City of Hope-Chapman University PGY2 Medication-Use Safety and Policy

Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a world-renowned research, patient care and educational facility recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for cancer treatment. We are one of a select group of National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. We are also among a small number of organizations nationwide to be recognized as an ASHP-Certified Center of Excellence in Medication-Use Safety and Pharmacy Practice. 

Our Los Angeles County inpatient and ambulatory care facility is in Duarte, California. This lush 110-acre campus boasts beautiful landscapes and breathtaking views of the panoramic vistas of the Angeles National Forest. The City of Hope Los Angeles Enterprise includes an extensive network of community practice sites throughout Los Angeles, Riverside, Ventura, and San Bernardino counties. 

City of Hope Orange County brings specialized cancer care and clinical trials to the region. Located on an 11-acre Irvine campus, Lennar Foundation Cancer Center is the equivalent to four football fields of cancer research and treatment, offering comprehensive oncology services and highly specialized programs. In addition, patients can also access advanced care at five regional clinics throughout Orange County and Long Beach. 

The City of Hope Pharmacy Enterprise is committed to delivering best-in-class pharmaceutical care. Our reputation for groundbreaking discoveries, innovative treatments and compassionate patient care makes us an excellent place for highly motivated pharmacists interested in establishing an exceptional career in a progressive clinical setting.

Chapman University School of Pharmacy

Chapman University is the largest independent university in Orange County and a distinguished, nationally recognized institution.

Located on the Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus in Irvine, California, Chapman University School of Pharmacy trains student pharmacists and scientists to make a difference in people’s lives by improving human health in our local communities and around the world.

Program Overview

The City of Hope-Chapman University PGY2 Medication-Use Safety and Policy Residency accepts one candidate each year. The PGY2 resident will work under the direction of the Director, Medication Safety and Quality/Residency Program Director to:

• Critically evaluate and identify vulnerabilities in the 11 elements of the medication-use system:
  • Prescribing
  • Prescription Order Communication
  • Product Labeling
  • Product Packaging and Nomenclature
  • Compounding
  • Dispensing
  • Distribution
  • Administration
  • Education
  • Monitoring
  • Use
• Cultivate expertise in regulatory and accreditation requirements, including Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations, Joint Commission Medication Management Standards and National Patient Safety Goals, and California Board of Pharmacy laws
• Apply performance improvement principles (e.g., Plan Do Study Act, Lean Six Sigma)
• Optimize technology and automation to support safe and efficient medication-use workflows
• Design robust drug utilization reviews and comprehensive audits to assess the medication-use system and measure improvement outcomes
• Strengthen verbal and written communication skills by developing policies, guidelines, and reports, presenting at multidisciplinary committees, and composing a research manuscript
• Lead teams and task forces focusing on safety, compliance, or quality
• Complete a Teaching Certificate through Chapman University School of Pharmacy

Required Core Learning Experiences

Medication Safety I & II – 3 weeks each

These two learning experiences will introduce the resident to foundational concepts that will be applied to augmenting safeguards within the medication-use system.

Adult Hematology – 4 weeks

The resident will focus on safety considerations in regimens used for AML, ALL, stem cell transplant, and CAR T-cell therapy.

Oupatient Infusion Clinic – 4 weeks

The resident will be exposed to unique workflow, compliance, and safety issues of infusion practice at Lennar Foundation Cancer Center.

Inpatient Operations/Clinic Operations – 3 weeks/2 weeks

These two learning experiences focus on enhancing safety and quality within inpatient workflows and ambulatory care operations.

Compliance and Regulatory – 6 weeks

This rotation will provide an understanding of compliance with accreditation standards and regulations, including survey readiness and constructing survey response plans.

Clinical Informatics – 4 weeks

The resident will evaluate electronic health record medication builds, order sets and Beacon chemotherapy treatment plans for design improvements to maximize safety and Clinical Pathways enhancement.

Automation and Technology – 5 weeks

Safety options employed with various technologies (e.g., infusion pumps with dose error reduction software, medication barcode scanning, automated dispensing cabinets, RFID tray replenishment system) will be covered.

Formulary Management and Drug Use Policy – 6 weeks

This learning experience is centered around formulary management principles, evidence-based reviews, and drug shortage/recall management.

Elective Learning Experiences

(*Note: resident will select from two 4-week elective blocks.)

• Automation and Technology – Industry [Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD)]
• Global Safety and Compliance [Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD)]
• Investigational Drug Services
• Medication Use Safety Health Economics and Outcomes Research [Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD)]
• Pharmacy Informatics Systems Applications
• Pharmacy Leadership
• Supportive Care

*Other elective learning experiences may be developed based on resident interest and preceptor availability.

Longitudinal Learning Experiences

Medication Safety Leadership – 11 months

The resident will oversee medication event and adverse drug reaction reporting and participate in various multidisciplinary committees and activities throughout the year to gain a comprehensive understanding of the medication-use process and system improvements.

Research Project – 10 months

The resident will complete a research project, including preparation of a manuscript and formal presentation.

Teaching Certificate – 11 months

The resident will earn a teaching certificate through Chapman University School of Pharmacy, gaining an expanded teaching skill set to utilize in a variety of roles as an educator, including lecturer, facilitator, and preceptor.

Program Contact