24-month pharmacotherapy residency: what's the benefit?

[bacillus1]

I've just heard of these things. What's the point? Every time I read a description for a PGY2 in pharmacotherapy, it just seems the same thing as a PGY1 (though I'm sure more in depth on all the rotations). It's being like specializing in being a generalist. Are there jobs that actually want these people, with a great benefit of doing this over a PGY1?

I saw the 2010 match statistics and 30% of these positions (3 out of 10) went unfilled during the match. Is the reason basically because it's just so general that the utility of such a program is questionable?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[p-rog]

I've just heard of these things. What's the point? Every time I read a description for a PGY2 in pharmacotherapy, it just seems the same thing as a PGY1 (though I'm sure more in depth on all the rotations). It's being like specializing in being a generalist. Are there jobs that actually want these people, with a great benefit of doing this over a PGY1?

I saw the 2010 match statistics and 30% of these positions (3 out of 10) went unfilled during the match. Is the reason basically because it's just so general that the utility of such a program is questionable?

I agree it SEEMS a little unnecessary/redundant, but maybe the advantage is that you can handle a clinical job with multiple specialties at a smaller hospital... like you could be the ID/oncology clinical pharmacist or something.

I don't know, that still sounds dumb when you could just do that with a PGY-1.

 

[VeraShield]

Here is an editorial on the subject:
http://www.atypon-link.com/PPI/doi/pdf/10.1592/phco.28.7.819?cookieSet=1

 

[bacillus1]

I counted 32 people in that list of jobs, and they're pretty respectable jobs. This is in 10 years of residency though I believe (since it started in 96, so first class graduated in 98), so those positions aren't overly impressive. I really just can't imagine a pharmacist that can do it all, and do it well.

 

[njac]

where I work our MICU pharmacist did one of these, with an emphasis on critical care his 2nd year.

he's phenomenal. but that could just be a reflection on where he trained.

 

[fgh]

I thank it is an opportunity to do a residency without a formal division of PGY1 and PGY2. it also allows you to specialize with unique experiences. Frequently these residents have some informal specialization during their second year. It really allows greater tailoring of the residency experience to the individual resident than separated residencies.

On the other hand, it lacks the formal specialization of a designated PGY2. I think most people looking to hire will read your entire CV, and will see any specialization attempted during a pharmacotherapy residency.

I think each is somewhat unique- so do your research (as with any residency).

 

[spacecowgirl]

Here is an editorial on the subject:
http://www.atypon-link.com/PPI/doi/pdf/10.1592/phco.28.7.819?cookieSet=1

This link didn't work for me.

I think a residency like this would have been great for what I do now (small hospital). I suppose it's like the pharmacotherapy BPS, really. In some ways I think you'd have broader job opportunities because you should be able to fit into several specialities without pigeon-holing yourself too much. I didn't know these existed though and I wasn't about to do a PGY2 I'm old enough as it is.

 

[rrr10]

More likely than not ID or oncology pharmacist position would prefer a PGY2 in ID or oncology. I know someone who completed a 2-year program in PTX and is a clinical specialist in Family Medicine.