoom sessions and Cady’s arrangement of mock interviews and CV reviews.

“This kind of success is a testament to the strengths of our students and these faculty members were key in helping our students achieve these goals,” Hookstra said. “We launch our students very successfully. We take pride in our relationships with students and it shows.”

Residencies provide a year of postgraduate training in various pharmacy settings, which allow graduates to practice direct patient care and practice management under the supervision of an experienced preceptor. Residencies are designed to offer a competitive advantage in the job market, advanced clinical training and numerous practice opportunities in the beginning of a career.

PHOTO: The Class of 2024 SOP cohort at their ceremonial pinning ceremony in 2023.