PGY2 Pharmacy Residency in Oncology, ASHP-candidate status

Purpose Statement

PGY2 pharmacy residency programs build on doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) education and PGY1 pharmacy residency programs to contribute to the development of clinical pharmacists in specialized areas of practice. PGY2 residencies provide residents with opportunities to function independently as practitioners by conceptualizing and integrating accumulated experience and knowledge and incorporating both into the provision of patient care or other advanced practice settings. Residents who successfully complete an accredited PGY2 pharmacy residency are prepared for advanced patient care, academic or other specialized positions, along with board certification, if available.

Program Description

The PGY2 oncology pharmacy residency is designed to transition PGY1 residency graduates from general practice to specialized practice focused on the care of patients in oncology. Residency graduates are equipped to participate as integral members of interdisciplinary teams caring for patients in oncology, assuming responsibility for their pharmaceutical care. They are also trained to provide this care as an independent practitioner. The wealth of residency graduates’ knowledge in oncology and oncologic medications including chemotherapy combined with pharmaceutical care of individuals with an oncologic diagnosis produces a pharmacist who can successfully serve health care organizations as the primary resource for information about chemotherapy, oncology therapy and supportive care. This includes leadership in investigational drugs and formulary decision making for oncology.

Learning experiences

Required experiences

• Outpatient oncology clinic (malignant) – including but not limited to: chronic leukemias, Hodgkins lymphoma, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, multiple myeloma, solid tumors (15 different types; 9 required: breast, colon, melanoma, NSCLC, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, rectal, SCLC), supportive care
• Inpatient oncology rounding – including, but not limited to: acute leukemias, Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, supportive care
• Outpatient oncology clinic (benign) – eg. amyloidosis, myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative disorders, Waldenstroms macroglobulinemia, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, sickle cell anemia, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, Von Willbrands disease
• Preparation/dispensing at AHCI compounding pharmacy
• Medication safety

Elective experiences

• Outpatient oncology clinic (neuro) – eg. Primary CNS lymphoma,
• Pediatric malignancies – eg. acute leukemias, CNS tumors, neuroblastoma, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, Wilms tumor, Ewings sarcoma, osteosarcoma, retinoblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma 
• Oral Specialty pharmacy
• Oncology system management (includes system formulary experience)
• Regional oncology pharmacy
• Other experiences may be developed based on interests of the resident

Longitudinal experiences

• Investigational agents
• Major Residency Project
• Medication use evaluation
• Pharmacist continuing education presentation

Educational opportunities

• Teaching/precepting at the University of Minnesota, College of Pharmacy (Oncology course)
• Twin Cities Oncology journal club (every other month)
• Co-precept pharmacy students and PGY1 residents on oncology rotations
• Attendance at approved national, state and local meetings (e.g., HOPA Annual Meeting, MSHP Annual Meeting)
• The above descriptions are highlights and not all inclusive. Please contact the Residency Program Director for more details. Additional rotations may be available based on the resident's interests and career goals.

Staffing

The resident will staff on the inpatient oncology unit or in the infusion center pharmacy every third weekend after introductory training is completed through the end of the residency year. Each resident will work two of six observed holidays.

Positions, stipend and benefits

• One PGY2 oncology pharmacy resident position
• Stipend: Competitive – contact site
• Personal office space, personal computer, telephone and pager
• Health, dental and life insurance
• Paid time off
• Financial support for approved national, state and local pharmacy meetings
• Access to online resources through the University of Minnesota

Application process

Prerequisites

• Doctor of Pharmacy Degree from an ACPE-accredited school of pharmacy
• Completion of an ASHP Accredited PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency
• Licensure as a Minnesota pharmacist no later than August 1
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer. No sponsorship is available for this position.

Application materials

• Enrollment in ASHP National Matching Service (match number 669760)
• Submit all application materials through the ASHP PhORCAS system. Contact RPD for deadlines as they change each year.
• Curriculum vitae
• Official college of pharmacy transcript(s)
• Letter of intent
• Letters of reference (3)