Memberships

Pharmacy Residencies
Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center

Frequently Asked Questions – PGY1 Residency

What is the goal of the PGY1 Residency?

The goal of the PGY1 Residency is to provide the resident the opportunity for a broad based experience in all aspects of institutional pharmacy, to develop the resident’s clinical skills, and to prepare for a clinical practice or further specialized training.

How is the residency offered?

The residency is a one-year program that includes direct patient care, ambulatory patient care, drug information, and practice management. The flexibility of the program allows for tailored instruction for the resident based on interest(s), past experience, and time constraints. Program start date is July 1st annually.

Is the program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists?

Yes, the program received accreditation in 1993 and was re-accredited by the Commission on Credentialing of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists in October 2004.

Is participation in the ASHP match program required?

Yes, participation in the ASHP Match Program is required. The residency candidate must be registered with the Match Program by January 2008. The ASHP Match Program must receive the rank order for residency selection by March 2008.

How many resident positions are available?

Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center has four residency positions available among the PGY1 and PGY2 Residency programs. The number of residents enrolled into each program is based upon the qualifications of the applicants.
  

What are the requirements?

The residency applicant must be a graduate from an ACPE accredited college of pharmacy and have completed the application process. An on-site interview is required.

What should I expect at the time of the on-site interview?

The interview process entails a full day (8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) of meetings with preceptors, current residents, department managers, director of pharmacy, the pharmacy practice residency program director, and a tour of the facility. A case-based assessment of the candidate’s clinical knowledge and a presentation are required during the interview. Interviews will be conducted between Jan. 1 and Feb. 29, 2008. Applicants should be prepared to assume the travel expenses for the interview, as Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center does not have the mechanism to provide compensation for interview travel expenses. Lodging will be offered with the program preceptors or residents.

Does the resident need to be licensed in the State of Texas?

Residents must be eligible for licensure (reciprocity or examination) as soon as they are accepted into the program. It is mandatory that residents be licensed within 90 days of beginning the residency.

What expectations are placed upon the resident?

The resident is expected to make a commitment to satisfactorily complete all requirements of the program, as planned in advance and agreed upon between the resident and the program director. This commitment will include attendance at required meetings and programs, and the availability and willingness to participate in any function of the Department of Pharmacy Services. The resident is required to complete documentation and evaluation for all activities, experiences and objectives accomplished. Professional licensure in the state of Texas is required.

What are the service commitments?

In addition to the 1-month direct patient care core rotations (internal medicine, general surgery, cardiology, pediatrics, and infectious diseases), elective rotations, longitudinal experiences in drug information, practice management, transitional care, investigational drug services, and participation in the clinical on-call program are required. The completion of a research project is also required.

Is staffing a requirement and, if so, how much?

Participation in the drug distribution process is required. During orientation the resident will receive training in drug distribution and will be expected to staff every third Sunday during the residency. Any additional staffing commitment will be at the discretion of the resident, program director and residency director based on the individual's learning needs.

What presentations or publications are expected of the resident?

Residents are expected to present their project results at the regional residents’ conference. In addition, the residents are required to participate in assigned projects and make topic presentations for the clinical staff, residents, staff pharmacist and students. Opportunities for publications are encouraged.

How is the resident evaluated?

The resident will be evaluated on competency based objectives covering all areas of the rotation and experiences of the residency program. The resident is evaluated directly by the preceptor for each rotation and experience. Additionally, the resident evaluates his/her preceptors, rotation, and him/herself.

What support is offered for educational trips and seminars?

Financial support is provided for residents to attend the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting and the ALCALDE Residency Conference. In addition, residents are encouraged to attend local and state programs as appropriate.

What stipend and benefits are offered?

The annual stipend is currently $48,000. There is a comprehensive benefit and health insurance program that is available. There is no financial support for moving and living expenses, but relocation information is provided.

What living arrangements are available for the resident?

Houston offers a wide variety of housing opportunities, including many apartments and townhouses near the Texas Medical Center.

What entertainment and cultural opportunities are available in the Houston area?

Houston offers every possible opportunity for enjoyment of the arts, entertainment, sports and recreation. The city offers major league sports (football, baseball, basketball, hockey), outstanding shopping areas, and several special attractions such as the Johnson Space Center, Moody Gardens, and the beaches of the Texas Gulf Coast.