The healthcare landscape continues to change and evolve, offering exciting opportunities for pharmacists to improve patient outcomes. Within a large, integrated health system, Providence Portland PGY1 residents have the opportunity to gain advanced practice-based skills in a variety of practice settings with diverse patient populations, while participating in team-based models for delivery of care. In addition, our residents learn about the multitude of career paths open to them, and explore practice opportunities that align with their areas of passion and career interests.
Our Portland PGY1 program is unique among residencies for our innovative approach to learning and was recently recognized by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists with a national Residency Excellence Award, which recognizes excellence and leadership in the training and mentoring of pharmacy residents. Both Providence Portland Medical Center and Providence St. Vincent Medical Center pharmacy departments have implemented a “layered learning model” in all of our clinical rotations, similar to the model used by medical residencies. Each team consists of a pharmacy student, a pharmacy resident and an attending pharmacist. In this model, the resident is overseeing and teaching the student while they, themselves, are being mentored and taught by the attending pharmacist. It gives residents the opportunity to learn from and be influenced, not only by the pharmacist precepting them, but also by the students they are precepting.
Providence is an organization deeply rooted in our mission “As expressions of God’s healing love, witnessed through the ministry of Jesus, we are steadfast in serving all, especially those who are poor and vulnerable.” Throughout our practice settings, our Portland residents are actively engaged in improving patient care, practicing at the top of their license, while functioning as vital members of the healthcare team. In addition to developing our residents’ clinical skills and precepting skills, we also seek to develop our residents into leaders within the profession: Our residents gain leadership experience through the development of advanced personal/professional leadership skills, strategic thinking, and critical thinking skills. Our residents also benefit from involvement in professional organizations, strategic initiatives, and our collaborative approach to delivery of patient care. The residency year offers our Portland PGY1 residents opportunities to advance practice skills and improve patient care, while developing lasting professional relationships with mentors and colleagues. It is a great privilege to be able to help our residents grow and develop into clinicians and future leaders who will continue to raise the bar of pharmacy practice. I am proud of our residents and their contributions throughout the year, as well as their continued and meaningful contributions to the profession after leaving our program.
