The St. Joseph Medical Center PGY1 residency program is an ASHP-accredited PGY1 program that has provided a robust practice-based experience since 1985. Our program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, leadership skills, and a deeper understanding of pharmacy process development in order to foster innovation in health care. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to improve health care for underserved and marginalized populations while enhancing both our learning and professional environments. 

Residents will have the opportunity to engage in a total of two offered electives with an administrative focus, in addition to four weeks of Practice management. These electives complement the core learning experiences available across four community hospitals and multiple clinics, allowing residents to experience diverse practice settings and patient populations, thereby enhancing their PharmD education. Upon completion of our program, residents are equipped with essential skills aimed at taking on the demands and challenges of an administrative role. Additionally, residents will have the opportunity to develop organizational and project management skills, a deeper understanding of process improvement, and the ability to analyze data for informed decision making. This comprehensive training fosters the development of capable and effective leaders while ensuring a solid clinical foundation. We welcome one resident position from candidates throughout the United States. 

Situated in a non-academic health care setting, our residency program has become a catalyst for innovative pharmacy practice models within Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) and across Western Washington. In addition to orientation and resident projects, residents complete eight required rotations and four longitudinal experiences, each designed to provide a comprehensive clinical and administrative experience. Clinical rotations are designed to enhance the resident’s expertise in promoting, assessing and ensuring safe, efficacious and rational drug therapy.

Residents are supported by a robust set of preceptors in addition to the Residency Program Director (RPD) and Residency Program Coordinators (RPC). Beyond administration of the residency program, the RPD and RPCs meet weekly with residents to check in on clinical and professional progress, overall well-being, and regular discussions on topics such as leadership development, systemic health inequity, and identification of implicit bias in practice.

Required application materials to be submitted via PhORCAS:

1. Standardized PhORCAS application
2. Complete set of pharmacy school transcripts
3. Letter of intent
4. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
5. Three professional references
   • At least two must be from practicing clinical pharmacists with whom the applicant has had direct patient care experience
   • The remaining reference can be from a faculty member in the applicant’s professional degree program, from work experience, or from another health care professional who is able to evaluate the applicant’s clinical experience
   • Please request references specifically address the following characteristics, providing specific examples as able
     • Adaptability
     • Self-advocacy
     • Self-awareness
     • Multidisciplinary collaboration
   • This can be included within the standardized reference, as bullet points submitted as an additional document, or within a letter format

• Use NMS Match Code 168421
• All materials must be received in PhORCAS by Jan. 2
• Virtual interviews will be held by invitation in February