Residency Showcase Program Listings

A PGY2 Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership (HSPAL) resident is a pharmacist who builds advanced skills in pharmacy leadership, operational management, and strategic decision-making within complex healthcare systems. This resident functions as an integral member of the pharmacy leadership team, working closely with managers, directors, and executive leaders to understand how high-performing pharmacy departments are designed, optimized, and sustained. The role focuses on developing proficiency in areas such as medication-use systems management, quality improvement, budgeting and financial stewardship, workforce development, formulary management, regulatory compliance, and enterprise-level strategic planning.

Throughout the year, the PGY2 HSPAL resident leads and participates in systemwide initiatives that improve patient safety, operational efficiency, clinical effectiveness, and organizational resilience. The resident manages longitudinal projects, facilitates committees or workgroups, and learns to analyze data to guide decision-making. They gain experience in personnel management through activities such as interviewing, onboarding, precepting, performance evaluation, and process redesign. The resident also hones communication skills by preparing executive-level presentations, developing policies and business plans, and collaborating across interdisciplinary teams and service lines.

In addition to operational and administrative training, the PGY2 HSPAL resident develops as a leader through mentorship, professional development, and progressive responsibility. By the end of the program, the resident is prepared for leadership roles such as pharmacy operations manager, clinical manager, supervisor, or emerging director-level positions within diverse health-system settings. The residency equips pharmacists with the competencies to drive meaningful organizational change, support high-reliability practices, and advance the mission and strategic goals of the health system.

Salary: $81,432

Website: PGY2 Health-System Pharmacy Administration Residency | UC San Diego Health

Requirements of Residents Prior to Starting the Program: 

Applicants for appointment to the post-graduate year 2 (PGY2) education training programs sponsored by UCSDH must meet the following criteria: 

• Graduate of an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited PharmD degree program (or one in the candidate process), or have a Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Committee (FPGEC) certificate from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
• Must be a United States Citizen or a Permanent Resident
• Licensed or eligible for licensure as a pharmacist in the state of California
  • The residency is expected to begin on the last Monday of July, or first Monday of August, depending on the Human Resources orientation schedule. However, the pharmacy resident must have obtained their California pharmacist license prior to beginning residency (absolute deadline to start is November 1st) 
• Successfully completed an ASHP-accredited or candidate status PGY1 pharmacy residency
  • Upon receipt of application to the program, the RPD will contact the PGY1 program director if RPD/RPC is not writing a letter of recommendation
  • Prior to beginning the residency program, a signed residency certificate will be required. If a pharmacy resident cannot provide PGY1 certification of completion within 30 days of starting, the resident will be dismissed from the residency
• Upon hire by UCSDH, along with any other requirements by UCSDH Human Resources: 
  
  • Provide proof of United States citizenship or permanent residence (Green Card)
  • Provide PGY1 certificate of completion
  • Complete a full verification and criminal background screen
  • Attend new employee orientation (NEO) 

Application:  

All applicants must be enrolled in the Resident Matching Program. To facilitate this enrollment process and for further information, please visit the following website: http://www.natmatch.com/ashprmp. Applications will be accepted when PhORCAS opens and are due by January 2nd. Applications should be submitted through PhORCAS and include the following: 

• Letter of intent
  • Please address your vision of an internal medicine pharmacist practicing at the top of their license and your own personal goals 

• Current Curriculum Vitae with all experiential completed and anticipated rotations as well as pharmacy work experience.
  • Three electronic references are required from preceptors who can directly comment on your clinical and practice skills.  

• Note: Please have recommendation writers complete the electronic reference form within PhORCAS with detailed characteristic and narrative comments. One to two areas of improvement or constructive feedback that the recommender feels the candidate should continue to work on as a PGY2 resident should be identified. A separate letter of recommendation is NOT required and discouraged. 

• Letter of endorsement from PGY1 Residency Program Director (if RPD is not one of the three preceptors references mentioned above) 

• Complete the online supplemental application https://ucsd.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_23Ma2f6yreKYBZc  

 On-site or virtual interviews will be held during late January-February.  

About UC San Diego Health PGY2 Health System Pharmacy Administration & Leadership

UC San Diego Health is a leading academic health system in San Diego, California, and serves as the clinical extension of the University of California, San Diego. As the region’s only academic health center, it brings together patient care, research, and education across the School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy, and Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health. Its mission emphasizes outstanding patient care, innovative scientific discovery, and inspired teaching, with a vision focused on creating a healthier world through new science and new cures. The health system includes multiple hospitals—Hillcrest Medical Center, Jacobs Medical Center, and East Campus Medical Center—along with major specialty centers such as the Moores Cancer Center, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, Shiley Eye Institute, and Koman Family Outpatient Pavilion. UC San Diego Health also operates a large network of more than 40 primary care, urgent care, and specialty clinics across the county, enhancing access for patients throughout the region. UC San Diego Health is consistently recognized for excellence, ranking #1 in San Diego by U.S. News & World Report for 2025–26 and earning high marks in severa...l adult specialties. As a major referral center for complex conditions and a hub for clinical trials, the organization provides patients access to advanced and emerging therapies. The health system is also deeply committed to health equity, working to reduce disparities related to race, socioeconomic status, and other social determinants of health, while partnering with community organizations to support underserved populations. One notable initiative is its partnership with San Diego County to build a comprehensive behavioral health care hub. Recent developments include the opening of the McGrath Outpatient Pavilion at Hillcrest, expanding access to outpatient cancer care, diagnostics, and laboratory services. At the same time, like many U.S. health systems, UC San Diego Health is navigating financial pressures, which recently resulted in staffing reductions. Despite these challenges, the organization continues to expand digital engagement tools like the MyUCSDHealth app, improving communication and transparency for patients. Overall, UC San Diego Health is a strong choice for individuals seeking specialized or research-driven care, those looking for access to clinical trials, or anyone in the San Diego region who wants high-quality medical services supported by an academic and innovation-focused environment.

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