Residency purpose statement
PGY1 pharmacy residency programs build on Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) education and outcomes to contribute to the development of clinical pharmacists responsible for medication-related care of patients with a wide range of conditions, eligible for board certification, and eligible for postgraduate year two (PGY2) pharmacy residency training..
Residency experience
The residency year is composed of a set of both core and elective rotations lasting 4 weeks in duration. The resident may choose 2 electives from list below. Longitudinal rotations are yearlong and require progress throughout the residency year.
Core Rotations
- Orientation
- Administration/Medication Safety
- Internal Medicine (Neurology)
- Internal Medicine (Med/Surg)
- Critical Care (Medicinal)
- Emergency Medicine
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Trauma
- Academia (Regis)
Elective Rotations
- Labor and Delivery/Pediatrics
- Neuro Critical Care
- Infectious Diseases 2
- Emergency Medicine 2
- Trauma 2
- Critical Care 2/Burn
- Hematology/Oncology
Longitudinal Rotations
- Administration/Medication Safety
- Pharmacokinetics
- Teaching Certificate Program
- Research Project
- Academia
- Staffing
The service component (staffing) is considered a longitudinal rotation during the PGY1 year. Staffing provides the resident with the opportunity to identify the unique challenges present while working as an independent practitioner and apply knowledge gained during learning experiences. The resident is required to work one weekend (one Saturday and one Sunday) every 3 weeks beginning in August through June of the residency year. One Winter Holiday (Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day) and one Summer Holiday (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) are also required as part of the service component. The resident is also obligated to work one evening shift (1700 – 2100) every third week.
Pharmacist licensure
Licensure in the state of Colorado is a requirement of the SMC PGY1 residency program. The licensure process can take 6-8 weeks and residents should strive to begin the licensure process prior to the start date. Licensure must be obtained within 90 days of the resident start date. It is recommended to retain photocopies of all materials submitted for licensure. Find more information on obtaining pharmacist licensure in Colorado.
Application requirements
The deadline for all application materials in January 6th (every year). Required application materials must be submitted via PhORCAS.
- Curriculum Vitae
- Letter of Intent Form
- Pharmacy Transcripts
- Three Letters of Reference – Instructions for Letter Writers
Applicants must be a graduate from an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), accredited Doctor of Pharmacy degree program.
Interview offers will be extended by mid-January and required on-site interviews will be conducted from late January through mid-February. Interviews should be expected to last the full day and include evaluation and presentation of a patient case.
The Swedish Medical Center PGY1 Residency Program participates in the ASHP Resident Match Program. All applicants must register for the match at www.natmatch.com/ashprmp.
Pharmacy preceptors
Pharmacy residency graduates
Contact information
Residency Program Coordinator
Dustin Leitzel, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Residency Program Director
Rachel Beham, PharmD