All SVH residents complete a standard orientation during the first month of their program. The program director will orient residents to the program’s purpose, applicable accreditation standards, designated learning experiences, and evaluation strategy. In addition, residents will be introduced to the various operational areas of the SVH Pharmacy Department and gain experience under the guidance of a full-time staff pharmacist. Residents will also attend a general hospital orientation.
Various residency-related projects are required throughout the year. Residents will be provided with numerous opportunities to enhance their verbal and written communication skills in a variety of settings. Residents will give both formal and informal presentations. The required presentations include the following:
To more fully engage in quality improvement learning activities and to facilitate writing and literature evaluation skills, residents will complete both a formulary (or class) review and a medication use evaluation. In addition, residents will prepare a manuscript of their research project suitable for contribution to a peer-reviewed journal. Residents will also engage in several less formal case presentations and in services throughout the year as determined by the rotation preceptors.
Through a partnership with Duquesne University’s School of Pharmacy, residents may elect to complete the requirements of the teaching certificate program. In addition to required educational presentations and precepting, residents will develop a teaching philosophy statement and portfolio.
Pharmacy residents participate in an on-call service, which provides first-hand experience in developing problem-solving skills through exposure to various clinical situations. Residents will participate in a rotating on-call schedule for coverage of these services. Residents will be assigned a preceptor as the back-up for any questions or issues. A comprehensive overview of these services will occur during orientation.
To provide residents with model pharmacy practice experience, residents will be assigned staffing duties on a rotating basis, as follows:
