As a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency site, City of Hope is governed by ASHP standards to ensure that the residency will be broadly based in medication management.  While the patients at City of Hope have an underlying diagnosis related to cancer, each resident will gain a comprehensive scope of pharmacy practice. 

The residency was first accredited May 14, 1984. There has been at least one resident each year since the inception. Currently there are 3 PGY-1 residents.

City of Hope is a teaching institution that trains medical fellows and residents in Oncology, Hematology, Surgery, and Radiation Oncology.  Nursing staff and ancillary staff also train a wide variety of students. The Department of Pharmacy has a close relationship with all the staff and is well integrated into every team.

City of Hope has teaching agreements with local pharmacy schools including USC, Loma Linda, UCSF, and Western.  Fourth year APPE programs include Infectious Disease, Intensive Care, Medical Oncology, Ambulatory Care, Administration, and Clinical Information Systems. Pharmacists are encouraged to precept pharmacy residents and students in their respective areas of expertise. Each resident will have an opportunity to precept students and provide lectures to medical and nursing staff.

The pharmacy department provides inpatient and ambulatory care services.  In addition, the department operates an outpatient pharmacy for prescription services.

Clinical pharmacists participate in multidisciplinary rounds, manage therapies under protocol, and participate on the code blue and rapid response teams, and various operational duties.  In addition, pharmacists have the opportunity to participate in clinical research, policy and procedure development, and activities through the Investigational Drug Service.

Many of the former residents are still employed at City of Hope. However, the goal of the program is to develop pharmacists who will have the skills and knowledge to achieve excellence in any pharmacy environment. Upon completion of the City of Hope Residency Program, pharmacist clinicians will be prepared for patient care, adjunct faculty positions, or to enter PGY-2 training in an area of choice.

By the end of every rotation, each resident should have the autonomy to staff each service area commensurate to a current pharmacist. During the final portion of the year, approximately 4 weeks will be dedicated to staffing throughout the institution. Each resident will also be required to staff one major holiday and one minor holiday.

Along with a required research project to be presented at the Western States Conference at the end of the year, residents will be at the forefront of clinical and biomedical research. A large number of patients are on research studies and protocols in all areas of oncology. Residents will also have an opportunity to participate in protocol reviews, the Clinical Investigation Training Program, and Beckman Research Institute seminars. Every resident is strongly encouraged to publish their research.

Each resident will obtain BLS and ACLS certification funded by City of Hope. They will be expected to be an integral part of the code blue team throughout the year.

There is not a geographical limitation to where City of Hope accepts residents. We encourage candidates to apply regardless of where they are from.

While there is not a limit to the number of interviews, the Resident Selection Committee will interview as many candidates as possible. In previous years, the number of interviews ranged from 8 to 25.

City of Hope encourages its pharmacy staff to attend educational events in their areas of service.  To assist in staff development, City of Hope is accredited by the Accredidation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of pharmacy education.  In addition, City of Hope offers many educational opportunities on site through grand rounds and other lecture series.

All full-time employees receive a benefits package that includes vacation time.  Upon employment, Human Resources will provide detailed information.

Each resident will receive a full compensation package including health, dental, vision care, and paid time off during the year.

Each resident is a non-exempt employee. The residents will earn approximately $51,000 for the 2011 – 2012 year.

City of Hope offers salary incentives for pharmacists who have earned their specialty certifications such as Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist or Board Certified Pharmacotherapy specialist. Over 20 percent of the staff are certified in at least one specialty.

All staff receive performance evaluations on an annual basis.  Pharmacist and pharmacy technician raises are based upon the merit system.

The open house typically occurs in late December. Please check the website or contact us for a specific date and how to attend.