This PGY1 pharmacy residency training program builds upon UPMC's strong tradition of training pharmacists to be competent practitioners upon completion. Residents will gain clinical experience through diverse practice settings in both longitudinal and block-style rotations. Many unique learning experiences are available in both psychiatry and medicine. The resident will serve on multidisciplinary hospital committees and will develop and implement evidence-based drug-use initiatives. The resident will also provide appropriate responses to drug information requests, design patient-specific therapeutic regimens and monitoring plans, participate in journal clubs, and present seminars. Residents are mentored through the Resident Research Series to identify a practice-related research question, learn about study design and execute, and complete a residency project suitable for publication.

For residents with an academic interest, the Teaching Mastery Series provides opportunities to learn various teaching methods and develop their skills as pharmacy educators and clinical preceptors. Flexibility is provided to meet the individual resident's goals and objectives.

Program objectives include:

1. Demonstrate proficiency, confidence, and compassion in providing direct patient care to patients with a diverse array of medical and psychiatric illnesses
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
5. Apply clinical and outcomes research concepts to professional practice