FAQ — PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at Memorial Regional Medical Center
Frequently asked questions
When does the residency year begin?
The residency year is anticipated to begin on the last Monday in June.
What are the staffing requirements for residents?
Residents staff in the central pharmacy once every third weekend. Residents also staff in the central pharmacy on one spring holiday (Labor Day or Memorial Day) and one winter holiday (Thanksgiving or Christmas).
Is there a mentorship program?
Residents meet with various individuals involved in the residency program during the orientation experience. After connecting with several individuals, residents submit their rank preference for mentors and the residency program director matches the resident to a mentor. The mentor serves as an individual who assists in promoting resident well-being as well as assisting in navigating the residency year.
How do you support resident well-being throughout the residency year?
Our residency program includes a residency well-being committee that will be focused on maintaining resident work life balance and providing activities to help the resident cope with the rigorous requirements of pharmacy residency. Social events, burn out reduction exercises, coaching sessions with our chaplains, and a myriad of online resources that focus on wellness, mindfulness, and optional one-on-one counseling will be available.
Do residents participate in codes?
During rotations and staffing shifts, residents participate in code responses and other medical emergencies as applicable based upon their shift and/or rotation responsibilities. During the orientation period, residents will complete a Basic Life Support (BLS) course, an Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) course, and pharmacy-specific code response training. Residents will be accompanied by a pharmacist at all codes until confidence and competence is established.
What are the advantages of working in a large health system?
Working in a large health system allows the resident to develop a supportive network of fellow residents and pharmacists. There is also the opportunity to collaborate through committee work and drug policy development. Electives may also be offered at other sites throughout the health system based on resident interest and preceptor availability.
When do I need to be licensed?
To optimize the training experience, it is strongly encouraged that residents be licensed pharmacists in the state of Virginia prior to beginning the residency program. If that is not possible, the resident is expected to be licensed by July 31st.
Do you accept students from outside the United States?
Anyone eligible for Virginia licensure may apply, but we are unfortunately unable to provide sponsorship for international students.