Residency program for pharmacists set up

A new residency program at the Medical Center and Strong Memorial Hospital will better prepare pharmacists for the complexities of providing drug therapy to hospital patients.

Strong's first two pharmacy residents will begin their one-year training in July in a schedule similar to that of medical residents, stated Thomas O'Brien, director of pharmacy for Strong Health.

Basic requirements for pharmacists include graduation from an accredited school, completion of an internship, and passing a licensing exam. Some go further in school to attain a doctor of pharmacy degree. But these basic requirements may be insufficient in some settings.

"Standard training for pharmacists may not adequately prepare them for the challenges they will face in practice, particularly in a hospital or health system setting," O'Brien said. "Once they've completed a residency, pharmacists are better qualified to interact with patients and play a more vital role on the patient care team."

Initially, Strong will have a general residency program where residents will rotate to various clinical areas and serve as part of the interdisciplinary patient care team. Eventually, specialty residencies, in areas like oncology and infectious diseases, may be added.

In addition to augmenting their knowledge, experience, and credibility, pharmacists who complete a residency are more attractive in the job market. "Hospitals and health systems are beginning to make a residency a prerequisite for employment," noted Jeffrey Huntress, associate director of clinical pharmacy services for Strong Health. "Residencies are now being promoted as the principal method for pharmacists to prepare to meet the challenges that are part of the changing health care environment."

With increasing recognition of the benefits of pharmacy residencies, the demand for residency programs is growing. The number of pharmacy graduates seeking residencies each year is nearly twice the number of residency program openings, according to the American Society of Health System Pharmacists.

Strong is applying to ASHP to gain accreditation for its residency. Once achieved, it will be the only accredited pharmacy residency in Rochester. Accredited residency programs are eligible for Medicare funding, which would defray the costs of stipends paid to residents.