Application and Selection Process | Program Responsibilities| Program Benefits
Application and Selection Process
Program Responsibilities
Program Benefits
Application and Selection Process
Q: How do I apply for NorthShore residency?
A: The application process includes submission of transcripts, recommendation forms, and a resume with cover letter to Jeff Thiel, PharmD, MS. You must also register for the ASHP Residency Matching Program and schedule an interview.
Q: Do I have to go to the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting to apply to your program?
A: Attendance at the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting is not a requirement of the application process. Instead, it is an opportunity to meet with representatives from our program, ask questions, and get a broader perspective of what we offer.
Q: Since I am attending the residency showcase at the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting, is it necessary to have an on-site interview?
A: Yes, an on-site interview is required because:
- Not all preceptors that are involved in the interview and selection process attend the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting.
- It is important for candidates to physically see the work settings.
Interviews for the pharmacy residency program are NOT conducted at the Midyear Clinical Meeting because it would detract from other educational opportunities.
Q: If I do go to the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting, does that increase my chances of getting the residency?
A: Each application is reviewed against the same set of criteria. Attendance at the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting is not part of those criteria.
Q: Do you prefer in-state students or those who have had a rotation at NorthShore?
A: We require that our residents be eligible for licensure or already licensed in the state of Illinois. No preference is given to candidates based on prior rotations, ethnic background, religion, pharmacy school, state of birth or any other demographic data.
Q: What are you looking for in a potential candidate?
A: The pharmacy residency program at NorthShore would like to hire pharmacists with high academic standing and favorable recommendations that demonstrate applicants' commitment and ambition in their previous positions. We also consider work experience, career goals, and communication skills as important factors in our selection process.
Q: How do I schedule a site visit and interview?
A: Once you have submitted the required application paperwork, you will be contacted by the residency program director to schedule an interview. Interviews are conducted during the months of January and February.
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Program Responsibilities
Q: How would you describe the residency?
A: The PGY2 Health System Pharmacy Administration Residency is a collaborative approach to learning. The resident works closely with their preceptors, managers and hospital administrators to fully explore the focus area in an effort to maximize the experience.
Q: For what types of positions will this residency prepare a graduate?
A: The PGY2 Health System Pharmacy Administration Residency trains pharmacists to assume first-line managerial and leadership positions. It is expected that our residents will be qualified to eventually become a director of a health system pharmacy department.
Q: What rotations are required? How are rotations scheduled?
Each rotation is scheduled in conjunction with the preceptor based on the availability of a slot and a preceptor in each area. Scheduling is flexible and non-competitive.
Q: Is there project time scheduled?
A: Each resident is given office time to work on their projects. The time allocation is flexible and appropriate for each project. It is up to the discretion of each preceptor as to when a resident has project time during each rotation. In addition, there are a few weeks of time available for project work throughout the year.
Q: What types of presentations are required?
A: The major project presentation will take place at the Great Lakes Pharmacy Residency Conference. Other presentations may include, but are not limited to, journal club, case studies, inservices,and P&T reviews.
Q: What are the staffing/service requirements?
A: Residents work in the inpatient hospital pharmacy and are expected to provide comprehensive clinical services, working closely with the medical staff to ensure appropriate drug therapy.
Q: How much interaction do the residents have with their preceptors?
A: Daily interaction occurs between residents and their preceptors, and the department maintains an open door policy that allows residents access to their preceptors at any time necessary.
Q: How much interaction do the residents have with the program director?
A: The program director will review and provide constructive feedback on research and other projects periodically. The residency coordinators at each hospital site have more interaction with the residents, providing feedback on an almost daily basis. While the program director and residency coordinators are available to the residents if needed, most interactions occur between the resident and their preceptors.
Q: How are residents evaluated?
A: Residents are evaluated by their preceptors during and at the end of each rotation and quarterly by their advisors. A computerized evaluations system (PharmAcademic) allows the resident to read comments prior to a discussion with the reviewer.
Q: Is the residency affiliated with any university or pharmacy school?
A: NorthShore is a primary teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Although there are 5 pharmacy schools in the Chicagoland area, our primary affiliations are with Rosalind Franklin University, the University of Illinois, and Midwestern University.
Q: What teaching opportunities do the residents have?
A: Residents have the opportunity to mentor pharmacy students that are on rotation during pharmacy school. Residents are also offered a teaching certificate program through Rosalind Franklin University.
Q: What is the resident's obligation to the hospital after completing the residency?
A: Pharmacy resident graduates have no obligation to the hospital after completing their residency, however we need to keep in touch with past residents to follow their successes and understand how the residency is meeting its' stated goals and purpose.
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Program Benefits
Q: What types of positions have past residents taken after completing the residency?
A: Completion of a pharmacy residency program opens the door to many different employment opportunities. We work with our residents to help find the opportunity that best suits their interests and skills. Our past residents have taken positions as Clinical managers or clinical project coordinators.
Q: What opportunities are available at NorthShore?
NorthShore employs over 100 pharmacists and managers in a variety of roles. Residents have access to employment opportunities before the search is taken to the public and can apply for an open position in the final month of their residency.
Q: What is the salary?
A: The salary is competitive and adjusted annually.
Q: What are the benefits?
A: Benefits include health and dental insurance, tax deferred annuity, CE support, vacation time, and more - similar to most health systems .
Q: What resources are available for residents to attend professional meetings?
A: The program pays for your attendance at the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting, the Great Lakes Residency Conference and miscellaneous visits to other hospitals/health systems.
Q: Do residents have a library and other resources available?
A: Residents are provided with a computer on-site and remote access to e-mail, Intranet, Lexi-Comp (drug information), Ovid (electronic library), and Epic (electronic patient records). In addition to the computer resources, NorthShore has a full service library and provides lab coats, and pagers.
Q: Do residents have any work space?
A: Each resident has their own desk, phone line, computer, work space and file drawers.
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