Fellowship Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you have questions about the fellowship application process? We’ve compiled the answers to all of our frequently asked questions to help guide you through the process. See below for all you need to know about the MCPHS fellowship application process, interviewing, and Midyear!

Are you applying for a fellowship this year? We know it can be a daunting process, so we’ve compiled answers to some of our most common questions to help candidates prepare for applying, interviewing, and Midyear!

Will interviews be conducted at ASHP/PPS Midyear 2024?

• Yes. Many companies will be conducting interviews in person at ASHP/PPS in New Orleans, LA. However, preliminary round interviews will be conducted virtually beginning in October. You will have to be registered for both ASHP and PPS to interview in person.

How do I apply to the MCPHS Fellowship Program?

• Applications are currently being accepted through our web portal at https://mcphs.smapply.io
• We will NOT be accepting any interview requests through PPS.
• Attendance/Registration to ASHP and PPS is a requirement to be interviewed in person at PPS.
• You will be contacted by each program to schedule interviews after submitting your application.

When does the MCPHS Application portal open?

• The application portal opened on 10/7/2024 and will close on 11/4/2024.

Where can I find a listing of all of the positions available this year?

• https://mcphsfellowship.com/fellowship-positions/

Where can I find the company brochures to learn more about the positions?

• https://mcphsfellowship.com/company-brochures/

Will there be onsite interviews?

• Depending on the program and position, the sponsoring company may invite the top candidates to interview at their location. Candidates will be informed should this apply.

What materials do I need in order to apply?

• We require applicants to submit the following:
• Application profile (created within our portal)
• Letter of Intent (LOI) – specific to position and company, and no longer than 1 page
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Keep to 3-4 pages
• Unofficial School of Pharmacy Transcript
• Contact information for 3 recommendations. If there is a need for a 4th, you will be notified to provide one. Recommenders will complete an evaluation form within the portal. 

Do I need to submit this information manually for each position I apply to?

• The application profile, CV, transcript, and contact information of the recommenders will carry over to each position that you apply to.
• The program selection and LOI will not carry over with each position. The LOI should be tailored to the specific program you are applying to and should be addressed to the specific program director(s).

What if I want to upload a different CV or contact for my recommendation?

• You may need to contact the program administrator to update the contact information of your recommender if you have already completed that task.
• If you decide to upload a different CV, please note that it will not be reflected in your previous submission. The new CV will only show for the position/application where the change was made.

Will my recommender be asked to submit a recommendation for each position that I apply to?

• No. Recommenders will fill out a single recommendation form that will apply to all your applications within the application portal.

Can I submit more than 3 references?

• Yes, you may submit up to 4, but only 3 references are required for each position you apply to.

Is the recommendation a free format submission?

• The recommendation is an online form, similar to a survey. It contains a ranking and free form aspect similar to the forms used for residency.

Does a letter of intent have to be submitted for each company?

• Yes, an LOI must be submitted for each position you are applying to and should be tailored to each company and position you are applying to. It is also recommended to keep your letter of intent to one page, as longer letters may not necessarily provide additional valuable information and can cause the main points to get lost.

Do all application materials have to be submitted before I can be considered for a position?

• Yes, your application will not be reviewed until it is completed and has been submitted on the MPCHS portal. A completed application includes the contact information for your references, however, their responses are not due until 11/20/2024. Reference responses will not affect your application until this due date.

When are application materials due?

• All application materials must be submitted and marked as complete by November 4^th, 2023.

Do interview spots fill-up before the application deadline?

• In many cases, yes. Apply early!

How many rounds of interviews should I expect for each position?

• Each company/position may differ. Should a candidate progress to Midyear for a position, they should expect 2-3 interactions with the company prior to Midyear.

What should I wear for interviews?

• Business professional attire is appropriate for interviews held both virtually and in-person.

Will I be required to present as part of the interview process?

• Some companies may require a presentation as a form of an interview. Expectations will be clearly communicated to candidates throughout the interview process should this be required of them.

Are international students welcome to apply?

• All applicants must have authorization to work in the United States throughout the duration of the one or two‑year fellowship. No visa sponsorship will be provided.

Is licensure required for the Fellowship Program?

• Licensure is NOT REQUIRED for the following companies: Agios, Alexion, Biogen, Moderna, Novartis, Sarepta, Sanofi, Schrödinger, and Takeda
• Licensure is REQUIRED within the first 6 months of the fellowship program at the following company: Pfizer
• Please check with each company to verify licensure requirements as this may change per position/per company.

Does MCPHS host both a company reception and program reception?

• MCPHS hosts a single reception with all affiliated programs on Tuesday night of ASHP Midyear. Companies will extend invitations to candidates to attend.

Do I need to have all of my recommendations completed prior to being considered for an interview?

• No, but you will need to have all of your recommendations submitted prior to the November 20^th, 2024 deadline.

Are PharmD graduates from previous years, but with clinical working experience able to apply?

• Yes, all PharmD graduates are welcome to apply. Such experience has been shared by a few of our past fellows.

What are the requirements for the MCPHS portion of the fellowship?

• Each fellow is required to complete at least 1 activity per year in each of the following categories:
• Teaching – facilitate a lab or simulation course, precept pharmacy students, lecture in an elective, etc.
• Scholarship – poster presentation, submission of publication in a peer-reviewed journal, serve as a peer-reviewer, etc.
• Service – participate in an event led by our Community Relations Committee

CAN’T FIND AN ANSWER?

If you have more questions, please contact the fellowship office at PharmDFellowships@mcphs.edu