Oncology

Purpose

Our PGY2 pharmacy residency programs build on Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education and PGY1 pharmacy residency training to develop pharmacist practitioners with knowledge, skills, and abilities as defined in the educational competency areas, goals, and objectives for advanced practice areas. Residents who successfully complete our PGY2 residency programs are prepared for advanced patient care or other specialized positions, and board certification in the advanced practice area, if available.

Program Description

The oncology residency program at the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) at the University of Utah is an intensive one-year clinical training program. HCI is an academic National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center and National Comprehensive Cancer Center (NCCN) member institution. As of 2021, our facility (HCH specifically) includes 100 inpatient beds, 8 operating rooms, 51 infusion chairs/beds, and a wide variety of interdisciplinary clinics serving patients with all types of malignancies and a variety of hematologic conditions. Huntsman will be expanding significantly in 2022-2023. The resident will develop an extensive knowledge base and problem-solving skills through an array of clinical experiences in acute and ambulatory care settings. The resident will be involved in maintaining and improving oncology practice by providing pharmacy services in various areas. Upon completion of the residency, the resident will be well prepared to practice in a variety of oncology settings. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

Program Aims

• Demonstrate a high level of professional responsibility, dedication, skill and maturity to practice in an oncology clinical environment.
• Develop a working knowledge of the biology of neoplasia which is evolving medication therapy in the field of oncology.
• Attain a level of didactic knowledge that will enable the resident to pass the Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP) exam (with further study of at least statistics, drug literature evaluation, practice management, public health and advocacy concepts likely necessary).
• Serve as a role model and instructor for undergraduate and graduate students, and for practicing pharmacists.
• Demonstrate the motivation and responsibility for self-directed, independent study and learning.
• Clearly, concisely, effectively, and appropriately communicate, both verbally and in writing, with health care professionals and with patients.
• Develop a skill set of practice that assures competent practice in a variety of oncology settings.

Rotation Experiences

Required experiences include inpatient hematology, oncology, and blood & marrow transplant; outpatient solid tumor clinic, oncology infusion, infectious diseases; and abbreviated rotations in investigational drug services and management. Electives include oncology-specific intensive care, numerous hematology/oncology/BMT clinics, pain and palliative care, pediatric oncology and stem cell transplant, and many others pending resident interest.