An immersive training model to build and grow a specialty pharmacy in an academic health system.

PURPOSE

Pharmacy is continually challenged to maintain a qualified workforce during times of workforce and resource shortages. Pharmacies can bridge this gap by developing a robust training program for students and residents. The purpose of this paper is to describe how a health system-based specialty pharmacy and affiliated college of pharmacy built an immersive training program for students and residents that contributed to the growth and success of a health system-based specialty pharmacy and provided experiences to train the next generation of specialty pharmacy practitioners and leaders.

SUMMARY

From 2013 through 2023, the specialty pharmacy trained 490 doctor of pharmacy students and residents through independent study, introductory and advanced pharmacy practice experiences, externships, didactic teaching, postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) and PGY2 residency rotations, and specialty pharmacy residencies. Students and residents helped build specialty pharmacy services and supplemented the technician and pharmacist workforce. Specialty pharmacy revenue increased approximately 9-fold during this time period, and the number of prescriptions increased approximately 8-fold. Sixty-five percent of students employed in the specialty pharmacy as externs successfully completed or are currently enrolled in PGY1 or PGY2 residencies or fellowships focusing on specialty pharmacy, managed care, health outcomes, or industry. All PGY1 and PGY2 specialty pharmacy residents secured initial employment in health-system specialty pharmacies. Students and residents produced 67 publications and presentations related to specialty pharmacy for which they were first authors. In 2023, the proportion of students familiar with specialty pharmacy topics in the didactic course increased from 6% to 88%.

CONCLUSION

An immersive specialty pharmacy training program provides students and residents with valuable experiences to prepare them for future training or employment in a specialty pharmacy while contributing to the growth and success of the specialty pharmacy.