Pharmacy Practice Residency

About the Program

The Medina Pharmacy Residency (PGY1) is a one-year program that takes place in the unique setting of a progressive community hospital. Residents will help implement and enhance pharmacy services while developing the skills necessary to become integral parts of the interdisciplinary healthcare team. In addition to clinical activities, residents are involved in pharmacy case conferences, journal clubs, and seminar presentations. Other teaching opportunities include medical and nursing in-services, as well as co-precepting introductory and advanced pharmacy students. Residents complete a major research project over the course of the year. Residents may present their research at local, regional, and national pharmacy meetings.

Located in Northeast Ohio, Medina Hospital is a Cleveland Clinic hospital in Medina, Ohio. Medina Hospital is a 148-bed, acute care, non-teaching community hospital that has been serving the community since 1944. Known for its clinical excellence and extraordinary programs in Emergency Care, Orthopedics, and Surgical Services, Medina Hospital continues to invest in facility development to provide the community with enhanced services and specialized care.

• Required Rotations: total of 10 months, each rotation one month in length unless specified: orientation (2 weeks), pharmacy practice (6 weeks), internal medicine (6 weeks), advanced internal medicine, medication safety/leadership, infectious diseases, critical care, emergency medicine, ambulatory care, and research
• Elective Rotations: total of 2 months: advanced internal medicine II, infectious disease II, critical care II, emergency medicine II, ambulatory care II, other potential offsite rotations within the Cleveland Clinic by request and availability
• Longitudinal Rotations: drug information (12 months), medication safety/leadership (10 months), pharmacy practice (9 months), research (12 months), and optional teaching and leadership certificates

Presentations

As a pharmacy practitioner effective communication skills are integral. Many opportunities will be provided to help develop these skills, including:

• Formal presentations on patient cases, disease states or other topics of interest to be presented to preceptors, students, Medina Hospital pharmacy staff and/or other individuals from Medina Hospital
• Pharmacy or nursing in-services as needed
• Didactic lectures to pharmacy students through a teaching certificate program
• Resident research project presentation at regional and national conferences

Meetings and Conferences

Travel to pharmacy professional meetings is an important component of the Medina Hospital pharmacy residency. All residents are required to attend the ASHP Midyear meeting and present their research project, during which program recruitment also occurs, and networking opportunities are available. In addition, residents will have the opportunity to present at other local and regional conferences. Accommodations and travel expenses will be reimbursed for local, state and national meetings.

Staffing Requirements

ASHP guidelines recommend that each resident complete a pharmacy practice component of the residency program. The staffing component is crucial to the development of professional practice skills and pharmacy practice distribution skills.

Residents will gain proficiency in medication distribution skills, incorporation of clinical services, and development of personnel management skills. They also will develop insight into the operations, policies, and procedures of an acute care facility.

• Rotational responsibilities will generally be during the day shift Monday through Friday.
• Staffing responsibilities will be two and a half days over a three-week period (typically one Saturday, Sunday, and weekday evening shift during each time period), and rotating Cleveland Clinic recognized holidays.
• Residents will have every third weekend off and no on-call responsibilities.
• Residents may have opportunities to cover additional pharmacist shifts, which will be compensated at the standard pharmacist rate. Residents are reminded that the primary objective of the residency year relates to the residency program objectives. Achievement of these objectives should not be hindered by other activities, including extra staffing.

ASHP PGY1 Purpose Statement

PGY1 residency programs build upon Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education and outcomes to develop pharmacist practitioners with knowledge, skills, and abilities as defined in the educational competency areas, goals, and objectives. Residents who successfully complete PGY1 residency programs will be skilled in diverse patient care, practice management, leadership, and education, and be prepared to provide patient care, seek board certification in pharmacotherapy (i.e., BCPS), and pursue advanced education and training opportunities including postgraduate year two (PGY2) residencies.

Residency Program Training Site

Type: Hospital: Acute Clinic
Owner/Affiliate: Cleveland Clinic
Model Type(s): Community Hospital
Tax Status: Non Profit
Pharmacist Staff: 15
Non-Pharmacist Staff: 15
Total Beds: 148
Average Daily Census: 115-120

Application

Requirements for Admission

Interested applicants must be PharmD graduates of accredited college of pharmacy, be eligible for licensure in the State of Ohio (or Florida if applicable), and submit the standard application materials through PhORCAS (i.e. Letter of Intent, CV, the three standard reference forms in PhORCAS, official college transcripts), along with:

1. We request a minimum of one (two is preferred) of your three references should come from a preceptor who you have worked with in a clinical setting, related to an APPE in acute or ambulatory care. The clinical preceptor should be able to comment on your scope of responsibility, total patient load, level of autonomy, clinical abilities, and organizational and time management skills. All three reference writers should use the standard PhORCAS template to submit their candidate recommendation.
2. A response to the following essay statement is required for acceptance. The essay response should be no longer than one page in length. An application will not be reviewed if this statement is missing. Please note that the essay is separate from your letter of intent.
• You’re a pharmacy resident starting a new rotation in a practice area where you initially felt confident in your clinical skills and knowledge base. You should be following 6 patients by the end of week one. However, by the end of week one, you are only able to fully follow and manage 4 patients. How do you handle this situation? Describe the steps you would take to improve performance.

Please submit all application materials via Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service (PhORCAS).

• Access PhORCAS

Deadline for receipt of these materials to be considered for an on-site interview is January 2, 2024 by 11:59 p.m.

Cleveland Clinic Health-System Residency sites agree that no person at these sites will solicit, accept, or use any ranking-related information from any residency applicant.

Cleveland Clinic values a culture where caregivers integrate diversity and inclusion throughout the enterprise. We respect and appreciate our similarities and differences; they enable us to better serve our patients, one another, and our global communities.

Note: Residency applicants must be authorized for employment in the United States at the time they apply for the residency. Cleveland Clinic Pharmacy does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Appointments of applicants to residency positions are contingent upon the applicants satisfying certain eligibility requirements [e.g., graduating from an accredited college of pharmacy, obtaining a pharmacist license in Ohio (for Ohio sites) or Florida (for Florida sites) within 90 days of the start date, and successful completion of a pre-employment physical and drug screen, including testing for cotinine and attendance of an onboarding appointment on-site at main campus in Ohio (or a Florida site for Florida programs only), or as otherwise directed by Occupational health at least 2 weeks prior to the resident's start date].

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate OPT (Optional Practical Training) visas for the Cleveland Clinic Pharmacy Residency Program as the program extends beyond 12 months. TN (Trade NAFTA) visas are acceptable, however, the candidate is responsible for the application process and all necessary fees. Cleveland Clinic cannot extend the candidate an employment letter until the candidate has matched with the Cleveland Clinic program and signed an acceptance letter. Any employment letter will state the length of the program (12 months if PGY1 or PGY2, 24 months if HSPAL or Pharmacotherapy).

Graduates of international pharmacy schools will be considered if they meet the ASHP criteria for application to residency (“To be eligible for pharmacist licensure, candidates must be graduates or candidates for graduation from an ACPE accredited degree program (or one in the process of pursuing accreditation) or have a Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) certificate from the NABP”).

More Information

Please direct further questions regarding the PGY1 program at Medina Hospital to:

Michelle F. F. Poole, RPh, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Pharmacy Residency Program Director
Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital
1000 E. Washington Street
Medina, Ohio 44256
Phone: 330.721.5072
Email: poolem3@ccf.org

Benefits, Travel & Compensation

The Pharmacy Practice Residency Program provides a wide array of benefits to you during your experience as a resident.

General

• Personalized lab coats and business cards.
• Resident office space.
• Office personal computer access.
• Registration and reimbursement for travel to ASHP Midyear Meeting, Ohio College of Clinical Pharmacy Meeting, and the Ohio Pharmacy Residency Conference.
• BCLS/ACLS Certification.
• Duplication services.
• Online library access.
• Continuing education.
• Immunizations.
• Parking.
• Cleveland Clinic discounts at various event venues.

Health benefits

• Standard comprehensive medical coverage.
• Prescription drug benefit.
• Life insurance.
• Disability.
• Dental.
• Vision.

Leave

• 14 days of paid time off (PTO).
• Wellness time.

Salary

• $51,000 (PGY1).

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to learn more about out program?

Meet our preceptors and/or current residents at any of the following recruiting events:

2023 Virtual Open House
Monday, October 23 and Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Register here

ACCP/SNPhA Virtual Residency Showcase
Tuesday, October 24, 2023

OSHP Residency Showcase
Saturday, October 28, 2023

ASHP Midyear
Monday, December 4, 2023

2023 In-Person Open House at Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital
Friday, December 15, 2023
Please RSVP by Thursday, December 14 to: poolem3@ccf.org

How much orientation is provided?

On your first day of employment, you will attend a system orientation to welcome you into the Cleveland Clinic family. Soon after you will complete a variety of online educational modules and attend an EPIC training course to learn how to navigate the electronic medical record and computerized physician order entry system (CPOE). Daily duties of a practicing pharmacist will be learned during the first three months, residents will alternate rotations between Internal Medicine and Pharmacy Practice every two weeks during this time frame. The resident will be paired with a mentoring pharmacist during orientation to learn the daily activities of pharmacy operation.

How much vacation time is available?

Residents are provided 14 days of paid time off during the resident year. Days off must be approved by the residency program director and the pharmacy manager.

What is the stipend?

The stipend is $51,000.

Are health benefits available to the residents?

Yes, the residents are eligible for health care coverage similar to other Cleveland Clinic full time employees.

What are the staffing requirements?

Residents will staff the central pharmacy two and a half shifts over a three-week period. Typically, this includes one Saturday, Sunday, and weekday evening shift during each time period. Residents will have every third weekend off. In addition, the resident will work two Cleveland Clinic recognized holidays.

What projects or presentations are required in addition to daily clinical activities?

Residents will be responsible for a research project as well as completion of drug information questions, journal club presentations, formal presentations, case presentations, and nursing in-services on a varying schedule.

Do I attend professional conferences throughout the residency?

Yes, presentations at American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) Midyear, the Ohio Chapter of Clinical Pharmacy (OCCP) Spring meeting, and/or other regional residency conferences as agreed upon by the residency committee and Cleveland Clinic travel policies.

Does Medina Hospital support travel to conferences?

Medina Hospital will reimburse pharmacy residents for travel to and from any required meetings.

What teaching opportunities are available at Medina Hospital?

Pharmacy practice residents will have the opportunity to make presentations to the medical staff throughout the year. In addition, the resident will have the opportunity to participate in community outreach for Medina Hospital. The resident will also have the option to participate in the teaching certificate program available through Northeast Ohio Medical University and will co-precept students from various pharmacy schools.

Will I need an Ohio pharmacy license?

Yes, you are required to be licensed by the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy to practice as a pharmacist in the state of Ohio. Failure to achieve Ohio licensure within the first 90 days of start date will result in dismissal from the program.

Is the residency accredited?

The residency program is fully accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

How many residents are selected?

Currently, Medina Hospital selects three residents each year.

Does this program participate in the match?

Yes, Medina Hospital participates in the match.

When is the application deadline?

Please refer to the application deadline found in PhORCAS.

When does the residency begin and end?

The residency will begin mid-June and end no later than June 30 of the following year.

How are residents evaluated?

Residents are evaluated utilizing the PharmAcademic system. During each rotation, a summative evaluation will be completed. Residents will also be evaluated quarterly by preceptors who are working with the residents in longitudinal experiences.

Still have questions?

Please reach out to Michelle F. F. Poole (poolem3@ccf.org) or Kyle Stith (stithk2@ccf.org) with any questions.

Program Personnel

Michelle F. F. Poole, RPh, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Residency Program Director
poolem3@ccf.org

Rotation(s) Precepted: Critical Care, Drug Information, Orientation, Research
Education & Training:

• School: Northeast Ohio Medical University
• Training: PGY1 - Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital

Allison Naso, RPh, PharmD, MBA, BCPS
Director of Pharmacy
alnaso@ccf.org

Rotation(s) Precepted: Medication Safety/Leadership
Education & Training:

• Schools: Ohio Northern University; Baldwin-Wallace College

 

Zeinab Altaher, RPh, PharmD
altahez@ccf.org

Rotation(s) Precepted: Pharmacy Practice, Research
Education & Training:

• School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Training: PGY1 – Millcreek Community Hospital

Jennifer Jackson, RPh, PharmD
jacksoj28@ccf.org

Rotation(s) Precepted: Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Research
Education & Training:

• School: Northeast Ohio Medical University

Samantha Loutzenheiser, RPh, PharmD, BCPS
Resident Research Coordinator
loutzes@ccf.org

Rotation(s) Precepted: Infectious Diseases, Drug Information, Research
Education & Training:

• School: Ohio Northern University
• Training: PGY1 – Cleveland Clinic Akron General

 

McKenzie Montgomery, RPh, PharmD, BCEMP
montgom8@ccf.org

Rotation(s) Precepted: Pharmacy Practice, Drug Information, Research
Education & Training:

• School: University of Toledo
• Training: PGY1 – Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital; PGY2 – Emergency Medicine at Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital

Nicholas Rudert, RPh, PharmD
Pharmacy Manager
rudertn@ccf.org

Rotation(s) Precepted: Pharmacy Practice
Education & Training:

• School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Harold L. Schneider III, RPh, PharmD, BCPS
Lead Pharmacist
schneih@ccf.org

Rotation(s) Precepted: Internal Medicine, Pharmacy Practice, Research
Education & Training:

• School: Northeast Ohio Medical University
• Training: PGY1 - Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital

Kyle Stith, RPh, PharmD, BCPS, BCEMP
Resident Recruitment Coordinator
stithk2@ccf.org

Rotation(s) Precepted: Emergency Medicine, Drug Information, Research
Education & Training:

• School: University of Toledo
• Training: PGY1 – Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital

Laine Vicarel, RPh, PharmD, BCPS
vicarel@ccf.org

Rotation(s) Precepted: Emergency Medicine, Research
Education & Training:

• School: University of Toledo
• Training: PGY1 - Cleveland Clinic Akron General; PGY2 - Ambulatory Care at The Health Management Group at St. Rita’s Medical Center

Current Residents

 

Abigail Downing, RPh, PharmD
downina6@ccf.org

• School: Ohio Northern University
• Clinical Interests: Ambulatory Care
• Why Medina: Medina's program offers a variety of core rotations allowing me to explore where my true interest lies and develop a broad range of knowledge and skill sets. In addition, the small hospital environment allows you to make a meaningful connection with the variety of healthcare providers. The preceptors also do a great job guiding you through rotations and projects ensuring you gain the most from each experience.

 

Ezziree Morrow, RPh, PharmD
morrowe3@ccf.org

• School: Northeast Ohio Medical University
• Clinical Interests: Emergency Medicine, Ambulatory Care
• Why Medina: In my residency search, I was looking for a program that provided both a community feel and ample opportunities for me to grow as a pharmacist, both qualities that initially drew me to Medina Hospital. Following my initial interest, I immediately felt welcomed by the positivity and kindness that the pharmacy department demonstrated during my interview. The preceptors here have a strong passion for teaching which is evident by the abundant support and integration we have received since day one.

 

Sarah Otto, RPh, PharmD
ottos3@ccf.org

• School: Ohio Northern University
• Clinical Interests: Critical Care, Infectious Diseases
• Why Medina: During my residency search, I was impressed by the variety of opportunities Medina provided at a small community hospital. The program offers very diverse rotations, and the preceptors are flexible to tailor your residency experience to your personal career goals. Early on, the preceptors at Medina demonstrated that they are truly interested in my success as both a professional and individual. The program is very well organized, and the preceptors are supportive and always willing to help in any way possible.

Past Residents

2022-2023 PGY1

Name	Post Residency	Position/Specialty	Institution
Kyle Beck	Inpatient	Internal Medicine	Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Sarah Phillis	Inpatient	Clinical Pharmacist	Cleveland Clinic Akron General
Tabitha Pinkstaff	Inpatient	Emergency Medicine	Cleveland Clinic Marymount Hospital

2021-2022 PGY1

Name	Post Residency	Position/Specialty	Institution
Bethany Anderson	PGY2	Ambulatory Care	Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Sarah Bonar	Inpatient	Internal Medicine	Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Alyssa McIntire	PGY2	Infectious Diseases	Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

2020-2021 PGY1

Name	Post Residency	Position/Specialty	Institution
Eric Herber	PGY2	Ambulatory Care	Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Brianna Latta	PGY2	Emergency Medicine	Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital
Virgil Vulvara	Inpatient	Clinical Pharmacist	Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

2019-2020 PGY1

Name	Post Residency	Position/Specialty	Institution
Stephanie Hage	Inpatient	Clinical Pharmacist	Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital
McKenzie Montgomery	PGY2	Emergency Medicine	Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital
Harold Schneider	Inpatient	Clinical Pharmacist	Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital

2018-2019 PGY1

Name	Post Residency	Position/Specialty	Institution
Katherine Knudsen	Inpatient	Emergency Medicine	Cleveland Clinic Lutheran Hospital
Brandi Posten	Inpatient	Clinical Pharmacist	Wooster Community Hospital

2017-2018 PGY1

Name	Post Residency	Position/Specialty	Institution
Kyle Stith	Inpatient	Emergency Medicine	Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital
Lauren Williams	Inpatient	Clinical Pharmacist	Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital

2016-2017 PGY1

Name	Post Residency	Position/Specialty	Institution
Meredith Martin	Inpatient	Clinical Pharmacist	Fisher Titus Hospital
Melody Smith	Inpatient	Clinical Pharmacist	Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital

2015-2016 PGY1

Name	Post Residency	Position/Specialty	Institution
Morgan King	PGY2	Pediatrics	Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis
(Kathy) Ngoc Vo	Inpatient	Clinical Pharmacist	Kingman Regional Medical Center

2014-2015 PGY1

Name	Post Residency	Position/Specialty	Institution
TJ Stanek	Inpatient	Clinical Pharmacist	University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center

2013-2014 PGY1

Name	Post Residency	Position/Specialty	Institution
Dave Shifrin	Inpatient	Emergency Medicine	Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital