Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla Pharmacy Residency

Comprehensive pharmacy residency program in San Diego

Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla campus on a sunny day with mostly blue sky.

Comprehensive pharmacy residency program in San Diego

Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla offers four 12-month PGY1 pharmacy resident positions, one PGY2 infectious diseases pharmacy resident position and one PGY2 cardiology pharmacy resident position as part of our pharmacy residency program in San Diego. Accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the postgraduate training is designed to develop skilled clinicians who can deliver pharmaceutical care in a variety of health care settings.


Our program offers frequent faculty-resident interaction, focused on pharmacotherapy, research and teaching in a decentralized practice model. Learn more about the program to determine if you would make a good match.

Program highlights

Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla

The pharmacy residency program resides on the campus of Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, a busy medical campus in San Diego. Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla has served the greater San Diego community since 1924. Nearly 100 years later we continue to provide some of the region’s most distinguished care.


  • Scripps La Jolla hospitals are consistently ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report
  • Newsweek ranked Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla as one of the World's Best Hospitals in 2024
  • Listed by Fortune magazine as one of the best places to work
  • More than 30 clinical pharmacists, including specialists in cardiology, critical care, emergency medicine, infectious disease, medication therapy management, oncology and perioperative management 
  • 24/7 pharmacy department, including a central pharmacy and OR satellite locations
  • Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center
  • Joint Commission-certified Ventricular Assist Device Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) program
  • Magnet recognized hospital
  • Level I trauma center
  • Home of the Prebys Cardiovascular Institute


The pharmacy practice residency program at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla begins on the first weekday in July each year. The application deadline is January 2.


  • As a 12-month residency, the program focuses on pharmacotherapy, research and teaching in a decentralized acute care pharmacy setting.
  • The pharmacy department is open 24/7 and includes a central pharmacy along with two OR satellite locations. Our pharmacists provide a broad range of clinical services and work collaboratively with the health care team.
  • Scripps comprises five hospital campuses, and through this affiliation, residents participate in the system-wide management of clinical programs and operations.
  • Rotations are unique and challenging, giving residents opportunities to learn from a variety of specialists and environments — from cardiology to emergency medicine.
  • The pharmacy department provides about 20 clinical rotations each year for fourth-year PharmD candidates, offering valuable opportunities for precepting and professional development.

Clinical rotations and experiences

During clinical rotations, residents collaborate closely with dedicated faculty who provide comprehensive training in all facets of pharmacy practice. Our program is structured to equip residents with the skills and experience needed for their future careers.


The pharmacy resident will receive mentorship from renowned pharmacy experts while working alongside talented peers. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional education and personalized guidance to support each resident’s unique interests and career aspirations.

PGY1 pharmacy residency

Program Purpose Statement

PGY1 pharmacy residency programs build 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 pharmacy practice 12-month residency program at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla focuses on pharmacotherapy, research and teaching in an acute care pharmacy setting.


Clinical rotations and experiences

Rotations during the pharmacy residency program at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla offer residents the opportunity to practice patient-centered pharmaceutical care and build upon their education and training.


Residents are members of professional interdisciplinary teams during the course of the year, allowing them to grow their communication and leadership skills.


In addition to completing required rotations, pharmacy practice residents are expected to obtain licensure early in the residency, participate in a hospital or system-based multidisciplinary committee, perform in-services to hospital staff, assist in the recruitment and interview process for future residents and pharmacists, and present their medication use evaluation and research project to applicable committees.


Core block experiences


  • Cardiology
  • Critical Care
  • Internal Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Transitions of Care


Elective block experiences


  • Ambulatory Care
  • Bone Marrow Transplant 
  • Cardiovascular Medical ICU
  • ICU/ED Clinical Overnights
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Mechanical Circulatory Support
  • Neonatal ICU
  • Oncology, Outpatient Infusion Center 
  • Perioperative Pharmacy
  • Pharmacy Administration 
  • Trauma/Neuro ICU


Longitudinal experiences


  • Research project
  • Formulary management project 
  • Medication use evaluation
  • Leadership development series 
  • Operations (Staffing): 13 weekends, one major holiday set (example: Thanksgiving and day after Thanksgiving) and one minor holiday
  • San Diego Pharmacy Residency Leadership (SDPRL) Teaching Certificate Program 
  • Committee engagement:
  • Pharmacy and therapeutic 
  • Diabetes steering 
  • Medication safety 


Resident conference attendance


  • ASHP Midyear
  • Western States Conference


Contact information

Laura Aykroyd, PharmD, BCCCP

PGY1 Residency Program Director

aykroyd.laura@scrippshealth.org 

PGY2 infectious diseases residency 

Program Purpose Statement

PGY2 pharmacy residency programs build on Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education and PGY1 pharmacy residency programs to contribute to the development of clinical pharmacists in specialized areas of practice.


PGY2 residencies provide residents with opportunities to function independently as practitioners by conceptualizing and integrating accumulated experience as well as knowledge and incorporating both into the provision of patient care in other advanced practice settings.


Residents who successfully complete an accredited PGY2 pharmacy residency are prepared for advanced patient care, academic or other specialized positions, along with board certification, if available.  


Program Overview

The PGY2 infectious diseases residency will train the resident to practice independently as an infectious diseases pharmacist in a supportive environment. Graduates will be prepared to oversee an antimicrobial stewardship program and will be eligible for board certification in infectious diseases. 


Residents will have the opportunity to complete learning experiences at other Scripps’ campuses and will observe antibiotic stewardship practices and infectious disease consults services in different environments and will work with five different infectious diseases pharmacists. 


Residents will also precept students and PGY1 residents as well as serve as case conference facilitators and guest lecturers at UCSD Skaggs School of Pharmacy. The resident will have extensive involvement with the Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee, of which responsibilities will include preparing and reviewing local infectious diseases treatment guidelines, maintenance of website and app content, antimicrobial utilization review, survey readiness and annual antibiogram development.


Core learning experiences

  • Orientation
  • Antibiotic Stewardship I
  • Antibiotic Stewardship II (at Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas)
  • ID Consult Service I
  • ID Consult Service II (at Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego)
  • ICU Infectious Disease
  • ED
  • ID in Immunocompromised Patients (BMT/SOT) (at Scripps Green Hospital)
  • Microbiology
  • Research (Longitudinal)
  • Antibiotic Stewardship Administration (Longitudinal)


Elective experiences

  • Maternal Child Health and NICU
  • OR
  • Cardiovascular Infectious Diseases
  • Education (case conference facilitator and guest lecturer at UCSD Skaggs School of Pharmacy)


Longitudinal experiences

  • Research project
  • Medication use evaluation
  • Formulary monograph
  • Grand Rounds presentation
  • Staffing (Staffing): 11 weekends, one major holiday set (example: Thanksgiving and day after Thanksgiving) and one minor holiday
  • San Diego Pharmacy Residency Leadership (SDPRL) Teaching Certificate Program (optional) 


Committee participation

  • Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee
  • PGY2 Residency Interview Committee
  • Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee
  • Infection Control Committee


Resident conference attendance

  • IDSA Annual Meeting
  • Western States Conference


Contact information

Maggie Box, PharmD, BCPS-ID, BCIDP, APh

Residency Program Director, PGY2 Infectious Diseases

box.maggie@scrippshealth.org

PGY2 cardiology residency

Practice Site Overview

The cardiology and heart surgery programs at Scripps La Jolla hospitals are consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as among the best in the nation and in San Diego. Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla is home to the Prebys Cardiovascular Institute, which offers the most innovative and advanced care in the fields of interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, and heart failure, as well as advanced cardiac imaging.


Program Purpose Statement

PGY2 residency programs build upon Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education and PGY1 pharmacy residency training to develop pharmacist practitioners with knowledge, skills and abilities as defined in the educational competency areas, goals and objectives for advanced practice areas. Residents who successfully complete PGY2 residency programs are prepared for advanced patient care or other specialized positions and board certification in the advanced practice area, if available.


Program Overview

Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla offers one 12-month postgraduate year two (PGY2) resident position focused in providing advanced clinical services and direct patient care to the cardiovascular patient population. A graduate of this program will be ready to practice as an Advanced Practice Cardiology Pharmacist or develop cardiology clinical services within an acute care hospital setting.


Core learning experiences

  • Orientation/Cardiology Bootcamp
  • General Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Research
  • Cardiac/Medical Critical Care
  • Advanced Heart Failure/Mechanical Circulatory Support
  • Anticoagulation Clinic
  • Cardiology Precepting


Elective learning experiences

  • Transitions of Care (inpatient)
  • Trauma/Neurosurgical Intensive Care
  • Emergency Medicine 
  • Heart Transplant at Non-Scripps Hospital 
  • Any core learning experience may be repeated as an elective depending on the needs or interests of the PGY2


Longitudinal learning experiences (year-long)

  • Cardiology literature curriculum
  • Cardiovascular noon conferences with cardiology fellows
  • Regular participation in journal club with cardiology fellows
  • Weekly ECG conference with residency program director
  • Research (opportunities for combined research with cardiology fellows)
  • Administration
  • Heart failure clinics
  • Cardiothoracic surgery 
  • Medication use evaluation
  • Formulary monograph
  • Operations (Staffing): 13 weekends, one major holiday set (example: Thanksgiving and day after Thanksgiving) and one minor holiday
  • San Diego Pharmacy Residency Leadership (SDPRL) Teaching Certificate Program (optional)


Committee participation

  • La Jolla Cardiology Department Committee
  • Anticoagulation Stewardship Committee


Teaching Opportunities

  • Teaching opportunities (i.e. OSCE) for P3 student pharmacists 
  • Precepting P4 student pharmacists
  • Precepting PGY1 pharmacy residents
  • Cardiovascular pharmacology lecture for cardiology fellows
  • Case conference facilitator at UCSD Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences


Resident conference attendance (total of one conference)

  • American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Annual Meeting or
  • American College of Cardiology (ACC) Scientific Session


Preceptors

Michelle Lew, PharmD, BCPS, BCCP 

Ruth Kuo, PharmD, BCPS, BCCP

Kim Dang, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP

Teresa Benites, PharmD, BCCCP

Chelsea Dao, PharmD, BCPS

Andrew Willeford, PharmD, PhD, BCCP

Holly Shaw, PharmD, BCCCP

Amy Evenstad, PharmD, BCPS

Krupa Bhatt, PharmD, BCCCP

Dwayne Walker, PharmD, BCEMP


Contact Information

Shani Flantzman, PharmD

PGY2 Cardiology Pharmacy Resident

flantzman.shani@scrippshealth.org


Michelle Lew, PharmD, BCPS, BCCP

Residency Program Director, PGY2 Cardiology

lew.michelle@scrippshealth.org

Faculty and residents

The Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla Pharmacy Residency program prepares residents for leadership roles in the pharmacy profession.


• View the 2024-2025 PGY1 pharmacy residents (PDF, 3.6 MB)

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.

Insurance, leave and other benefits

Medical

All members of the resident staff are 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

Residents receive 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. 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

Residents have the opportunity to attend ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting and the Western States Residency Conference. Specialty conferences are optional and may be arranged.


Additional benefits

Pharmacy residents are also entitled to the following benefits:


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

How to apply

The PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency match code is 191113.

The PGY2 Infectious Disease Residency match code is 637155.

The PGY2 Cardiology Pharmacy Residency match code is 673567.


All residency positions at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla are 12-month commitments starting on the first Monday in July. The application submission deadline is January 2.


Visit us at the 2024 ASHP Residency Showcase Booth 4482, Monday, December 9, 1 - 4 pm CST session, in New Orleans, Louisiana.


Virtual Open Houses 

Wednesday, November 20, 2024 from 6 - 7 pm PST

Monday, December 16, 2024 from 6 - 7 pm  PST

Apply to the Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla Pharmacy Residency program

Application procedure for PGY1 and PGY2 residents


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


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


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

Who can apply

To be considered for the PGY1 residency program, candidates must be a graduate of an accredited college of pharmacy and eligible for California licensure. Additional requirements for PGY2 residency program candidates include enrollment in or completion of an ASHP-accredited PGY1 residency. All PGY1 and PGY2 candidates also undergo a personal interview and must submit through WebAdmit/PhORCAS.


Matched residents must:


  • Have a current BLS certificate (AHA certificate)
  • Be licensed pharmacist interns in the State of California prior to the start of the residency year
  • Be licensed pharmacists in the State of California by November 1 (PGY1 and PGY2)
  • PGY2 programs: Must be enrolled in or have completed an ASHP accredited PGY1 residency

Contact us

If you have questions or need to make special arrangements, please contact aykroyd.laura@scrippshealth.org (PGY1), box.maggie@scrippshealth.org (PGY2 infectious diseases) or lew.michelle@scrippshealth.org (PGY2 cardiology).