Introduction

The Postgraduate Year Two (PGY2) Cardiology Pharmacy Residency Program is designed to develop the knowledge, practice patterns, attitudes, and skills necessary to provide excellent care in cardiovascular pharmacy practice. The Cardiology Residency Program builds upon the general competencies achieved during a PGY1 residency; expanding the resident’s ability to provide care for complex cardiovascular patients. The Program strives to provide residents with the opportunities to function as independent practitioners with the ability to integrate both knowledge and experience into exceptional medication therapy. By the conclusion of the residency, graduates will be prepared to establish practice as a cardiovascular pharmacy specialist. They will possess the tools and skills needed to provide optimal patient care, participate in clinical research and publishing, and serve the pharmacy profession through education and committee work. Additionally, graduates will be prepared to seek further training through fellowship and attain board certification (i.e. BCCP).

Purpose

PGY2 pharmacy residency programs build on Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) 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 and knowledge and incorporating both into the provision of patient care or 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.

The purpose of the Postgraduate Year Two (PGY2) Cardiology Pharmacy Residency Program is to prepare the resident to excel in the care of complex cardiovascular patients in any setting. Excellence will be achieved by:

• Demonstrating accountability for patient care
• Modeling excellence in cardiovascular pharmaceutical care
• Serving as professional role models for pharmacy students and PGY1 residents
• Participating in clinical research and performance improvement projects focused on cardiovascular pharmacotherapy
• Facilitating and leading cardiovascular pharmacotherapy discussions in Cardiology Pharmacy Conference

Outcomes

A resident specific customized plan will be created with aid from the residency program director based on the resident’s prior experience and interests.  This will guide the development and achievement of an individualized set of goals and educational outcomes.

Required Outcomes

• R1.1 In collaboration with the health care team, provide comprehensive medication management to patients with cardiovascular diseases following a consistent patient care process
• R1.2 Ensure continuity of care for patients with cardiovascular diseases during transitions between care settings               
• R2.1 Demonstrate ability to manage formulary and medication-use processes for patients with cardiovascular diseases, as applicable to the organization                                                                           
• R2.2 Demonstrate ability to conduct a quality improvement or research project related to the care of patients with cardiovascular diseases                      
• R3.1 Demonstrate leadership skills and successful self-development
• R3.2 Demonstrate management skills in the provision of care for patients with cardiovascular diseases                                  
• R4.1 Provide effective medication and practice-related education to patients with cardiovascular diseases, caregivers, health care professionals, students, and the public (individuals and groups)
• R4.2 Effectively employ appropriate preceptor roles when engaged in teaching students, pharmacy technicians, or fellow health care professionals in cardiovascular diseases      

The Residency Experience

 This residency experience provides intensive training in the care of cardiovascular patients. Opportunity exists for the resident to work collaboratively with cardiology healthcare providers and clinical pharmacists in heart failure, electrophysiology, acute coronary syndrome, valvular/congenital disease, critical care, VAD and transplant.   The resident will be responsible for participation in clinical pharmacy rounding services with direct patient care responsibilities in a variety of cardiology settings.  The resident will also be involved with education of healthcare providers, participation in journal clubs, participation in cardiology pharmacy conference, completion of cardiology-focused projects, and will serve as a cardiology reference for pharmacy staff.

Teaching Activities

• Didactic lectures at local schools of pharmacy on cardiology-related topics
• In-services to pharmacy, medical, and nursing staff
• Continuing education lectures to pharmacy staff
• Co-preceptor of pharmacy students and PGY1 residents on multiple rotations
• Option to participate in the Duke Teaching Certificate Program