Post-Graduate Year 1 Pharmacy Residency Program

Program Description

Munson Medical Center is a 442-bed, nationally recognized top 100 hospital for 2022, and one of the top 15 community teaching hospitals in the nation. Munson Medical Center is the primary regional referral center for all northern Michigan and the flagship hospital for Munson Healthcare. Over the years, the program has grown with our hospital and services. Munson Medical Center offers three first-year post-graduate positions, as well as a second-year post-grad position in oncology. Much like other programs, the PGY1 residency is a 12-month ASHP accredited residency program.

Our focus for the residents’ learning experience involves a robust clinical foundation in acute care medicine, complemented by hands-on clinical activities. This is further enhanced by longitudinal experiences in teaching, medication safety, pharmacy leadership and project management. Most importantly, residents have the opportunity to tailor the residency program to meet their personal and professional goals.

Program Purpose Statement

The Munson Medical Center PGY1 pharmacy residency program builds on the 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 Goals/Intended Outcomes

Munson Medical Center residents will:

• Become proficient, effective, and confident clinical pharmacists in a variety of patient care settings.
• Develop clinical and non-clinical skills capable of providing optimal pharmaceutical care within the complex health care setting.
• Develop a personal strategy to remain current with changes in medical therapies and guideline-driven drug management.
• Be given the exposure and opportunities to become leaders in pharmacy practice.
• Be accountable for educating others (health care professionals, patients, pharmacy students, and our community) on medication-related topics.
• Develop a personal philosophy of practice and exhibit a commitment to the profession of pharmacy.
• Be given the opportunity to develop and employ preceptorship skills through Pharmacy Education Development and Lecture Series for Pharmacy Residents (PEDALS) and P4 student mentorship.
• Maintain a professional ethic representing our community-based hospital.

Program Strengths 

The strength of Munson Medical Center’s residency program is first and foremost its preceptors. We have cultivated a department phenotype of excellent practitioners who have been drawn to Munson Medical Center not only for its excellence in patient care, but also to contribute to it.

Our scenic, recreation-oriented geographic location also plays an important role in drawing in and keeping our preceptors for the long term. Traverse City and the surrounding area is a great place to live, prosper, and raise a family.

Another strength often overlooked by other programs is our past residents. Through careful selection and dedicated training, our previous residents have made their mark on our institution in such a positive manner that it allows for further development and advancement of the next residents. Munson Medical Center’s affiliation with Ferris State University’s College of Pharmacy is an excellent learning opportunity for the resident to teach and mentor students. Currently, we receive five P4 students who complete all APPE rotations at Munson Medical Center.

Ultimately, we educate each resident with the vision that they may one day work alongside us as clinical pharmacists. Our goal is to shape them into highly skilled and operationally proficient clinicians who are able to seamlessly integrate into any healthcare team or setting.

Statement on Diversity

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and respected. We believe that diversity in backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enriches our community and enhances our ability to provide exceptional care. By promoting inclusivity, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute, grow, and succeed. Together, we strive to create a culture of collaboration, understanding, and mutual respect.

Our Team

Meet our current residents and find out where our past residents are today.