Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy Residency

Program Purpose Statement

The Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy PGY1 pharmacy residency program builds on Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education and outcomes to contribute to the development of clinical pharmacists responsible for medication-related care of patients with a wide range of conditions, eligible for board certification and eligible for postgraduate year two (PGY2) pharmacy residency training.

Program Overview

The PGY1 pharmacy residency is a 12-month residency program at Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy and will focus on clinical pharmacy practice with an emphasis on specialty medications that treat rare and/or complex medical conditions, scholarship, research and leadership.

Pharmacy Mission Statement

The mission of Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy is to provide excellent patient care and improve health outcomes through ensuring safe, effective and appropriate use of medications. Ongoing goals flow from the overall strategic plan of the organization, while striving toward leadership in pharmacy practice, education and research.

Vision

The Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy PGY1 Pharmacy Residency is committed to enhancing ambulatory and specialty pharmacy practices within diverse communities. Our goal is to cultivate patient-oriented leaders dedicated to improving health outcomes and advancing pharmacy practice in a dynamic health environment.

Graduates of our residency program will blend their pharmacotherapy expertise with patient-centered care, take responsibility for the safe and effective use of medications, and efficiently manage and expand clinical pharmacy practices.

Our graduates will adeptly integrate and promote comprehensive medication management in their practice through immersion in an innovative health care setting. The Postgraduate (PGY1) Pharmacy Residency Program aims to be nationally recognized for its outstanding graduates and distinctive approach, meeting the increasing demand for residency opportunities while improving quality pharmacy services, particularly in ambulatory care and specialty pharmacy.

During clinical rotations, the resident will work closely with dedicated preceptors to provide training in all aspects of pharmacy. The program is designed to prepare residents for a career in specialty pharmacy and ambulatory care.

Our team is dedicated to delivering superior medical education and guidance to meet the resident’s interests and career goals.

The learning experiences are designed to offer a resident a broad range of experiences in the specialty pharmacy field and to practice patient-centered pharmaceutical care.

The resident will have the opportunity to expand their communication and leadership skills by playing an integral role in interdisciplinary teams. During these learning experiences, they may have the opportunity to precept and mentor fourth-year pharmacy students.  

In addition to completing the required learning experiences, the pharmacy resident is required to obtain licensure early in the residency, staff in the specialty pharmacy, participate in Scripps Health multidisciplinary committees, perform in-services to staff, assist in the recruitment and interview process for future resident(s), and present their major research project at ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting and Western States Conference.

Required learning experiences (6-8 weeks)

• Orientation
• Specialty Pharmacy: Rheumatology, Gastroenterology, Dermatology
• Specialty Pharmacy: Multiple Sclerosis, Hepatology
• Internal Medicine I: Osteoporosis Clinic
• Internal Medicine II: Advanced Care Clinic
• Oncology
• Neurology Clinic

Elective learning experiences

• Administration/Leadership
• Anticoagulation Clinic

Longitudinal experiences

• Research Project: The resident will conduct Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved research during their resident year. The research project is selected based on the resident’s interest and the feasibility of completion during the resident year. With a mentor’s guidance, the resident is expected to conduct the research project from inception to completion and must present the abstract at a national meeting.
• San Diego Pharmacy Residency Leadership (SDPRL) Teaching Certificate Program
• Pharmacy Operations

Resident conference attendance

• ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting (required)
• Western States Conference (optional)

Preceptors and residents

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.

PGY1 pharmacy resident: TBD

Medical 

Resident is offered health insurance for themselves and eligible dependents at a minimal cost. Medical coverage includes vision, prescription and chiropractic/acupuncture plans.

Dental 

Dental plan with network and out-of-network coverage options. Eligible dependents can also be covered at a minimal cost.

Life insurance/AD&D

Multiple levels of employee life insurance are available, including accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. You may purchase supplemental, spousal or dependent life insurance. State disability insurance is paid by the resident (the state of California requires this contribution, which provides income insurance for disability due to non-job-related injury or illness).

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Confidential, free, short-term professional counseling is available for employees and family members for issues impacting work or personal life.

Paid time off

Resident receives up to 15 days of paid time off, inclusive of holiday, vacation and sick time.

Parking

Parking is provided free of charge.

Medical Library

All pharmacy residents have 24/7 access to the Kinyon Memorial Library at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla and Scripps Green and the McGuire Library at Scripps Mercy. A staff librarian can assist with research and journal article retrieval. In addition, there are online journals and links to Cochrane Library, Micromedex, Natural Medicines and PubMed. 

Educational funds

Funds are available for books, conferences, and educational software. Tuition reimbursement covers registration expenses for conferences.

Residency travel

Resident will be provided financial support to attend ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting and the Western States Residency Conference. Specialty conferences are optional and may be arranged.

Additional benefits

The pharmacy resident is also entitled to the following benefits:

• Entertainment discounts
• Gym membership discounts
• Childcare discounts
• Access to the Wellness Program

Applicants must participate in the ASHP Match Program and apply using PhORCAS.

• A letter of intent (500 words)
• A curriculum vitae
• A pharmacy school transcript
• Three letters of recommendation

Prospective candidates will receive an invitation for a virtual interview. Interviews will be scheduled between the end of January to mid-February. This residency agrees that no person at this residency will solicit, accept or use any ranking-related information from any residency applicant.

Candidates must be a graduate of an accredited college of pharmacy and eligible for California licensure. All candidates must submit their applications via WebAdmit/PhORCAS. Scripps Health will not sponsor visas for international candidates.

The matched resident must:

• Have a current American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR certificate 
• Be a licensed pharmacist intern in the State of California prior to the start of the residency year, if the resident is not yet a Registered Pharmacist in the State of California
• Be a licensed pharmacist in the State of California by November 1 of the residency year 

If you have any questions, please contact Mai Borazjani, PharmD, CSP, APh Supervisor, Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program Director at borazjani.mai@scrippshealth.org.