Research Projects
Each resident will be required to design and write a research proposal. If Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval is required, the resident will present to the IRB committee. The primary focus of the research project is dissemination of information that benefits pharmacy practice or the medical community. The Residency Program Coordinator and primary preceptor will guide the resident throughout the year with the intent of presenting the research results at a conference, such as the Western States Regional Residency Conference in San Diego, California. In addition to acquiring time management and presentation skills, the resident will improve his/her writing skills upon completion of the research project.
Teaching
Our Residency Program is affiliated with a variety of pharmacy schools, including University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy, Touro University California College of Pharmacy, and UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy. Dozens of pharmacy students per academic year complete their clinical clerkship rotations (APPEs) within our institution, thus providing the residents many opportunities to precept pharmacy students. Residents will assist clinical pharmacists in precepting students, along with providing didactic education in leading conferences for the pharmacy students. Additionally, SCVMC is a certified provider of continuing education for pharmacists; residents will be asked to present a continuing education program during the year.
Pharmacy residents will complete a teaching certificate program that is run jointly by the Health System and the University of the Pacific. The academic track resident will complete a teaching certificate program through Touro University California.
Pharmacy Operations/Staffing
Staffing is required throughout the year and is determined based on the resident’s track. Acute Care residents staff in the inpatient pharmacy either for 4 weekend days per month with compensatory days off during the week, or as a block rotation. Ambulatory Care residents staff as a medication reconciliation pharmacist in primary care clinics and in the outpatient pharmacy either 1 day per week, or as a block rotation.
Committee Work
Residents will be required to assist the coordinators of the Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee and Subcommittees. Each semester, residents will be required to work on a project related to his or her assigned committee. During this experience, residents will gain an appreciation and understanding for medication errors, formulary management, financial analysis, regulatory compliance, and adherence to clinical practice guidelines.
Regional and National Conferences
In October, residents may attend the California Society of Health-System Pharmacists (CSHP) Seminar, an annual four-day meeting where residents showcase their institution’s residency program to prospective applicants and have an opportunity to attend continuing education programs and develop networking connections.
In December, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Annual Midyear Clinical Meeting provides similar benefits to that of the CSHP meeting, except on a broader scale, as this is a national conference.
In May, residents may present the outcomes of their longitudinal research project at the Western States Residency Conference, a gathering of residents and fellows from across the nation.
Conference attendance is optional, but encouraged. The residency program reimburses residents for at least 50% of registration costs, but the program is unable to reimburse residents for airfare (mileage reimbursement for driving is available). Hotel reimbursement is oftentimes granted, but this is not guaranteed like registration costs.
Qualifications for Acceptance
All applicants must fulfill the following criteria in order to qualify for acceptance into our PGY1 Residency Program:
- Graduate from an ACPE-accredited school of pharmacy
- Be eligible for pharmacist licensure in the state of California
- Demonstrate eligibility to work in the United States
- Obtain favorable recommendation letters from clinical faculty, preceptors, and/or former employers
- Demonstrate collegiality, clinical knowledge, interest in research, and the motivation necessary for successful completion of residency training
- Complete an interview with residency leadership, pharmacy supervisors, and preceptors
Application Process
For any questions, interested applicants should contact:
Crystal Diep, MS, Pharm.D
Residency Program Coordinator
(669) 288-2276
The PGY1 Pharmacy Residency participates in the ASHP Residency Match Program. See the chart below for NMS codes.
The following documents will be required of all prospective applicants to complete the application process. All materials are submitted via PhORCAS:
- General PhORCAS application (including letter of intent)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Official transcripts sent directly from applicant’s school of pharmacy to PhORCAS
- A sample of independently written work that includes citation of primary literature and evidence-based medicine
- Three references from clinical faculty, preceptors, and/or former employers. Reference writers should submit the PhORCAS reference form and are asked to provide specific comments on the candidate’s abilities to:
- Organize and manage time
- Accept constructive criticism
- Demonstrate independence and resourcefulness
- Work with peers and communicate effectively
The above documents must be submitted via PhORCAS by December 27, 2020.
Select candidates will be invited for a phone interview in January, and top candidates will be asked to participate in a second interview in February. If you are selected for a second interview, you will be asked to give a 15-minute powerpoint presentation on a non-pharmacy-related topic. Your slides will be due the evening before your interview date..
Thank you for your interest in our program!
