Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy Residency

PGY1 pharmacy residency program in San Diego

A group shot of Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy Residents faculty and students.

PGY1 pharmacy residency program in San Diego

Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy, located in San Diego, offers one 12-month PGY1 pharmacy resident position starting in July 2025. This exciting new opportunity will provide a diverse practice experience and prepare the resident for a career in specialty pharmacy, while also offering a well-rounded view of the pharmacist’s role in the ambulatory care setting. Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy PGY1 Residency Program conducted by Scripps Health, San Diego, CA, has an accreditation pre-candidate status with American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) and will seek full accreditation during its first year of residency. 


Our program offers frequent faculty-resident interaction and focuses on clinical pharmacy practice with an emphasis on specialty medications that treat rare and/or complex medical conditions, scholarship, research and leadership.

Program highlights

Scripps Health comprises five hospital campuses and over 30 ambulatory clinics. Scripps Health is consistently listed by Fortune magazine as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For,” making it the only health system in California and one of five healthcare organizations nationally to be named.


Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy


Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy was founded in 2020 and accredited by both the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC) and Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) in 2021. There are currently three full time pharmacists that manage operations and comprehensive consultations for patients. Scripps Specialty pharmacists clinically manage patients in oncology, rheumatology, dermatology, multiple sclerosis, viral hepatitis and gastroenterology. In 2023, URAC recognized the Scripps Specialty Pharmacy as a “Pioneer in Performance,” which is awarded to organizations that go beyond the mandatory reporting requirements and make key contributions to advance performance measurement within accreditation programs. 


What makes our program different?


Our program offers diverse practice experiences in specialty pharmacy and ambulatory care pharmacy areas including rapidly growing practice areas with many unique career opportunities.


The PGY1 resident will have opportunities to:


  • Work with high-level, complex specialty disease states in which fewer pharmacists have experience 
  • Gain skills and work with health care leaders 
  • Develop the knowledge, attitude and skills necessary to become an advanced pharmaceutical care practitioner with specialized training in specialty pharmacy


The program is structured to suit the resident’s individual needs and to provide an environment of quality training and pharmaceutical care.


The PGY1 pharmacy resident at Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy begins on July 1, 2026 on the campus of Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego. The PhORCAS application deadline is January 5, 2026. Interviews will be by invitation only.

Preceptors and residents

Preceptors

Mai Borazjani, PharmD, CSP, APh; Advanced Practice Pharmacist, Specialty Pharmacy and PGY1 Residency Program Director

Mai Borazjani, PharmD, CSP, APh; Advanced Practice Pharmacist, Specialty Pharmacy and PGY1 Residency Program Director

Nirmal Patel, PharmD; Director of Pharmacy Services, Ambulatory Pharmacy; Administration/Leadership

Nirmal Patel, PharmD; Director of Pharmacy Services, Ambulatory Pharmacy; Administration / Leadership

Anna Porter, PharmD, BCGP, APh; Advanced Practice Pharmacist, Gerontology; Internal Medicine - Advanced Care Clinic

Anna Porter, PharmD, BCGP, APh; Advanced Practice Pharmacist, Gerontology; Internal Medicine - Advanced Care Clinic

Poonam Patel, PharmD, BCACP, APh; Advanced Practice Pharmacist, Internal Medicine - Osteoporosis Clinic

Poonam Patel, PharmD, BCACP, APh; Advanced Practice Pharmacist, Internal Medicine - Osteoporosis Clinic

Kaitlyn Nowakowski, PharmD, BCMTMS, CSP; Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Specialty Pharmacy

Kaitlyn (Katy) Nowakowski, PharmD, BCMTMS, CSP; Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Specialty Pharmacy

David Bao, PharmD; Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Oral Oncolytics

David Bao, PharmD; Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Oral Oncolytics

Brian Kim, PharmD; Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Specialty Pharmacy

Brian Kim, PharmD; Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Specialty Pharmacy

Saba Rab, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, APh; Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator

Saba Rab, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, APh; Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator 

Current resident 2025-2026

The resident at Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy works under the mentorship of experienced pharmacists. With academic scholarship at the core of the pharmacy residency program, our team is dedicated to delivering superior medical education and guidance to meet your interests and career goals.

Jacob Deheck, PharmD; PGY1 Pharmacy Resident

Jacob Deheck, PharmD; PGY1 Pharmacy Resident

  • Hometown: Port Washington, Wisconsin
  • Pharmacy School: University of Wisconsin – Madison School of Pharmacy
  • Hobbies: In my free time, I enjoy cooking, taking my dog Charlie on hikes or to the beach and am getting back into reading for pleasure.
  • Email: deheck.jacob@scrippshealth.org

Salary and benefits

The terms and conditions of resident training and employment are specified in the employment agreement that also includes training obligations, stipend and benefit provisions. The Residency Manual fully describes policies, practices and procedures. Copies of the employment agreement and other pertinent information about our program is provided at the time of interview.


The annual stipend and specific benefits are listed in the employment agreement, discussed in the residency manual and summarized below.

How to apply

PGY1 Pharmacy Residency match code is 316213


The PGY1 residency position at Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy is a 12-month commitment that begins on July 1, 2026. The PhORCAS application deadline is January 5, 2026. Interviews will be by invitation only.


Virtual Open Houses:

Session 1: November 19, 2025, 5 - 7 pm PST

Session 2: December 17, 2025, 5 - 7 pm PST


Please contact the residency program director via email to schedule a virtual open house appointment.