Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy Residency

PGY1 specialty pharmacy residency program in San Diego

A group shot of Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy Residents faculty and students.

PGY1 specialty pharmacy residency program in San Diego

Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy, located in San Diego, offers one 12-month PGY1 pharmacy resident position starting in July 2025. This exciting new opportunity will provide a diverse practice experience and prepare the resident for a career in specialty pharmacy, while also offering a well-rounded view of the pharmacist’s role in the ambulatory care setting. This residency is in pre-candidate status with American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and will seek full accreditation during its first year of residency.


Our program offers frequent faculty-resident interaction and focuses on clinical pharmacy practice with an emphasis on specialty medications that treat rare and/or complex medical conditions, scholarship, research and leadership.

Program highlights

Scripps Health comprises five hospital campuses and over 30 ambulatory clinics. Scripps Health is consistently listed by Fortune magazine as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For,” making it the only health system in California and one of five healthcare organizations nationally to be named.


Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy


Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy was founded in 2020 and accredited by both the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC) and Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) in 2021. There are currently three full time pharmacists that manage operations and comprehensive consultations for patients. Scripps Specialty pharmacists clinically manage patients in oncology, rheumatology, dermatology, multiple sclerosis, viral hepatitis and gastroenterology. In 2023, URAC recognized the Scripps Specialty Pharmacy as a “Pioneer in Performance,” which is awarded to organizations that go beyond the mandatory reporting requirements and make key contributions to advance performance measurement within accreditation programs. 


What makes our program different?


Our program offers diverse practice experiences in specialty pharmacy and ambulatory care pharmacy areas including rapidly growing practice areas with many unique career opportunities.


The PGY1 resident will have opportunities to:


  • Work with high-level, complex specialty disease states in which fewer pharmacists have experience 
  • Gain skills and work with health care leaders 
  • Develop the knowledge, attitude and skills necessary to become an advanced pharmaceutical care practitioner with specialized training in specialty pharmacy


The program is structured to suit the resident’s individual needs and to provide an environment of quality training and pharmaceutical care.


The PGY1 pharmacy resident at Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy begins on July 1, 2025 on the campus of Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego. The application deadline is January 5, 2025.

Clinical rotations and experiences

During clinical rotations, the resident will work closely with dedicated preceptors to provide training in all aspects of pharmacy. The program is designed to prepare residents for a career in specialty pharmacy and ambulatory care. Our team is dedicated to delivering superior medical education and guidance to meet the resident’s interests and career goals.


The learning experiences are designed to offer a resident a broad range of experiences in the specialty pharmacy field and to practice patient-centered pharmaceutical care.


The resident will have the opportunity to expand their communication and leadership skills by playing an integral role in interdisciplinary teams. During these learning experiences, they may have the opportunity to precept and mentor fourth-year pharmacy students.  


In addition to completing the required learning experiences, the pharmacy resident is required to obtain licensure early in the residency, staff in the specialty pharmacy, participate in Scripps Health multidisciplinary committees, perform in-services to staff, assist in the recruitment and interview process for future resident(s), and present their major research project at ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting and Western States Conference.

PGY1 specialty pharmacy residency

Program Purpose Statement


The Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy PGY1 pharmacy residency program builds on Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education and outcomes to contribute to the development of clinical pharmacists responsible for medication-related care of patients with a wide range of conditions, eligible for board certification and eligible for postgraduate year two (PGY2) pharmacy residency training.


Program Overview


The PGY1 pharmacy residency is a 12-month residency program at Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy and will focus on clinical pharmacy practice with an emphasis on specialty medications that treat rare and/or complex medical conditions, scholarship, research and leadership.


Pharmacy Mission Statement


The mission of Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy is to provide excellent patient care and improve health outcomes through ensuring safe, effective and appropriate use of medications. Ongoing goals flow from the overall strategic plan of the organization, while striving toward leadership in pharmacy practice, education and research.


Vision


The Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy PGY1 Pharmacy Residency is committed to enhancing ambulatory and specialty pharmacy practices within diverse communities. Our goal is to cultivate patient-oriented leaders dedicated to improving health outcomes and advancing pharmacy practice in a dynamic health environment.


Graduates of our residency program will blend their pharmacotherapy expertise with patient-centered care, take responsibility for the safe and effective use of medications, and efficiently manage and expand clinical pharmacy practices.


Our graduates will adeptly integrate and promote comprehensive medication management in their practice through immersion in an innovative health care setting. The Postgraduate (PGY1) Pharmacy Residency Program aims to be nationally recognized for its outstanding graduates and distinctive approach, meeting the increasing demand for residency opportunities while improving quality pharmacy services, particularly in ambulatory care and specialty pharmacy.


Required learning experiences (6-8 weeks)


  • Orientation
  • Specialty Pharmacy: Rheumatology, Gastroenterology, Dermatology
  • Specialty Pharmacy: Multiple Sclerosis, Hepatology
  • Internal Medicine I: Osteoporosis Clinic
  • Internal Medicine II: Advanced Care Clinic
  • Oncology
  • Neurology Clinic


Elective learning experiences


  • Administration/Leadership
  • Anticoagulation Clinic


Longitudinal experiences


  • Research Project: The resident will conduct Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved research during their resident year. The research project is selected based on the resident’s interest and the feasibility of completion during the resident year. With a mentor’s guidance, the resident is expected to conduct the research project from inception to completion and must present the abstract at a national meeting.
  • San Diego Pharmacy Residency Leadership (SDPRL) Teaching Certificate Program
  • Pharmacy Operations


Resident conference attendance


  • ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting (required)
  • Western States Conference (optional)


Preceptors and residents


The resident at Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy works under the mentorship of experienced pharmacists. With academic scholarship at the core of the pharmacy residency program, our team is dedicated to delivering superior medical education and guidance to meet your interests and career goals.

Preceptors

Mai Borazjani, PharmD, CSP, APh; Advanced Practice Pharmacist, Specialty Pharmacy and PGY1 Residency Program Director

Mai Borazjani, PharmD, CSP, APh; Advanced Practice Pharmacist, Specialty Pharmacy and PGY1 Residency Program Director

Kaitlyn Nowakowski, PharmD, BCMTMS, CSP; Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Specialty Pharmacy

Kaitlyn (Katy) Nowakowski, PharmD, BCMTMS, CSP; Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Specialty Pharmacy

Nirmal Patel, PharmD; Director of Pharmacy Services, Ambulatory Pharmacy; Administration/Leadership

Nirmal Patel, PharmD; Director of Pharmacy Services, Ambulatory Pharmacy; Administration / Leadership

Poonam Patel, PharmD, BCACP, APh; Advanced Practice Pharmacist, Internal Medicine - Osteoporosis Clinic

Poonam Patel, PharmD, BCACP, APh; Advanced Practice Pharmacist, Internal Medicine - Osteoporosis Clinic

Angie Koo, PharmD, BCCCP, APh; Advanced Practice Pharmacist, Neurology Clinic

Angie Koo, PharmD, BCCCP, APh; Advanced Practice Pharmacist, Neurology Clinic

David Bao, PharmD; Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Oral Oncolytics

David Bao, PharmD; Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Oral Oncolytics

Saba Rab, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, APh; Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator

Saba Rab, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, APh; Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator 

Not pictured:

Brian Kim, PharmD; Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Specialty Pharmacy

Not pictured:

Anna Porter, PharmD, BCGP, APh; Advanced Practice Pharmacist, Gerontology; Internal Medicine - Advanced Care Clinic

Salary and benefits

The terms and conditions of resident training and employment are specified in the employment agreement that also includes training obligations, stipend and benefit provisions. The Residency Manual fully describes policies, practices and procedures. Copies of the employment agreement and other pertinent information about our program is provided at the time of interview.


The annual stipend and specific benefits are listed in the employment agreement, discussed in the residency manual and summarized below.

Annual salary

PGY1 pharmacy resident: $57,200 

Insurance, leave and other benefits

Medical 

Resident is offered health insurance for themselves and eligible dependents at a minimal cost. Medical coverage includes vision, prescription and chiropractic/acupuncture plans.


Dental 

Dental plan with network and out-of-network coverage options. Eligible dependents can also be covered at a minimal cost.


Life insurance/AD&D

Multiple levels of employee life insurance are available, including accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. You may purchase supplemental, spousal or dependent life insurance. State disability insurance is paid by the resident (the state of California requires this contribution, which provides income insurance for disability due to non-job-related injury or illness).


Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Confidential, free, short-term professional counseling is available for employees and family members for issues impacting work or personal life.


Paid time off

Resident receives up to 15 days of paid time off, inclusive of holiday, vacation and sick time.


Parking

Parking is provided free of charge.


Medical Library

All pharmacy residents have 24/7 access to the Kinyon Memorial Library at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla and Scripps Green and the McGuire Library at Scripps Mercy. A staff librarian can assist with research and journal article retrieval. In addition, there are online journals and links to Cochrane Library, Micromedex, Natural Medicines and PubMed. 


Educational funds

Funds are available for books, conferences, and educational software. Tuition reimbursement covers registration expenses for conferences.


Residency travel

Resident will be provided financial support to attend ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting and the Western States Residency Conference. Specialty conferences are optional and may be arranged.


Additional benefits

The pharmacy resident is also entitled to the following benefits:

  • Entertainment discounts
  • Gym membership discounts
  • Childcare discounts
  • Access to the Wellness Program

How to apply

PGY1 Pharmacy Residency match code is 316213


The PGY1 residency position at Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy is a 12-month commitment that begins on July 1, 2025. The PhORCAS application deadline is January 5, 2025. Interviews will be by invitation only.


Virtual Open Houses:

Wednesday, November 20, 2024 from 5 pm PST

Wednesday, December 18, 2024 from 5 pm PST


Please contact the residency program director via email to schedule a virtual open house appointment.

Apply to the Scripps Health Specialty Pharmacy PGY1 pharmacy residency program

Applicants must participate in the ASHP Match Program and apply using PhORCAS.


  • A letter of intent (250 words)
  • A curriculum vitae
  • A pharmacy school transcript
  • Three letters of recommendation


Prospective candidates will receive an invitation for a virtual interview. Interviews will be scheduled between the end of January to mid-February.

Who can apply

Candidates must be a graduate of an accredited college of pharmacy and eligible for California licensure. All candidates must submit their applications via WebAdmit/PhORCAS. Scripps Health will not sponsor visas for international candidates.


The matched resident must:


  • Have a current American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR certificate 
  • Be a licensed pharmacist intern in the State of California prior to the start of the residency year, if the resident is not yet a Registered Pharmacist in the State of California
  • Be a licensed pharmacist in the State of California by November 1 of the residency year 

Contact us

If you have any questions, please contact Scripps Specialty Pharmacy Clinical Pharmacist and PGY1 Residency Program Director Mai Borazjani, PharmD, CSP, at borazjani.mai@scrippshealth.org.