Pharmacy Residency Program PGY1 COMMUNITY-BASED PHARMACY RESIDENCY

Community-Based Residency

The Harris Health Systems Community-Based PGY1 residency program is dedicated to developing the next generation of clinical pharmacists practicing at the top of their license within the community. The program will consist of various experiences in ambulatory care and community pharmacy practice and aims to train pharmacists to be adept and skilled in multiple areas of direct patient care while serving those most in need in Harris County.

PGY1 Community-Based Residency Program Purpose: PGY1 residency programs build upon Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education and outcomes to develop pharmacist practitioners with knowledge, skills, and abilities as defined in the educational competency areas, goals, and objectives. Residents who successfully complete PGY1 residency programs will be skilled in diverse patient care, practice management, leadership, and education, and be prepared to provide patient care, seek board certification in pharmacotherapy (i.e., BCPS), and pursue advanced education and training opportunities including postgraduate year two (PGY2) residencies.

Candidate status for PGY1 Community-Based Program

Residency Requirements

Longitudinal Rotations

  • Community Pharmacy
  • Ambulatory Care
  • Integrated Pharmacy Services
  • Pharmacy Leadership & Professional Development
  • Transitions of Care
  • Projects

Concentrated Rotations

  • Orientation
  • HIV Specialty Pharmacy
  • Oncology/Infusion

Elective Rotations

Electives can be designed and offered based on the resident's interests/requests

Projects

The resident will work on 4 projects throughout the residency year that are required for successful completion of the program. They include a practice related or research project, a new service development or enhancement, quality improvement project, and collaborative practice agreement project.

Other Program Requirements

  • Poster presentation at national conference
  • Podium presentation at regional conference
  • Complete teaching certificate program in partnership with the University of Houston

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the program's admission requirements?

Individuals wishing to apply to the Harris Health Residency Program must:

  • Be a graduate of an ACPE-­accredited College of Pharmacy
  • Have current valid pharmacy license in the state of Texas, or be eligible for licensure
  • Have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average for pharmacy school curriculum (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Enroll in the Residency Matching Program

What are the licensing requirements?

Applicants to the Harris Health System Pharmacy Residency Programs shall have either obtained a license to practice pharmacy in Texas, have reciprocated their license to practice pharmacy in Texas, or be in the process of obtaining their license to practice pharmacy in Texas as soon as possible.

Resident interns and resident pharmacists shall submit documentation of active licensure in the state of Texas [North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE)] to the Residency Program Director as soon as it is available and no later than 60 days from the start of the residency program.

Per ASHP requirements, a minimum of 2/3 of the residency must be completed as a licensed pharmacist, therefore resident interns/pharmacists who have failed to meet the licensure deadline due to failure of either the NAPLEX or Texas MPJE exam shall be dismissed from the residency program.

Can Harris Health sponsor applicants with visas?

Harris Health cannot sponsor student work visas.

Are applicants graduating in August considered?

Applicants must graduate by May from an ACPE­-accredited College of Pharmacy.

What is the official start date of the program?

The official start date of the program is July 1, 2024.

What documents are required for program application?

Applications shall be deemed complete upon the receipt of the following:

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Letter of Interest
    • Describe your reasons for pursuing a PGY1 Community-Based Practice Residency. The letter should include details about your professional interests, achievements, and your five-year goals as a pharmacist.
  • Official Transcripts
    • Official transcripts related to pharmacy education are required.
  • Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
    • Reference writers must complete the standardized reference form in the PhORCAS system.
    • One letter of recommendation must be from a pharmacist who has supervised you or an APPE preceptor.

When is the application deadline?

All application materials must be submitted through Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service (PhORCAS) System by January 2 of every year.

How can I apply for this residency program?

Application materials shall be submitted via the PhORCAS System.

How can I get more information regarding your program and learning experiences?

An in-depth overview of our program can be found here. You may also contact the residency program director with any additional questions.

For additional information, please contact:

Cayla Huon
Cayla Huon, PharmD
Residency Program Director
Pharmacy Supervisor, Integrated Pharmacy Services
Cayla.Huon@harrishealth.org
Jeya Mathews
Jeya Mathews, PharmD
Residency Program Coordinator
Operations Manager
Jeya.Mathews@harrishealth.org