The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) is the premier health system in western Pennsylvania and one of the most renowned academic medical centers in the United States.  The health system consists of tertiary, specialty and community hospitals, physician offices, and rehabilitation facilities. By integrating the resources of the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy and UPMC, this residency program offers a challenging yet flexible environment where pharmacy residents learn to provide safe and effective, evidenced-based pharmacotherapy to individual patients.

Residents are actively involved in the design and participation of a residency project suitable for publication and the development and implementation of drug-use initiatives. Residents are members of multidisciplinary hospital committees, participate in journal clubs, and present seminars. A distinguishing aspect of this program is that each resident holds an adjunct instructor position with opportunities to prepare lectures for pharmacy students, lead student group discussions, and precept students during their clerkship rotations. Flexibility is provided to meet the individual resident's goals and objectives. Each resident is eligible for a financial stipend to attend professional meetings.

The goal of the pharmacy residency program is to gain the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and abilities necessary to independently and competently optimize pharmacotherapy outcomes through direct patient care and pharmacy practice management. Program objectives include: (1) demonstrate proficiency, confidence, and compassion in providing direct patient care to diverse populations; (2) demonstrate professionalism and effective communication skills in all components of pharmacy practice; (3) optimize pharmacotherapy and safe medication practices; (4) provide effective education to healthcare professionals; and (5) apply clinical and outcomes research concepts to professional practice.  Highly motivated individuals with a strong interest in direct patient care in an academic medical center environment and the desire to complete a PGY2 residency are encouraged to apply.

Program Director: Denise R. Sokos, PharmD, BCPS

Block Core Rotations (subject to change)

• Internal medicine
• Critical care
• Ambulatory care
• Precepting
• Drug information/Drug Use and Disease State Management

Longitudinal Core Rotations (subject to change)

• Practice Management
• Hospital Pharmacy Operations
• Underserved clinics
• Drug Information - Formulary review
• Presentation Skill Development
• Research Project
  

Elective Rotations

• ICU (Medical, Neurovascular, Trauma/Surgical, Cardiac Care, Transplantation)
• Infectious Diseases
• Ambulatory Care Transplantation
• Administration
• Family Medicine
• Nutrition
• Oncology

Application Process

Eligible candidates will have a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an ACPE-accredited school or college of pharmacy and be eligible for Pennsylvania licensure. An on-site interview is required. Application materials include: letter of intent, curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation (at least one letter from a clinical rotation experience). All application materials should be forwarded by January 4 to:

Denise R. Sokos, PharmD, BCPS
Assistant Professor
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
302 Scaife Hall, 200 Lothrop Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Phone: 412-647-0828
Fax: 412-647-1441
E-mail: sokosdr@upmc.edu

Residency Program

Duration/Type: 12 months
Number Positions: 4
Application Deadline: January 3
Starting Date: July 1
Estimated Stipend: $32,000
Benefits: Health, dental, eye care, life, and disability available, Vacation and professional travel provided, Travel stipend available
Interview Required: Yes
Training Site Type: Hospital
Owner/Affiliates: Private
Model (type): Teaching, Tertiary
Professional Staff: 48
Total Beds: 1093