The Binghamton University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has once again found itself at the top of the rankings in New York state.
Results from Phase 1 of "Match Day" show the match rate for PGY1 (Postgraduate Year 1) students at SOPPS was 79.4%. That rate is ranked first in New York for pharmacy schools and higher than the national average of 74.2% for PGY1.
In the medical field, "Match Day" is when medical students learn which residency program they will attend for their postgraduate training. It's a crucial milestone on their path to becoming physicians.
"The residency match process is highly competitive," said Kenneth McCall, chair and clinical professor of pharmacy practice. "The success of our school's match rate reflects not only the individual efforts of our students but also our innovative curriculum and the support of our outstanding faculty and staff."
Nationally, SOPPS has found itself ranked 37th out of 149 total pharmacy schools.
"We are very proud of our students and our program," said Tracy Brooks, chair and associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences. "Through our integrated curriculum and innovative weaving of research throughout the student's education, the students are able to gain unique skills and knowledge that are highlighted in their high NAPLEX pass rates and residency match rates. To become #1 in both categories for such a new school is a testament to what we have built and how hard the students work."
Fifty-two students and alumni participated in the match, including both PGY1 and PGY2 students. This is the highest number in our school's history.
The match rate for PGY2 was 72.2% and current students/alumni have matched in 14 states-the most the school has ever had in its history.
Welsey Kufel, a clinical associate professor of pharmacy practice, was excited about how many states the school's alumni and students are matched with: "I think it is encouraging with how many of our current students/alumni are pursuing residency positions and expanding to a broader geographical distribution."
Students who didn't match still have Phase 2. According to the National Matching Services Inc. schedule, the results will be shared on April 23.
