PGY2 Oncology Residency
The PGY2 Oncology Residency is an American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) accredited twelve-month program that transitions the PGY1 Pharmacy Practice resident to a specialized practice within oncology and hematology. The program focuses on clinical practice and education, and includes completion of a residency project. Upon completion of this PGY2 program, the resident will be prepared for an oncology clinical pharmacist position with adjunct faculty responsibilities.
Purpose Statement
PGY2 pharmacy residency programs build on Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) education and PGY1 pharmacy residency programs to contribute to the development of clinical pharmacists in specialized areas of practice. PGY2 residencies provide residents with opportunities to function independently as practitioners by conceptualizing and integrating accumulated experience and knowledge and incorporating both into the provision of patient care or other advanced practice settings. Residents who successfully complete an accredited PGY2 pharmacy residency are prepared for advanced patient care, academic, or other specialized positions, along with board certification, if available.
Qualifications
Applicants must be Doctor of Pharmacy graduates from an ACPE-accredited school or college of pharmacy; have completed an accredited PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency; be licensed or eligible for pharmacist licensure in Virginia; and possess requisite patient care training or experience. The successful applicant must possess exceptional knowledge, clinical problem-solving, communication skills, and leadership qualities.
Residency Goals
- To develop expert pharmacy skills and competence in oncology-related areas such as cancer chemotherapy, bone marrow transplantation and cellular therapy, and oncology-related supportive care. The resident will be able to participate effectively in therapeutic decision-making, drug therapy selection, and therapeutic drug monitoring to improve outcomes and quality of life in the oncology patient.
- To develop and enhance teaching skills by participating in selected didactic courses at the VCU School of Pharmacy, precepting students in clinical experiences (APPEs), and presenting educational information to health care professionals, patients, and family members.
- To enhance written and oral communication skills to enable the resident to contribute oncology information through publication and presentation.
- To develop sufficient knowledge and clinical experience in oncology to initiate and perform research in this area.
- To develop effective organizational, integrative, and evaluative skills that assist the resident in developing cost-effective, patient-oriented pharmacy services in oncology.
Program Structure
The PGY2 Oncology resident will gain a broad range of experiences in various oncology settings. Massey Cancer Center, an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, coordinates multidisciplinary activities in cancer research, treatment, and education for the university and the community. Massey Cancer Center is a regional referral center for Virginia and an integral part of VCU Health System.
Required Rotations (8)
- Orientation
- Acute Care Hematology
- Acute Care Cellular Immunotherapy and Transplant
- Hematology/Oncology Clinic I
- Hematology/Oncology Clinic II
- Hematology Clinic I
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology I
- Clerkship Teaching (APPE Precepting)
Elective Rotations (2)
- Acute Care Oncology
- Cellular Immunotherapy and Transplant Clinic
- Gynecology/Oncology Clinic
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology II
- Additional experiences may be offered based on preceptor availability
Longitudinal Required Learning Experiences
- Staffing
- Pharmacology Series
- Drug Shortages Committee
- Medication Event Reporting & Monitoring
- Research
Other Required Learning Experiences
- Oncology Investigational Drugs
- Presentations & Lectures
- Medication Use Evaluation
- Oncology Formulary Management
Teaching
The PGY2 Oncology Resident is given an academic faculty appointment as a Clinical Instructor at the VCU School of Pharmacy and has opportunities to provide didactic instruction (e.g., lectures, team-based learning sessions, case conferences) and experiential training (e.g., APPEs) for Doctor of Pharmacy students. Residents may participate in an elective teaching and learning certificate program. The PGY2 Oncology resident is also involved in teaching oncology fellows in the VCU Hematology-Oncology Fellowship program through monthly oncology pharmacotherapy-focused education sessions.
Research and Quality Improvement
Each resident is responsible for initiating and successfully completing a research project, with presentation at an internal residency research symposium and at a national meeting (e.g., HOPA or ASTCT). Residents will be required to prepare a manuscript suitable for publication. Residents are encouraged to submit their projects for publication. An advisor and additional support will guide the resident through the process. Potential oncology research projects are presented to the residents at the start of the residency program.
Program Leadership
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Program Director Kyle Zacholski, PharmD, BCOP Clinical Specialist, Hematology & Oncology Clinical Assistant Professor of Pharmacy PharmD, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy PGY1 Residency in Pharmacy Practice and PGY2 Residency in Oncology at University of Kentucky HealthCare |
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Coordinator, Pharmacy Residency Programs |
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Director, Department of Pharmacy Services |
Preceptors
May Aziz, PharmD, BCOP
Inpatient Bone Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy
Amanda Fegley, PharmD, BCOP
Outpatient Hematology/Oncology Clinic
Mandy Gatesman, PharmD, BCOP
Oncology Informatics and Inpatient Oncology
Erin Zacholski, PharmD, BCOP
VCU School of Pharmacy Faculty
Gynecology/Oncology Clinic
Cady Noda, PharmD, BCPS
Inpatient Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant
Morgan Randolph, PharmD, BCOP
Outpatient Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant
Kyle Zacholski, PharmD, BCOP
Inpatient Malignant Hematology
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and participates in the ASHP/NMS PGY2 Matching Program and PhORCAS. For details, visit the ASHP PhORCAS website.
Recruitment
Visit our Application and Recruitment page for more information on our virtual sessions and ASHP showcase and Personal Placement Service participation.
Number of Positions
2
Salary and Benefits
The salary for PGY2 pharmacy residents at VCU Health System is $60,000.
Duration of Appointment
The pharmacy resident's contract at VCU Health System will begin on July 1 of the program year. The pharmacy residency will be completed on June 30 of the subsequent year.
Leave and Benefits
Two weeks (10 days) of paid vacation or personal leave are granted. Additionally, 9 days of paid holiday leave and 5 days of paid sick leave are provided. Residents also receive 2 days of family/self-care leave and 10 days for educational or professional leave.
Health Benefits
The VCU Health System provides a health insurance policy, including outpatient physician visits, lab tests, and optional dental, vision, and family coverage.
Liability Insurance
VCU Health System provides professional liability (malpractice) insurance for each pharmacy resident. The policy covers professional service within the institution.
Moonlighting
Residents may pursue additional paid staffing within VCU Health System upon program director approval, not exceeding 16 hours weekly.
Office Space and Resources
Office space and remote access to patient and drug information are provided for residents.
Health and Recreation Facilities
Residents have access to VCU recreational facilities at a reduced membership fee.
Parking
Parking and health-system shuttles are available on the VCU Medical Center campus at no cost.