Residency Frequently Asked Questions

How many residents are in the WVU Medicine - WVU Hospitals residency program?

There are currently 24 pharmacy residents and we will be recruiting for 25 positions next year in the following:

PGY1 Residents (12)

  • Pharmacy (Acute Care/Inpatient-Focused) (7)
  • Ambulatory Care Track (1)
  • Community-Based (Specialty-Focused) (1)
  • Health-System Pharmacy Administration & Leadership + MHA Degree (2)
  • Pharmacy at WVU Medicine Children's (Pediatrics-Focused) (1)

PGY2 Residents (13)

  • Ambulatory Care (1)
  • Cardiology (1)
  • Critical Care (1)
  • Emergency Medicine (1) *New
  • Health-System Pharmacy Administration & Leadership + MHA Degree (2)
  • Infectious Diseases (1)
  • Internal Medicine (1)
  • Oncology (3)
  • Pediatrics (2)

 

What are the leadership opportunities within the program?

There are a variety of leadership opportunities for residents at WVU Hospitals including: 

  • PGY1 and PGY2 Chief Residents 
  • Residency Coordinator Roles (Recruitment, Interviews, Teaching, Precepting, Community Service and Wellness, MUE and Research, Social, Communications, and Continuing Education) 
  • Mentorship of pharmacy students

How does your program support work-life integration?

  • The program sponsors a variety of wellness/bonding activities, a mentorship program, and monthly meetings with the Residency Program Manager.
  • Residents are encouraged to bond with one another and are provided specific days and evenings off for  resident outings.
  • Residents are encouraged to use paid days off while still meeting rotation requirements.

 

Do residents have parking privileges?

  • Parking is free for all WVU Hospital employees.
  • There are two large parking garages (with a third in progress!) and multiple lots that are approximately a 5-minute walk to the hospital.
  • Shuttle options are available from parking lots to the front of the employee entrance at the front of the hospital. 

 

Is there a dedicated workspace for the residents?

  • Yes! There is a resident only office for PGY1 and PGY2 residents on the same floor as the cafeteria, main pharmacy, pharmacy administration offices, and pharmacy breakroom. 
  • Each resident is assigned a desk, laptop, desk phone, and double monitors.
  • The office has a mini-fridge, printer/fax machine, Keurig, and water cooler.

How does the early commitment process work at WVU Hospitals?

  • Qualified PGY1 residents currently at WVU Medicine may apply and interview after discussion with the Residency Program Coordinator, PGY1 Residency Program Director, and potential PYG2 Residency Program Director.
  • The Early Commitment process at WVU Hospitals will take place prior to ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting.  
  • Each PGY2 residency program at WVU Hospitals reserves the right to utilize or not utilize the Early Commitment Process.

 

What are the dining options available to residents at WVU Hospitals?

  • The hospital has two cafeterias: one in the main hospital and the other at the Children’s Hospital.
  • Starbucks is located in the hospital lobby.
  • The WVU Health Sciences Center has a Market that includes Chick-fil-A, Which Wich, Burgershop, and Hissho Sushi.

What does the teaching certificate encompass? Is it required?

  • The teaching certificate is optional for PGY1s and PGY2s.
  • The teaching certificate is conducted through the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy.
  • Residents attend a weekly 2-hour lecture/seminar series on the methods and practice of teaching in the fall
  • Residents gain experience through facilitating practicums, presenting at least 1 didactic lecture, and being involved in IPPE and APPE experiences at the WVU School of Pharmacy.
  • By the end of the certificate, residents will create a teaching philosophy and a teaching portfolio that showcase their educational approach.
  • Residents are appointed as Adjunct Instructors at the WVU School of Pharmacy (independent of teaching certificate)

 

Can you tell me about the medication use evaluation (MUE) component?

  • The required MUE is finished within the first half of the residency year and presented as completed work at the Vizient Pharmacy Network Meeting
  • A list of high priority projects is developed by the pharmacy department and residents have the opportunity to discuss projects with potential preceptors and rank projects in order of level of interest. Residents are assigned an MUE based upon their rankings.
  • During the second half of the year, residents share their findings with pertinent stakeholders and work to implement their findings to improve patient care.

 

Can you tell me about the research component?

  • We follow a traditional research model where residents complete all steps of a research project with the support of the Research Defense Committee and Research Preceptors.
  • Research will be completed longitudinally and will be presented as a platform presentation.
  • A completed manuscript suitable for publication is required.

What is resident committee involvement like?

  • Medication Safety, Enterprise Pharmacy and Therapeutics Subcommittees  
  • Residents are encouraged to actively participate on national committees such as Vizient, ASHP, ACCP, or other pharmacy organizations.

What are the staffing requirements for residents?

  • Staffing requirements vary based on the program. See program sites for more information.
  • PGY1 Pharmacy Residents practice every third weekend (two 8-hours shifts) and one evening shift every 2 weeks (8-hour shift).
  • PGY2 Pharmacy Residents staff every 3rd weekend (two 8-hour shifts)
  • All residents work one summer holiday (Memorial Day, or Labor Day) and one winter holiday (Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s).
  • Residents at WVU Medicine Children’s staff every other weekend with a compensation day following a weekend.

What are the benefits and stipend for residents?

Residents receive a competitive stipend based on Morgantown cost of living. For more information see program specific pages. Residents receive comprehensive flexible benefits packages including medical, dental, vision, life and disability. In addition, the residents receive paid days off, paid holidays, and financial support for travel to professional and educational programs and professional society meetings.

What professional conferences will residents participate in?

  • All residents have the option to attend ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting and Vizient Pharmacy Network Meeting. A majority of residents present their MUE at the Vizient Pharmacy Network Meeting.
  • Residents may attend other national conferences based on their specific program.
  • Residents receive financial support to travel to professional conferences.