Updates

Pharmacy Residency Programs PGY1 Pharmacy Residency

At Texas Children’s Hospital, the Pharmacy Department is dedicated to advancing the hospital’s mission of providing exceptional, cost-effective care. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our comprehensive approach to pharmacy practice, where we prioritize safe and innovative medication use. Key elements of our mission include: 

  • Alignment with Hospital Values: We strive to deliver high-quality, value-based patient care that supports the overall mission of Texas Children’s Hospital
  • Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Our Clinical Pharmacy Specialists are integral members of the healthcare team, providing comprehensive direct patient care and developing effective pharmacotherapy plans
  • Clinical Expertise: We engage in clinical research and quality improvement initiatives, ensuring our practices are evidence-based and innovative. 
  • Education & Mentorship: Our specialists serve as mentors to pharmacists, pharmacy and medical residents, and nursing staff, fostering an environment of continuous learning
  • Celebrating Successes: We cultivate a culture that recognizes individual contributions, supports professional development, and celebrates our collective achievements

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.

About the Residency Program


The PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program at Texas Children’s Hospital was established in 2014 and is a 12-month, ASHP-accredited program focused on direct patient care, practice management, and education. Key features of the program include: 

  • Customized Training: Designed to meet the specific goals and objectives of the PGY1 residency while tailoring experiences to the resident’s interests and previous experience
  • Comprehensive Experience: Residents gain expertise in pharmacotherapy, becoming authoritative resources for pediatric medication management and preparing for further specialized training
  • Educational Development: The program emphasizes the education of learners, healthcare providers, and patients, fostering the development of effective teaching and communication skills

The residency begins on the first Monday of July, providing an enriching environment for residents to enhance their clinical competencies and contribute to the care of pediatric patients. 

Program Director

Hillary Calderon, PharmD
haorr@texaschildrens.org

Program Coordinator

Neelam Bhatt, PharmD, BCPPS
dbhatt2@texaschildrens.org

Pharmacy Director - Texas Children's Hospital & Pavilion for Women

Prem C. Oommen, PharmD, MBA, RPh
pcoommen@texaschildrens.org

Rotations


Orientation (1 required)

Acute Care (4 required)

  • General Pediatrics
  • Transitional Care Unit
  • Women’s Services
  • Infectious Disease
  • Antimicrobial Stewardship
  • Oncology
  • Bone Marrow Transplant
  • Pulmonology / Cystic Fibrosis
  • Cardiology 
  • Transplant
    • Heart Failure / Heart Transplant
    • Liver Transplant 
    • Lung Transplant
    • Nephrology / Renal Transplant

Administration (1 required) 

  • Administration
  • Medication Safety

Critical Care (2 required)

  • Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit 
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit 
  • Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Ambulatory Care (1 required – 6 months longitudinal)

  • Pulmonology / Cystic Fibrosis 
  • Heart Transplant
  • Renal/Renal Transplant
  • Liver Transplant
  • Lung Transplant
  • Pulmonary Hypertension
  • Oncology

Electives (2)

  • Emergency Medicine
  • Hepatology & Nutrition
  • Hematology
  • Informatics
  • Pain Service

Projects and Presentation Requirements


Clinical Research Project or Quality Improvement

  • Collaborate with a preceptor on an interdisciplinary research project, aiming for publication by the end of the residency year
  • Present research findings at the Pediatric Pharmacy Association (PPA) annual meeting to share insights with peers and industry professionals
  • Prepare and submit a formal manuscript suitable for publication or an equivalent summary for a quality improvement initiative, contributing to the advancement of pediatric pharmacy practice 

Presentations

  • At minimum, two journal club presentations
  • One 30-minute patient case presentation
  • One 30-minute pharmacotherapy rounds presentation
  • One 60-minute pharmacotherapy rounds presentation

Medication and Formulary Management

  • Provide support to the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee by serving as the editor for one edition of the quarterly Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee Newsletter
  • Complete one formulary management project, such as a formulary addition or drug monograph
  • Conduct a medication use evaluation and present the results as a poster at the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting

Staffing Responsibilities


  • The resident staffing responsibilities include:
    • Two 10-hour shifts every third weekend in the following areas:
      • Medication Preparation and Safety Pharmacist (distributive and technician supervision functions)
      • Inpatient Staff Pharmacist (order verification functions)

Clinical-On-Call


  • The resident will participate in an on-call program for after-hours and weekend clinical support, with requests managed as needed
  • Residents will carry a designated on-call pager for seven days at a time, rotating responsibility with other residents
  • For all clinical inquiries, residents will contact the on-call preceptor for guidance and support 

Teaching Opportunities


  • Residents will assist in the education and precepting of pharmacy students, gaining valuable teaching experience
  • Residents will have the opportunity to complete a teaching certificate offered through the University of Houston College of Pharmacy, further enhancing their educational skills and credentials

Salary and Benefits


  • Stipend: $52,000
  • Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage
  • Vacation: 14 vacation days per year, plus one additional “TCH My Day” for personal use

Learn More