Frequently Asked Questions about PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program

Q. How many residency positions are available at BIDMC?

A. There are four PGY1 pharmacy residency positions.

Q. Must I attend the ASHP Midyear meeting to be considered for the BIDMC residency?

A. No. While attendance at the meeting provides a direct opportunity to meet and discuss our program, we recognize that not everyone is able to attend. Selections for interviews will be based on our review of the submitted applications.

Q. How are candidates selected for an on-site interview?

A. Completed applications will be reviewed by members of the Residency Advisory Committee to determine candidates that most closely match the BIDMC program goals and opportunities. Your letter of intent, CV, scholastic record and letters of recommendation weigh highly in the review process. We also consider work experience, career goals, leadership activities, teaching experience and involvement in professional activities as important factors in our selection process.

Q. What should I expect during the on-site interview?

A. Prospective residents are responsible for travel and lodging costs for the interview at BIDMC. The interview process entails a full day (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) of meetings with the Residency Director, clinical preceptors, administrative staff and the current residents. A tour of the pharmacy and hospital is also included. Each applicant will be asked to present a 15 minute clinical case during the interview day.

Q. What is the annual salary?

A. The annual salary for the 2017-2018 Residency Program is $46,000.

Q. What are the staffing requirements?

A. Residents will staff a total of 60 shifts during the residency year. Typically every 3rd weekend and an evening shift weekly or every other week.

Q. Do I need to be licensed in the State of Massachusetts (MA) at the start of residency?

A. Residents must be eligible for licensure (reciprocity or examination) on initiation of the program and licensed within 90 days from the start of the residency.

Q: Does BIDMC's Pharmacy Residency Program have a website?

A: Yes: bidmc.org/pharmresidency. From here you can access detailed information regarding current and past residents, preceptors, rotations and other aspects of the BIDMC PGY1 Residency Program.

Q. What orientation will I receive prior to starting the residency?

A. Each resident will attend a one-day hospital orientation followed by a general orientation to the residency program. Orientation and training for the service component of the residency will take place during the next four weeks. Additional unit-based training will be scheduled later in the residency in individual clinical practice areas. This training will prepare the resident for the service (staffing) component of the residency as well as provide insight into the operational workflow and policies and procedures of the pharmacy and medical center. Orientation MCPHS University will be coordinated during this time.

Q. How will the program address my individual residency goals?

A. Core rotations provide the resident a broad experience in the provision of care to the hospitalized patient. A wide range of elective rotations further allows the residents to customize their residency rotations to align with their interests. Active participation by the residents in designing their rotation schedule is encouraged.

Q. What teaching experiences are available in the program?

A. BIDMC's affiliation with MCPHS University provides the resident with a number of teaching opportunities. During the Teaching Rotation, the resident will serve as the primary preceptor for APPE students on a six week Internal Medicine rotation. Longitudinally, residents facilitate therapeutic seminars/patient case discussions at MCPHS University. Additionally, residents will participate in a longitudinal Teaching Certificate Program. Didactic teaching opportunities, additional preceptor activities and departmental in-services all serve to enhance the teaching skills of the resident.

Q. What career paths have BIDMC residents selected following the residency program?

A. Program graduates have pursued a number of specialty residency programs following their PGY1 program including critical care, oncology and solid organ transplant specialty residencies. The majority of past residents are practicing as clinical pharmacists in the inpatient care setting of various medical institutions across the country. A number of past residents are practicing as full or adjunctive faculty in the academic setting, while still others have secured positions as Clinical Managers or Coordinators.