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Statement of Professionalism

Pharmacist

Pharmacists have been consistently ranked as among the best jobs in the United States.

Pharmacy is a a profession. Despite the challenges to professionalism presented by changes in health care, pharmacists must embrace the responsibilities that stem from their profession's guiding principles. Among those responsibilites are advancing the well-being and dignity of their patients, acting with integrity and conscience, collaborating respectfully with health care colleagues, and seeking justice in the distribution of health care resources.

According to the article Full preparation: The Pfizer guide to careers in Pharmacy (2002) " we are living in the most exciting period in the history of pharmaceuticals, as new options lead to new opportunities for those in the field, or about to join the field. Pharmacists are at the zenith in their ability to manage, cure and prevent disease. Demographics in this country practically ensure a bright future for those entering the profession. We are witnessing a double dynamic in our population: growth in the number of births and an extended lifespan for men and women" (Giorgianni & Lipson, p. 4)

Residency overview:

Pharmacy residency is a post-graduate training program you can complete as a licensed pharmacist under the supervision and guidance of a RPD (residency program director). While residency programs are most commonly completed immediately after obtaining your PharmD degree, it's not entirely uncommon to "go back" for residency training after already working as a pharmacist. The purpose of these programs is to build upon your PharmD, enhance your clinical experience and professional skills, and prepare you for a clinical pharmacist position. Residency programs are typically 12 months in duration. At this time, they include post graduate year 1 (PGY1) and post-graduate year 2 (PGY2), and combined PGY1/PGY2 programs. Completion of a PGY1 is required before a PGY2 training. PGY1 programs are designed to allow you to receive a wide range of clinical experiences, whereas PGY2 programs focus on a specialized area of practice. Below is a list of the current types of residency programs offered in collaboration with ASHP.

PGY1 specialties: