Program Overview
Established in 1973
6 residency positions annually. Plan to expand to 8 positions in 2023-2024
On-line application process is coordinated with the other BC pharmacy residency programs and opens mid-August and closes at the beginning of October.
Program is 52 weeks long, beginning in mid-June
Estimated stipend $50,000/year plus benefits, including medical and dental
Vacation/holiday leave 2 weeks paid
What is the Island Health Pharmacy Practice Residency Program?
The Pharmacy Practice Residency is a 52-week experiential PGY1 learning program that provides a solid foundation for a career in clinical pharmacy. Training is facilitated by our team of preceptors who are respected experts in their field and have been recognized both within and outside the health authority. Through a variety of rotations in areas ranging across the spectrum of direct patient care, drug distribution, and pharmacy administration, Residents develop and refine skills pertaining to clinical pharmacy practice and are challenged to pursue excellence in their practice, both in the Residency Program and beyond. Upon completion of the Residency Program, our graduates are competent clinical pharmacy practitioners, qualified for practice in a diversity of clinical settings.
The Island Health Pharmacy Practice Residency Program received full accreditation by the Canadian Pharmacy Residency Board (CPRB) in October 2015 and in 2019, and is affiliated with the University of British Columbia. Island Health is also accredited by Accreditation Canada (the most recent Accreditation Report can be found by clicking here). Residency rotations are based Island Health sites in Victoria, Duncan, Nanaimo, Comox and Campbell River BC.
What is the Goal of this Program?
The Island Health Pharmacy Residency Program is designed to provide the resident with a broad experience in hospital pharmacy practice and to promote the development of acumen and confidence in the provision of pharmaceutical care. The emphasis of the program is to prepare residents for independent clinical practice in the institutional setting.
What are the Minimum Required Credentials?
Entry to Practice Pharmacy Degree (either a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, or Doctor of Pharmacy Degree) from an accredited Pharmacy Program that meets the criteria for pharmacy licensure by the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia. Residents must meet eligibility criteria for licensure in BC at program start. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada and must be fluent in English.
Physical Location of Residents & Rotations
Resident PODs
Residents will be assigned to one of four PODS based at either the Royal Jubilee Hospital (Victoria), the Victoria General Hospital (Victoria) , Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (Nanaimo) and North Island (Campbell River Hospital). Incoming residents will rank their preference for POD assignments. The residency coordinator will then determine POD assignments based on survey results.
Location of Residency Rotations By POD Assignment
Residents will complete mandatory rotations at their home hospital site wherever possible. Elective rotations will take place across the Health Authority at sites where the rotation is available. Some rotations are virtual, so travel to a specific site will not be required.