As far back as 2010, the USC College of Pharmacy has benefited by partnering with community pharmacies to provide residency training.
The college and the Kennedy Pharmacy Innovation Center work collaboratively to support four postgraduate year one residency sites and two additional sites that provide PGY1/PGY2 administration and leadership residencies.
Beginning in 2024, the Community-Based Pharmacy Residency Program will launch a PGY1 site with HopeHealth, a federally qualified health center in Florence, South Carolina.
Jordan Ballou serves as program director for the community residency programs.
“Residency training is considered to be the equivalent of three to five years of work experience,” Ballou says. “It is an opportunity for pharmacy graduates to receive this additional training in one year’s time. Plus, the skills and network that you develop can be critical to your future success.”
Community pharmacy residencies also offer a tremendous benefit to patients.
“Residents are up-to-date on advanced clinical knowledge and are on the forefront of what is happening in the profession of pharmacy,” she says. “It is also an opportunity to enhance their communication skills and how they relate to patients.”
Ballou is eager to see the program expand further. Talks are underway to potentially add another community pharmacy residency site in 2025.
“Community residency programs allow graduates to differentiate themselves,” Ballou says. “I was always told that a community residency allows you to create the job that you want in community pharmacy. If you are interested in clinical services, in managing a pharmacy or being a pharmacy owner, this is a great pathway to get you there.”
Topics: Postgraduate Training, Community-based Pharmacy Residency Program