Professional identity formation in pharmacy residents: A scoping review

PURPOSE: Professional identity formation (PIF) is the internal process of identifying with one's profession by developing the knowledge, values, and beliefs held by those in the field. Despite the growth of pharmacy residency programs, limited research exists on PIF in this group. We conducted a scoping review to explore the current understanding of PIF in pharmacy residents and identify gaps in this area. SUMMARY: In January 2025, databases were searched for relevant publications that addressed pharmacy resident PIF in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews methodology. Seven publications were included in this review. The final synthesis was organized around 4 major themes identified in the literature: (1) the role of preceptors; (2) facilitators of PIF; (3) barriers to PIF; and (4) program initiatives. CONCLUSION: This scoping review provides an initial overview of PIF in pharmacy residents, much of which overlaps with what is known about pharmacy students. Given the limited familiarity with PIF and the critical role of preceptors in this process, faculty development and preceptor training remain key areas for growth. Future research focusing specifically on pharmacy residents and their process of PIF is needed.