Tessa Quinn
Pharmacy residency programs at VA hospitals are well-regarded and provide a good opportunity for pharmacists to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world situations. The programs are generally flexible, allowing residents to gain experience in a variety of areas, including internal medicine, ID, critical care, ambulatory care, geriatrics, and psych, among others. Additionally, residents can interact with other VA residents across the country through monthly conference calls and the VA Pharmacy Residency Listserv. However, opinions vary depending on individual experiences, with some pharmacists reporting a positive work-life balance and good pay and benefits, while others advise having a work is just work attitude to enjoy working at VA hospitals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Residency opportunities | PGY-1, PGY-2 |
| Residency structure | Two PGY1 tracks: general (medicine, critical care, general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, inpatient, ambulatory care, and electives) and ambulatory care focus |
| Residency experience | Well-regarded, good for ambulatory care, flexible, good for gaining experience applicable to other fields, good preparation for clinical jobs |
| Salary | Most pharmacists start at GS 12, residency-trained pharmacists usually start at GS 13 |
| Work-life balance | 7 days on, 7 days off schedule, good quality of life |
| Benefits | Great cheap healthcare, 5% 401k matching, good pension |
| Cons | Poor leave policy, nurses have too much power, lazy coworkers |
| Application process | Applications due January 6, 2025, include education experiences, work experiences, extracurricular activities, and research |
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What You'll Learn
- VA residencies are well-regarded and can lead to jobs in non-VA hospitals
- They offer a good work-life balance, with good pay and benefits
- You can gain experience applicable to other fields, like managed care
- PGY1 residencies are available in a variety of specialisms, including acute care
- Well-established VA hospitals are preferable for residencies over fresh starts
VA residencies are well-regarded and can lead to jobs in non-VA hospitals
VA residencies are generally well-regarded in the pharmacy world. While some VA hospitals may seem lightweight with minimal staffing and fewer projects, the residencies are still considered competitive and can lead to jobs in non-VA hospitals or as a candidate for a PGY2 residency. The experience gained during a VA residency is applicable to other fields, such as managed care, and can make candidates well-prepared for their PGY-2 and future clinical jobs.
VA residencies offer a range of experiences, depending on the specific site and its offerings. Some VA hospitals provide opportunities in internal medicine, critical care, general surgery, and cardiothoracic surgery, while others focus more on ambulatory care, geriatrics, or psychiatry. It is recommended to check the program description and attend recruitment events to understand the scope of practice and make an informed decision.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Indian Health Service (IHS) also host virtual residency showcases, providing candidates with a platform to connect with various residency programs. This allows candidates to explore different VA residencies and make informed choices based on their specific interests and career goals.
Additionally, VA residencies offer flexibility in terms of licensure. Residents can use their license from their home state even if they pursue a residency in another state. This added convenience further enhances the appeal of VA residencies.
VA residencies are also known for their competitive salaries, great healthcare benefits, and good work-life balance. However, it is important to approach the work with a "work is just work" attitude to fully enjoy the benefits of the position. Overall, VA residencies are a solid path for those interested in gaining valuable experience and exploring various career options in the field of pharmacy.
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They offer a good work-life balance, with good pay and benefits
Pharmacy residency programs at VA hospitals offer a good work-life balance, with good pay and benefits. The VA hospitals offer a range of residency programs, including PGY1 and PGY2, with various specializations such as acute care, ambulatory care, internal medicine, critical care, geriatrics, and psychiatry. The programs provide residents with the opportunity to interact with other residents across the country through monthly conference calls and the VA Pharmacy Residency Listserv.
VA hospitals offer competitive salaries for their residents, with most pharmacists starting at GS 12 and residency-trained pharmacists typically starting at GS 13. The salary for GS-12 to GS-15 positions can be found on the Special Salary Charts, with each step broken down by state. For example, a night shift pharmacist at a VA hospital clearing around 180k is only halfway up the GS scale and can expect to reach 200k in 3-4 years with federal raises.
In addition to good pay, VA hospitals also offer attractive benefits packages. These may include great healthcare benefits, 401k matching, and good pension plans. For example, one VA hospital resident mentioned having "great cheap healthcare, 5% 401k matching, [and a] great quality of life." The work schedule at VA hospitals can also contribute to a good work-life balance. For instance, the aforementioned night shift pharmacist works a "7 on, 7 off" schedule, allowing for ample time for travel and other activities.
While the leave policy at VA hospitals may initially seem less favourable, with some residents reporting that it "sucks at first until you get to 3 years of service", the overall benefits package and work schedule contribute to a good work-life balance for residents. Additionally, VA hospitals are known for their pioneering work in integrating clinical pharmacy into acute care, and their well-established residency programs offer a broad range of electives, allowing residents to customize their learning experience.
Overall, VA hospital pharmacy residency programs offer a good work-life balance, competitive salaries, and attractive benefits packages. The flexibility and variety of specializations available within the programs, as well as the opportunity to interact with other residents across the country, make VA hospitals a good choice for those seeking a well-rounded residency experience.
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You can gain experience applicable to other fields, like managed care
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals offer a wide range of pharmacy residency programs that can provide residents with valuable experience applicable to various fields, including managed care.
VA hospitals, such as the Cincinnati VA Medical Center (CVAMC), offer PGY1 and PGY2 residency programs that cover a diverse range of practice areas. For instance, the CVAMC PGY2 psychiatric pharmacy program focuses on psychiatric disorders and mental healthcare, while also providing experience in Ambulatory Care, Acute Care, and Administration/Practice Management. This range of experiences can be beneficial for those interested in managed care, as it demonstrates the ability to work with patients with various needs and in different settings.
Additionally, VA hospitals often have collaborative practice relations between clinical pharmacy specialists and physician colleagues, which can further enhance the resident's experience. The Louisville VA Medical Center, for example, offers a PGY-2 Emergency Medicine Pharmacy Residency, providing residents with experience in emergency medicine and critical care. This type of exposure can be advantageous for those pursuing careers in managed care, as it equips them with the skills to handle urgent and complex medical situations.
VA hospitals also offer the advantage of flexibility in terms of licensing. As mentioned by a former VA resident, "it's convenient ... if you get a residency out of state, you can still use your license from your home state (or take the test for wherever you want to end up)." This flexibility can be particularly useful for those exploring different fields within pharmacy, including managed care.
Furthermore, VA hospitals often provide a good work-life balance, as evident from a night shift pharmacist's experience at a VA hospital: "With night diff I clear around 180k and still only halfway up the GS scale so with that and federal raises I should be at 200k in 3-4 years ... Great cheap healthcare, 5% 401k matching, great quality of life, pretty chill compared to other places, and good pension." The flexibility in work schedules, competitive compensation, and comprehensive benefits package offered by VA hospitals can contribute to a positive overall experience for residents, allowing them to explore various fields, including managed care, without sacrificing their well-being.
While VA residencies can provide a solid foundation and applicable experience for managed care, it is important to remain flexible and explore different opportunities. As suggested by a former VA resident, "if you're doing a VA residency, do a general one and leave yourself options. There's nothing wrong with a VA residency, and there's a lot of experience that is applicable to other fields like managed care." By gaining a broad range of experiences, residents can enhance their employability and explore various career paths, including managed care, upon completing their residency.
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PGY1 residencies are available in a variety of specialisms, including acute care
PGY1 residencies are available in a multitude of specialisms, including acute care. For example, the University of Utah Health and UC San Diego Health both offer PGY1 acute care residencies. These programs aim to develop practitioners with the knowledge, skills, and abilities defined in the ASHP educational competency areas. Residents will be trained in acute care, critical care, transitions of care, antimicrobial stewardship, and drug information, among other areas, to become well-rounded practitioners.
The PGY1 acute care residency at the University of Utah Health is an ASHP-accredited program. It offers four resident positions annually, and residents receive comprehensive training in various areas, including acute care, critical care, and transitions of care. Applicants must submit their applications through PhORCAS and provide three letters of recommendation, with at least one from a clinical preceptor.
UC San Diego Health's PGY1 acute care residency program (Program 92350) is also accredited and provides a comprehensive 12-month postgraduate training experience. Residents will gain advanced knowledge and hands-on experience in managing acutely ill patients across different settings, including emergency medicine, intensive care units (ICU), oncology, and cardiology. Applicants to this program must be licensed pharmacists in California within 120 days of the program's start and must participate in the ASHP Match, submitting three letters of recommendation, two of which must be from preceptors commenting on clinical and practice skills.
PGY1 residencies are also available at VA hospitals and can include acute care components. A former VA resident recommends doing a general residency to keep options open, as VA residencies provide experience applicable to other fields. Another VA resident mentions having a general PGY1 track that includes medicine, critical care, general surgery, and cardiothoracic surgery, among other areas. They also offer an ambulatory care focus track with a greater emphasis on amcare.
VA hospitals offer certain advantages, such as the ability to use your license from your home state if you get a residency out of state. Additionally, a VALOR internship can be a pathway to a VA pharmacist position, as one night shift pharmacist shares their experience of getting hired straight out of their internship. While VA hospitals may offer a good residency experience, it is important to note that the work culture and leave policies may vary, and there can be challenges with coworker dynamics.
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Well-established VA hospitals are preferable for residencies over fresh starts
Pharmacy residencies at VA hospitals are generally well-regarded. However, there are variations in the experiences offered by different VA hospitals. Well-established VA hospitals are often preferable for residencies over fresh starts. Here are several reasons why:
Firstly, well-established VA hospitals tend to have more comprehensive residency programs with a wider range of electives, allowing residents to tailor their learning experiences to their specific interests and goals. They have had more time to develop and refine their programs, addressing teething problems and organisational challenges. This means residents can benefit from a more structured and streamlined experience, which can enhance their learning and overall residency journey.
Secondly, established VA hospitals often have a longer track record of integrating pharmacists into medicine and ICU teams. As pioneers in building clinical pharmacy into acute care, these hospitals have well-defined pathways for residents to gain hands-on experience and contribute meaningfully to patient care. This integration provides residents with a more holistic understanding of pharmacy practice within a hospital setting.
Additionally, well-established VA hospitals often have partnerships with universities or academic institutions, enhancing their residency programs' educational and research capabilities. These collaborations can provide residents with access to additional resources, mentorship opportunities, and interdisciplinary learning environments, enriching their overall training experience.
Moreover, established VA hospitals often have larger patient populations and offer a broader range of services, including specialised care in areas such as internal medicine, critical care, geriatrics, and psychiatry. This diversity of patient cases and treatment options exposes residents to a wider range of clinical scenarios, enabling them to develop a more comprehensive skill set and better prepare for their future careers.
Lastly, VA hospitals with established residency programs are often sought-after by pharmacists seeking employment. Completing a residency at one of these hospitals can enhance one's employability, whether within the VA system or in the private sector. The reputation and recognition associated with these hospitals can open doors to various career opportunities, as residency directors and hiring managers may favour candidates with experience in well-regarded residency programs.
In conclusion, while VA hospitals vary in their offerings, well-established VA hospitals are often the preferred choice for residencies due to their comprehensive programs, integration of pharmacy practices, academic affiliations, diverse clinical exposures, and enhanced employability prospects. These factors contribute to a richer learning experience and better preparation for a career in pharmacy.
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Frequently asked questions
VA residencies are generally well-regarded, and there is a lot of experience that is applicable to other fields like managed care. However, it depends on the specific site and what it has to offer.
VA residencies allow a licensed pharmacist to apply the knowledge and skills learned in school to real patients, situations, and settings. You will also be exposed to different facets of practice and learn about the many varied career paths available to pharmacists today.
Some pros include a great schedule, great pay, great cheap healthcare, good pension, and a great quality of life. Some cons include that the leave policy is not great at first, there can be lazy coworkers, and most of your job can be dealing with nurses and their problems.
Applications must be completed through PhORCAS and are due January 6, 2025. The following should be included in the application:
- Pertinent education experiences, including brief descriptions of APPEs, clinical activities, and projects/presentations.
- Work experiences with a description of hours worked during the summer and/or school year.
- Extra-curricular activities, membership and/or leadership in professional organizations, publications, and research in which you have participated.
