I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

In response to the changes in healthcare delivery systems, emerging reimbursement trends, and increasing recognition of the need to improve and document drug therapy outcomes, the Health Plan of San Joaquin Managed Care Pharmacy Practice Residency prepares pharmacists for leadership roles in the managed care setting. The program is designed to provide a solid foundation in population-based pharmaceutical care. Primary emphasis is placed on the development and implementation of medication use management initiatives and policies, clinical programs, formulary management, pharmacoeconomic and outcome assessment, drug information, effective communication, teaching and mentoring skills.

Residents are guided to discover and develop their own unique talents, so as to engender optimal growth and satisfaction throughout their careers. It is our goal as preceptors to nurture in our residents the knowledge, skill, insight, and commitment that will enable them to raise the level of practice of Pharmacy in the managed care environment. As a result of having completed the HPSJ Managed Care Pharmacy Practice Residency, graduates will have the tools to excel and lead at a variety of managed care practice sites, such as HMO/Health Plans, PBM, physician groups, pharmaceutical industry and academia.

II. INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN AND ORGANIZATION

The 12-month Residency in Managed Care Pharmacy Practices consists of activities developed by faculty from Health Plan of San Joaquin (HPSJ), University of the Pacific (UOP) and San Joaquin General Hospital (SJGH). Functionally, the Residency is divided into six core training themes that represent the key subject areas around which all instructional activities are organized. A range of specific activities has been designed within each of the core training themes to ensure that residents are afforded maximum learning opportunities across the full scope of managed care pharmacist roles.

Seven Core Training Themes (CTTs):

1. Ambulatory Care Pharmacotherapy
2. Medication Use & Formulary Management
3. Drug Information, Communication & Customer Services
4. Business Administration
5. Teaching & Mentoring
6. Personal and Professional Leadership

Structurally, the Residency is divided into six 2-month blocks. This approach ensures that instructional objectives are pursued in a logical, systematic progression. The ambitious goals of the HPSJ residency require careful scheduling in order to distribute the workload evenly throughout the year, so as not to overwhelm the resident at any one time. During each block, one or two of the core training themes are emphasized more heavily than the others. However, the resident is expected to prioritize and work on the ongoing, longitudinal activities within each of the seven core training themes. In addition to the activities associated with each 2-month block, the resident participates in the Pharmacist-managed ambulatory care clinics at SJGH throughout the entire residency year to ensure a continuous growth of clinical skills.

Six Training Blocks:

1. Pharmacy Operation / Orientation
2. Ambulatory Care Clinical Practice
3. Medication Use Management
4. Clinical Program Development
5. Drug Policy and Outcome Management
6. Leadership and Management

Download: Click here to download the complete residency outline. (PDF)