Pharmacy Residency Programs

Iowa City Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (ICVAHCS) will offer four, ASHP-accredited, Postgraduate Year One (PGY1) pharmacy residency positions for 2024-2025. The residency program is coordinated by Nancee Waterbury, PharmD, BCACP.

Purpose Statement: The Iowa City VAHCS PGY1 residency program builds upon Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education and outcomes to develop pharmacist practitioners with knowledge, skills, and abilities as defined in the ASHP educational competency areas, goals, and objectives. Residents who successfully complete our PGY1 residency program will be skilled in diverse patient care, practice management, leadership, and education. Residents will 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. The ICVAHCS is a teaching hospital providing the unique opportunity for our residents to engage in direct patient care, practice management, and medication related education.

Program Design: Our PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency program mirrors the activities of a clinical pharmacy specialist. The residency is a full-time temporary appointment of 52 weeks in duration.

Orientation to the residency program and ICVA pharmacy service is scheduled June-August.

• Required longitudinal learning experiences (LE) extending throughout the year
  • Education Program for Residents (August-May)
  • Medication Safety (July-June)
  • MUE Project (6 consecutive months between Aug-June)
  • Project Development (July-June)
  • Staffing (August-June)
• Required block learning experiences (minimum duration is 26 weeks)
  • Administration (daily for 5-6 weeks)
  • Internal Medicine (daily for 5-6 weeks)
  • Orientation (daily for 8-10 weeks)
  • Selective Required Ambulatory Care Block (8-10 weeks)
• Residents will select one elective track (10-12 weeks each)
  • Ambulatory Care Track
  • Specialty Clinical Track
  • Psychiatry PGY-2 Track
• Residents will complete one daily elective (for 5-6 weeks)

Appointment Period: 52 weeks, starting at the beginning of a pay period (June 30, 2024)

Salary: $47,397 per annum (based on 2023-2024 pay)

Benefits: Federal Employee medical insurance, dental and vision. Up to 13 vacation and 13 sick days, all federal government holidays, continuing education opportunities and partial travel funds.

Anticoagulation Clinic
Anticoagulation Clinic (AC) is a required learning experience for the PGY1 pharmacy resident.  The experience involves the provision of direct patient care and telephone management of patients consulted to and followed by the AC.  Residents will work in the anticoagulation clinic 1-2 days per week during their 8-10 week selective required Ambulatory Care Block. Knowledge of warfarin, low molecular weight heparins, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), antiplatelet agents, and vitamin K administration are important in this setting.

Administration
This 5-6 week learning experience is designed to give each resident the opportunity to work with members of the pharmacy management team. Residents will spend time with the Inpatient Pharmacy Supervisor, Outpatient Pharmacy Supervisor, Associate Chief of Pharmacy, Specialist Operations, Associate Chief of Pharmacy Operations and Chief of Pharmacy service. The resident will attend meetings as assigned and be assigned projects from members of the pharmacy management team throughout the learning experience.

Good organization and interpersonal skills are vital to success in this experience.  The resident must devise efficient strategies for accomplishing the required activities in a limited time frame.  This rotation is specifically designed for residents to train and learn how to work autonomously

Education Program for Residents
The Pharmacy Educator Preparation Program for Residents and Fellows (PEPPR) Teaching and Learning Curriculum prepares participants to confidently and effectively identify the needs of University of Iowa College of Pharmacy (UICOP) learners as well as design, implement, and evaluate relevant educational activities with thoughtful instructional design. Upon successful completion of the teaching and learning curriculum, participants will be prepared to educate diverse learners in both clinical and academic environments.

During the fall and spring semester residents will participate in a variety of PEPPR activities including workshop sessions, large group and small group UICOP student teaching sessions, assisting in UICOP labs, and in the experiential setting. In addition, residents will be given a schedule for completion of a drug class review, journal club discussion, and a one hour continuing education program.

Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine (IM) is a 5-6 week learning experience designed to increase the resident's skills in the treatment of complex patients in an acute care setting.  The resident will gain experience in providing and monitoring pharmaceutical care for a variety of acute and chronic diseases.  Throughout the rotation, residents will have opportunities to provide and improve patient assessment skills, communication with healthcare professionals, and overall pharmacotherapy knowledge.  Problem solving, multitasking, drug information, writing, and presentation skills will also be enhanced during the rotation.

Medication Safety
This LE provides pharmacy residents the opportunity to learn about all components related to Medication Safety in a Federal Healthcare System. The resident is expected to participate in monthly meetings and complete assigned responsibilities in an appropriate time frame under the supervision of the ICVA Medication Safety Program Manager. Medication use evaluation tracker (MUET), MUET initiatives, VA Adverse Drug Event Reporting System (ADERS), FDA alerts, medication shortages and patient safety tools will be explained and taught during this experience.

Orientation
Orientation is an 8-10 week learning experience scheduled at the beginning of the residency year. During new employee orientation residents are introduced to the mission of the VA and educated about general administrative rules.  During residency orientation, they receive information about residency requirements/expectations and individual learning experiences. Pharmacy training will occur in the ambulatory care, inpatient and outpatient setting. Residents will be introduced to the workflow, policies and procedures of anticoagulation clinic which will assist them on other rotations. Each resident will learn about VA formulary and criteria for use. They will work with preceptors to review and resolve non-formulary requests. During orientation residents will acquire the knowledge and ability to perform necessary dispensing and verification functions to provide complete pharmaceutical care to our veterans. Orientation for the administration and clinical learning experiences will occur prior to each rotations' start date.

Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT)-1
PACT 1 Pharmacy learning experience is a required 8-10 week opportunity for residents to perform as a clinical pharmacist practitioner in the primary care setting. The rotation is a component of our selective required ambulatory care block. Residents will be scheduled 2-3 days per week in PACT-1 and will concurrently complete other ambulatory care learning experiences during this residency block.

The resident will work alongside clinical pharmacist practitioners managing a variety of primary care disease states (including by not limited to diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and tobacco cessation). Visits will be conducted F2F, by telephone and by video telehealth.

Project Learning Experiences

MUE Project: The Medication Use Evaluation (MUE) identifies changes needed
to improve patient care/medication use in the Iowa City VA Health Care System. Each
resident will work with Dr. Egge and another preceptor (content expert) to complete the MUE. Completion typically takes 6 months. Results will be presented to pharmacy management.

Project Development
This is a year-long learning experience. Each resident will work with the Project Advisory Board (PAB) and project preceptor to identify, design and execute an investigational project. Findings from this project will be presented to the pharmacy department and at a spring Pharmacy Residents Conference. Conclusions from this project will then be summarized in a manuscript suitable for publication. 

Staffing
This experience will provide residents the opportunity to interact with inpatient teams and
staff to improve patient care. Starting after licensure is secured and orientation is completed (Aug-Sept) residents will 1) rotate through inpatient pharmacy (7:00-3:30) and medication reconciliation (8:00-4:30) on the weekends and 2) will work 3 hours one evening per week in the inpatient pharmacy directly following their scheduled tour of duty. Each resident will staff 13 weekends and 28 evenings throughout the residency year. Residents are allowed to switch weekends/evenings if necessary to accommodate personal needs.  

TRACKS AND ELECTIVES

Residents will select one elective track (10-12 weeks each)

Option 1: Ambulatory Care Track (select 2-3; 10-12 week experiences)

• Diabetes (Fridays)
• Heart Failure (Tuesdays)
• Home based and geriatric care (2 days/wk)
• Medication Management (1-2 days/wk)
• Pain clinic (2 days/wk)
• PACT-2 (2-3 days/wk)
• Transplant (Wed/Thursday)
• Virology (Tuesdays)

Cannot include same clinic/service from Selective Required Ambulatory Care Block

Option 2: Specialty Clinical Track (select 2; daily x 5-6 wks each)

• Acute Care Adult Psychiatry
• Antimicrobial Stewardship/Infectious Diseases
• ICU
• Internal Medicine-2
• Oncology
• Palliative and hospice care

Option 3: Psychiatry PGY-2 Track (select both; daily x 5-6 wks each)

• Acute Care Adult Psychiatry
• Ambulatory Care Mental Health

Residents will also complete one daily elective (for 5-6 weeks)

• Acute Care Adult Psychiatry
• Ambulatory Care Mental Health
• Antimicrobial Stewardship/Infectious Diseases
• ICU
• Internal Medicine-2
• Oncology
• Palliative and hospice care

Please submit all materials required in PhORCAS. Applications submitted outside the PhORCAS system will not be accepted. We encourage applicants to customize their cover letter to our program. Applicants should expand on why they are interested in our program, with specific career goals and characteristics which make them a strong candidate. 

Please include all scheduled APPE rotations on your CV with a description of activities performed and presentations given. The applicant should have three individuals complete the standardized reference template in PhORCAS. We recommend each applicant select individuals who can comment on their clinical knowledge and/or work in a pharmacy setting.

Requirements for Applicants:

According to ASHP applicants to all pharmacy residencies must be a graduate or candidate for graduation of an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited degree program (or one in process of pursuing accreditation) or have a Foreign Pharmacy Graduation Equivalency Committee (FPGEC) certificate from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). At a minimum, the college must be a five-year pharmacy degree program.

The Department of Veterans Affairs adheres to all federal Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action policies. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA)/Office of Academic Affiliations (OAA) oversees all clinical health professions training programs. To participate in VA training you must be eligible for federal appointment. Please review this checklist to confirm eligibility: https://www.va.gov/OAA/docs/Am_I_Eligible_v5.pdf

Applicants to the Iowa City VA PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program will have maintained a pharmacy GPA > 3.0 or pass/fail equivalent* (*No repeated pharmacy course; pass all pharmacy courses and in top 50% of pharmacy class).  According to VHA directive 1108.07 pharmacy residents need to secure pharmacy licensure within 90 days of starting the PGY1 residency training program.

Iowa licensure is not required. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen by the application deadline.

This residency site agrees no person at this site will solicit, accept, or use any ranking related information from any applicant.

Application Deadline: January 4

Personal interviews with a 15-20 minute presentation are required. Virtual interviews will be conducted this year using Microsoft Teams. All applicants will be notified of their interview status no later than February 14.

For further information, address all correspondence to:

Nancee Waterbury, PharmD, BCACP
Residency Program Coordinator
VA Medical Center Pharmacy Service (119)
Iowa City, IA 52246-2208
♦♦♦
319-338-0581, ext. 63-5115
nancee.waterbury@va.gov
FAX: 319-887-4951

 

The Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System (ICVAHCS) offers a Postgraduate Year Two (PGY2) Psychiatric Pharmacy Residency Program to provide specialized training in psychiatric and neurologic pharmacy. The residency program is coordinated by Lucas Watson, Pharm.D., BCPP – Clinical Pharmacy Specialist.

Purpose Statement: The ICVAHCS PGY2 Psychiatric Pharmacy residency will provide a challenging and comprehensive program designed to prepare the resident to become a skillful, competent clinician in psychiatric pharmacy practice, to help develop their skills in psychiatric pharmacy clinical outcomes research, and to foster their growth as an educator of psychiatric pharmacotherapy. 

The ICVAHCS PGY2 Psychiatric Pharmacy residency program builds upon 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 PGY2 residency programs are prepared for advanced patient care or other specialized positions, and Board Certification in Psychiatric Pharmacy (BCPP).

Program Description: Residents will gain valuable experience in a variety of clinical settings.

•  Required Learning Experiences
  • Acute Care Adult Psychiatry I
  • Ambulatory Care Adult Psychiatry (I and II)
  • Acute Care Medicine-Psychiatry (rotation at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics)
  • Acute Care Geriatric Psychiatry (rotation at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics)
  • Communication, Education, and Professional Development (Longitudinal)
  • Residency Project Management (Longitudinal)
  • Medication Use Evaluation (Longitudinal)
  • Staffing (Longitudinal)
• Elective/Selected Learning Experiences
  • Acute Care Adult Psychiatry II (emphasis on precepting)
  • Ambulatory Substance Abuse
  • Ambulatory Mental Health Intensive Case Management
  • Acute Care Consult-Liaison Psychiatry
  • Acute Care/Ambulatory Care Palliative Care
  • Administration
  • Ambulatory Care Pain Management
  • Acute Care Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (as available; rotation at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics)

Appointment Period: Twelve months from July 1 through June 30 (flexible)

Salary: $50,679 per annum

Benefits: Federal Employee medical benefits; up to 13 vacation days and 13 sick days; all federal government holidays; continuing education opportunities; and travel funds to attend ASHP-MCM and/or the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists (CPNP) Annual Meeting as available

Administrative Leave: Residents are eligible for administrative leave to attend conventions and professional meetings including (but not limited to) the Iowa Pharmacy Association Fall Residents Conference, ASHP-MCM, and College of Psychiatric & Neurological Pharmacists Annual Meeting (may not exceed 37 days total leave)

Requirements of Applicants:

• Graduate of an ACPE-accredited College of Pharmacy
• Pharmacy licensure by start date
  • Iowa licensure required by October 1st
• Completion of an ASHP-accredited PGY1 Residency
• U.S. Citizenship (by application date)

Application Materials (submitted in PhorCAS):

• Letter of Intent
• Curriculum Vitae
• Three references
• College Transcripts

Application Deadline: refer to the ASHP Residency Directory

Interviews: Personal interviews with a 20-25 minute presentation are required.  Please contact the PGY2 residency director for more information about our interview process.

Appointment of applicants: Appointment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a physical exam, including negative drug test. Applicants must meet requirements for federal employment.

For further information, address all correspondence to:

Lucas Watson, Pharm.D., BCPP
PGY2 Residency Program Director
Pharmacy Service (119)
VA Medical Center
Iowa City, IA 52246-2208
♦♦♦
, ext. 635448 or pager 362
lucas.watson@va.gov

Derek Adams, PharmD, MSS is a 2002 graduate of the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy.  He joined the Iowa City VA Health Care System in 2014 as the Inpatient Pharmacy Supervisor.  From 2016 to 2021 he served as the Associate Chief of Pharmacy – Operations.  In this capacity he was responsible for overseeing day to day operations in the inpatient and outpatient pharmacies, providing oversight and direction for pharmacy informatics, pharmacoeconomics, and the antimicrobial stewardship program, and contributing to planning efforts in the pharmacy department.  He currently serves as the Associate Chief of Pharmacy – Outpatient Operations.  He is a member of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, the Medication Safety Subcommittee, and the Emergency Management Committee.  He serves as the health system’s Chief of Operations within the Incident Command System.  Prior to joining the Iowa City VA Health Care System, he was a clinical pharmacist in ambulatory care, long term care, outpatient, and inpatient at Great River Health Systems for 7 years, then a supervisor in inpatient pharmacy at Great River Medical Center for 5 years.  Derek has served in the Army National Guard for over 30 years, and currently holds the rank of Brigadier General.  He is a combat veteran and a graduate of the US Air War College, and has been awarded the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal.

Molly Adams, PharmD is an inpatient clinical pharmacist.  She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Drake University and pursued a pharmacy practice residency at Shawnee Mission Medical Center in Mission, KS.  She started her pharmacy career at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, Kansas, but moved back to Iowa and joined the ICVA originally in 2003. She has worked in various roles in both inpatient and outpatient pharmacies.  She enjoys precepting pharmacy students from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and working with residents as a preceptor for the Internal Medicine 1&2 modules as well as during their staffing experience. 

Abby Beane, PharmD, BCACP, joined the ICVAHCS in July 2017 as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Ambulatory Care.  Abby’s main areas of interest are anticoagulation and medication management.  She received her PharmD from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2007 and went on to complete a PGY-1 Residency in Community Practice from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2008.  Dr. Beane received her Board Certification in Ambulatory Care in the Fall of 2016.  Prior to joining the ICVAHCS, Abby was a pharmacist at Hy-Vee starting as a Clinical Pharmacist after residency and then transitioning to Pharmacy Manager.  Abby participated in the IPA Leadership Conference in 2018. Throughout her practice she has been a preceptor for pharmacy students and enjoys working with students and residents.

Brooke Burkhalter, PharmD, joined the ICVAHCS in July 2017 as a Clinical Pharmacist in the Outpatient Pharmacy. In April 2018, she transferred to a clinical specialist position in Ambulatory Care; focusing on anticoagulation and medication management.  She received her PharmD. from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2005. Prior to joining the ICVAHCS, Brooke was a pharmacist at Hy-Vee Pharmacy in Washington, Iowa (2005-2008) and Iowa City Hy-Vee Market (2008-2017). During her time with Hy-Vee she focused her care in medication therapy management programs, such as Outcomes, Mirixa, and EQUIPP. She also played an active role in immunization administration and biometric screenings. During her time at Hy-Vee she served as a preceptor for pharmacy students and interns.

Matthew Cantrell, PharmD, BCPS is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at the Iowa City VA Health Care System. He graduated from Mount Mercy College in 2000 and received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of Iowa in 2005. He completed a Primary Care Pharmacy Practice Residency at the Iowa City VA in 2006. His primary clinical responsibilities include anticoagulation, medication management and primary care.  Dr. Cantrell is active in many state and national organizations and is a former Chair of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy Geriatric Practice and Research Network (PRN).  He has collaborated with students, residents, and professional colleagues on original research, chapters, and review articles.  He has been board certified in Pharmacotherapy since 2008. Dr. Cantrell has received awards related to teaching and is a former recipient of the Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award sponsored by the Iowa Pharmacy Association and Pharmacists’ Mutual Insurance Company.

Andrea Chase, PharmD, originally hails from Texas but now happily calls Iowa home. She graduated from Columbia University with a BS in Neuroscience, served 4 years in the US Army, and then earned her PharmD at the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy. To escape the sweltering Texas heat she traveled 1,000 miles north and completed the PGY1 residency program at the Iowa City VA. She never left and has worked in outpatient pharmacy, PACT Pharmacy, and is now the PACT Pharmacist Supervisor. She continues to provide clinical support to the Decorah CBOC, primary care teams in Iowa City, and the Women’s Health Clinic. She precepts the PACT pharmacy residency rotation in Iowa City, as well as students throughout the year. Outside of work there is a high degree of probability she is building Duplo towers, singing a Sesame Street song, or watching Mary Poppins for the one-hundredth time.

Megan Dahlke, PharmD, BCACP is an Clinical Pharmacy Provider for the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) for the Dubuque VA clinic.  She graduated from the University of Iowa with her PharmD in 2004.  She served as a pharmacist in the United States Navy from 2004-2009 and was in the United States Navy Reserve from 2009-until her retirement in 2023. She completed a pharmacy practice residency at St. Vincent Indianapolis in 2010.  She worked as a PACT/anticoagulation Pharmacist at the Peoria VA Clinic from 2011-2014, was mobilized to Landstuhl Army Medical Center from 2011-2012, and was an inpatient clinical pharmacist at the Iowa City VA from 2014-2015.  She has been at the Dubuque clinic since 2015 and works with residents through medication use evaluations.  Her interests are diabetes and patient centered care.

Yvonne De Sloover, PharmD, BCACP is an Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at the Iowa City VA Medical Center and Adjunct Professor (Clinical) at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. She graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2000 and then completed a Primary Care Specialty Residency in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Dr. De Sloover’s primary area of practice is in Pain Management. She was the 2016 recipient of the Excellence in Interprofessional Education & Practice Award from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Graduate Medical Education Office.

Tess Dyson, PharmD is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Hospice & Palliative Care. She graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2019 and completed a PGY-1 residency at the Iowa City VA in 2020. Following residency, she accepted a position as an Inpatient Clinical Pharmacist at the Iowa City VA where she rotated through a variety of areas. In August of 2022, she transitioned into her current role on the Hospice & Palliative Care team where she has enjoyed functioning as a mid-level provider in both the inpatient and clinic settings and working with the interdisciplinary team. She has been actively engaged as a preceptor for students and residents in both inpatient pharmacy/internal medicine and palliative care settings.

Jason A. Egge, PharmD, MS, BCPS joined the Iowa City VA in January 2006 as a clinical pharmacy specialist. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 2002 then completed a specialty practice residency in ambulatory care at the Iowa City VA the following year. He practiced as a clinical specialist in internal medicine/nephrology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota from 2003 to 2006 before rejoining the VA as a clinical pharmacy specialist. Dr. Egge completed an MS in epidemiology through the University of Iowa College of Public Health the Spring of 2009. He is currently the coordinator for pharmacoeconomics and education. His interests include pharmacoeconomics, formulary management, medication use evaluation, and database management.

Thomas Fisher, PharmD, BCACP graduated from the University of Iowa, College of Pharmacy in 2009. He began his pharmacy career working with Walgreens as a community pharmacist and pharmacy manager in Denver Colorado. After 5 years in the community sector, Thomas went on to complete a PGY-1 Ambulatory Care residency at the Phoenix VA HCS.  After finishing his residency, Thomas moved back home to Iowa and began his career with the Iowa City VA HCS as an outpatient pharmacist. Shortly after receiving his board certification in ambulatory care, Thomas also decided to join the Iowa Army National Guard. Following this initial military training, he transitioned into a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist position (Feb/2017) as one of the anticoagulation clinic coordinators. Thomas then deployed to Kuwait with the Iowa Guard from 2017 to 2018 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Following his deployment, Thomas has resumed his role as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist as serving as one of the Anticoagulation Clinic coordinators. His areas of interests include anticoagulation, combat medicine, cardiology, and mental health pharmacy. He loves working with and alongside our Veteran population.

Kaitlin Hanken, PharmD, BCPS, BCPP joined the ICVAHCS as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in mental health in April 2018. Dr. Hanken graduated from Drake University with her PharmD in 2014. Upon graduation, she completed her PGY-1 residency at the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital in Illinois, where she then completed her PGY-2 residency specializing in mental health. Prior to joining the Iowa City VAMC, she served as the only mental health CPS at the Hines VA. Her clinical interests include substance abuse and psychotic disorders.

Danielle Harris, PharmD, BCACP graduated from the University of Iowa in 2010 with her B.S. in Microbiology, then continued on to receive her PharmD from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2014.   Afterwards she completed a PGY1 Community Pharmacy Practice Residency with UNC/Walgreens in Chapel Hill, NC and later accepted a position as the UNC/Walgreens Residency Site Coordinator in Asheville, NC (2015-2017).  While there she was the recipient of the programs UNC Outstanding Residency Preceptor Award (2015-2016).  Dr. Harris then joined the ICVAHCS as an Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in 2017.  She received her Board Certification in Ambulatory Care in the Fall of 2018.  Dr. Harris’s interests include precepting, patient care, anticoagulation and medication management.

Brett Heintz, PharmD, BCPS-ID received his doctorate in pharmacy from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Pharmacy and completed his residencies in pharmacy practice and infectious diseases at the University of California, Davis Medical center.  After post-graduate training he served as an infectious disease clinical pharmacy specialist and Assistant Clinical Professor from 2007-2012 jointly with UCSF School of Pharmacy.  He also is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist with added qualification in infectious diseases. Dr. Heintz, a Pharmacy Specialist in Infectious Diseases joined the Iowa City VA Health Care System  in September 2012 initially serving as the internal medicine pharmacy specialist and currently as the director of the antimicrobial stewardship program. He holds an academic position as Adjunct Clinical Professor at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and precepts pharmacy students, delivers didactic lectures and coordinates a pharmacotherapy course. Dr. Heintz’s primary research and clinical interests include antimicrobial dosing in special populations; management of outpatient delivery of antimicrobial therapy; predictors of treatment failure and antimicrobial stewardship principles. Dr. Heintz has authored several articles and book chapters related to antimicrobial therapy and presented numerous presentations and posters at local, state and national level meetings.  He is also the recipient of several teaching awards.

Shannon J. Heintz, PharmD, BCPS received her doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy.  She completed a pharmacy practice residency at the University of California, San Diego Medical Center, a critical care specialty residency at the University of California, Davis Health System, and a pharmacoepidemiology research fellowship at California Department of Public Health and Touro University College of Pharmacy.  Dr. Heintz, a Pharmacy Specialist in Critical Care and Transplant, joined the Iowa City VA Health Care System in September 2012.  She also serves as an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy.  Prior to joining the Iowa City VA and the University of Iowa she served as an Inpatient Clinical Pharmacist at the University of California, Davis Medical Center and Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California, San Francisco College of Pharmacy. 

Jazmin Lee, PharmD is an inpatient clinical pharmacist. She went to high school in a small Nebraska town and completed the Rural Health Opportunities Program at Wayne State College in 2016. She received her doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2019 (Go Big Red). Her first experience in the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System was at the Omaha VAMC as a pharmacy intern for three years. Upon graduation, she completed her PGY-1 residency training at ICVAHCS and became a clinical pharmacist in 2020. As an inpatient clinical pharmacist, she serves and enjoys working in a variety of areas including internal medicine, sterile IV preparation, and central pharmacy. Her clinical interests infectious diseases, transplant, and internal medicine. She currently serves on the Dialysis Quality Assessment & Performance Improvement (QAPI) Committee.

Shella Johnson, PharmD, BCGP came to the Iowa City VA Health Care System as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in 2003.  She graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2002 and completed the Primary Care Pharmacy Residency within the University of Iowa Department of Family Medicine in 2003.  She joined the VA Geriatric Scholar Program and earned her BCGP in 2013; this has afforded her opportunities to participate in clinical practica at VA medical centers across the country in areas such as alternative medicine, functional assessment, and palliative care.  In 2023 she was awarded the Dementia Capable Care Specialist credential from the Crisis Prevention Institute. Dr. Johnson is currently the pharmacy provider for the Iowa City VA Home-Based Primary Care Team.  She performs comprehensive medication assessments in the veterans homes, offers disease state management, and provides specific education as needed.  Specific areas of interest include deprescribing, shared decision making, and end-of-life care.

Julie Karlan, R.Ph. joined the Iowa City VA Health Care System in August 2020 as the Outpatient Pharmacy Supervisor.  Prior to her position here, she was the Manager of Pharmacy at UnityPoint Health System St. Luke’s Hospital for 30 plus years.  Julie participates on the Falls Committee, Medication Safety Committee, Patient Experience Council, and Equipment Committee.  Julie serves on the Kirkwood Technician Advisory Committee and has been an officer of the Linn County Pharmacist Association.  Julie enjoys working with students and the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy engaging the next generation of Pharmacy Professionals.  Project management is an area of enjoyment with planning/implementing a mail order pharmacy and designing/opening a state of the art pharmacy.  She looks forward to serving the veterans and the Iowa City VA Health System. 

James Kay, PharmD, joined the ICVAHCS in December 2021 as Inpatient Pharmacy Supervisor in the inpatient pharmacy through October 2022. He is currently the associate for inpatient pharmacy operations. He received his PharmD from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2017. Prior to joining the ICVAHCS, James was a pharmacist at Hy-Vee Pharmacy in Iowa City, Iowa (2017-2019) and manager in Coralville, Iowa (2019-2021). During his time with Hy-Vee, he focused on patient medication therapy management through programs such as Outcomes and EQUIPP. He played an active role in immunization administration for the Iowa City market and assisted with biometric screenings. During his time with Hy-Vee, he served as a preceptor for pharmacy interns and undergraduate students at the University of Iowa.

Sean Kubik, PharmD, BCACP is the Clinical Pharmacy Specialist for the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) for the Coralville VA Clinic. Sean graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2013. He then went on to complete a PGY-1 Residency focused in ambulatory care at the Lincoln, Nebraska VA. After residency, he accepted a position at the Lincoln VA as a (PACT) pharmacist for two years. Sean transferred to the Iowa City VA in July of 2016. His areas of interest are diabetes, hypertension, and medication management.

Jon Linder, PharmD, BCACP is the Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner for the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) and Home-Based Primary Care team for the Ottumwa VA Clinic.  Jon graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2016 after studying journalism and medical sciences throughout undergraduate studies (also at the University of Iowa). He worked as a student research assistant at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in the Department of Psychiatry before pursuing a career in pharmacy (focusing primarily in bipolar disorder and heart rate variability). Jon graduated from the PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at the Iowa City VA Health Care System in June 2017 before transitioning to a VA staff position with the Ambulatory Care Specialist group for two years. His areas of interest include diabetes, virology, cardiology, and primary care; and he is passionate about improving veterans’ care through building trust and goal-setting.

James (Trey) Lowery III, PharmD is originally from Byron, GA and received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Mercer University in Atlanta in 2018 prior to moving to Iowa. He began his career as a pharmacist at Hy-Vee Pharmacy for one year before entering residency. He then completed a PGY1 residency at the Iowa City VA Health Care System in 2020 and was hired afterward into his current role as an Outpatient Clinical Pharmacist. Trey serves as the primary resident preceptor for outpatient orientation and staffing. He is also an adjunct faculty preceptor for the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. Trey has a passion for precepting and mentoring residents and students. His clinical areas of interest include infectious disease, cardiology, and pharmacology.

Brian C. Lund, PharmD, MS has been a Core Investigator with ICVAHCS’ health services research division, the Center for Comprehensive Access & Delivery Research & Evaluation (CADRE), since 2009. He received a Doctor of Pharmacy in 1998 and a Master of Science in Epidemiology in 2002 from the University of Iowa. His training also encompassed a clinical residency in psychiatric pharmacy in 1999, a fellowship in clinical psychopharmacology in 2001, and a post-doctoral scholar position in pharmacoepidemiology and health outcomes research in 2002. Dr. Lund’s research focuses on pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety, with an emphasis on mental health and older adult populations. He currently serves on the Pharmacy Resident Project Advisory Board (PAB), which oversees resident research projects, and is actively involved as a team member in many of the individual residency projects, which includes providing assistance with design, conduct, analysis, and reporting.

Jacquelyn Mareau, PharmD received her doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2021. Upon graduation, she completed her PGY-1 residency training at the Iowa City VA Health Care System (ICVAHCS). Following residency training, she accepted a position at the ICVAHCS as an Inpatient Clinical Pharmacist in 2022 and staffs in a variety of areas in this role.  She enjoys serving as a preceptor for both pharmacy students and residents. Her clinical areas of interest include internal medicine, infectious diseases, and anticoagulation. 

Meaghan Meyer, PharmD, BCPS is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at the Iowa City VAHCS.  Dr. Meyer received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin Superior in 2000, then went on to conduct genetic research at the University of Minnesota Duluth until 2003.  She graduated with her PharmD from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2007 and completed the PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at the Iowa City VAHCS in 2008.  She worked in clinical research focusing on physician/pharmacist collaboration at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and Iowa City VAHCS until 2010 when she returned to the Iowa City VA Pharmacy as part of the Medication Reconciliation Core.  She transitioned into the Clinical Specialist group in 2015 while also serving as a PACT pharmacist for the Women’s Health Clinic and pharmacy consultant for the Gender Affirming Clinic. In 2023, she accepted a new role as a  Clinical Pharmacy Provider within the Neurology service line, focusing on treatment of migraine headache.

Billie Jo Myers, PharmD. is a 2003 graduate of the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. She joined the Iowa City VA in 2008, working in the Outpatient Pharmacy. During her outpatient career, she served on several committees including: Take back workgroup, Controlled Substance Crew, and the Opioid Sentinel Group. She is the pharmacy representative for the Disruptive Behavior Committee and is also an instructor for the Iowa City HCS MOVE program (weight loss program).  She joined the Clinical Pharmacy Specialist group in July, 2018.  Her primary focus is in anticoagulation and medication management. Prior to joining the ICVAHCS, Dr. Myers worked at several Hy-Vee pharmacies in the Iowa City and Coralville area. She has been working with pharmacy students throughout her career and enjoys being a preceptor for students and residents.

Macklin (Mack) O’Brien, PharmD, BCPS graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2012. After graduation he moved to the Pacific Northwest where he completed a PGY1 residency at PeaceHealth Southwest Washington Medical Center in Vancouver. After residency he practiced on the inpatient surgery floors at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland. Mack’s surgery practice included care for patients on the bariatric, emergency, general, neuro and trauma surgery floors. He was part of a pilot transitions of care program for surgery patients discharging from the hospital. OHSU was the hub of bariatric surgery in Oregon and Mack was integral to the optimization of pharmaceutical care for bariatric surgery patients throughout their hospital stay and at time of discharge. While at OHSU Mack was a clinical adjunct professor with Oregon State University and precepted pharmacy students on rotation. Mack became a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist in 2015. Mack moved back to his Iowa roots in 2017 when he accepted a position working in primary care and telemedicine at the Iowa City VA Healthcare Center. He provided disease state management remotely for the Sterling, Illinois Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). In February 2023 Mack accepted a new role for the ICVAHC as the Medication Safety Program Manager. This role focuses on the zero-harm goal founded on principles of High Reliability Organizations. Mack’s focus is nurturing the just-culture and improving medication systems to minimize harms. Mack is proud to be reconnected with his alma mater as an adjunct professor for the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. He also enjoys mentoring pharmacy students through the College of Pharmacy’s 1885 Society mentorship program. Mack’s mission in pharmacy is veteran-centric safe pharmaceutical care. 

Kelsey Pausche, PharmD, BCACP is originally from West Chicago, IL and has been with the ICVA ambulatory care pharmacy specialist group since 2019, following completion of a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, WI, earlier that year. She earned her PharmD in 2018 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy, but prior to that, completed her bachelor's degree in chemistry at the University of Iowa in 2014. Not to worry, she does root for the Hawkeyes when the two schools play each other. She kept herself occupied during the COVID quarantine by studying for and passing the ambulatory care pharmacy board certification exam in October 2020. Kelsey has been interested in ambulatory care ever since volunteering in the ICVA anticoagulation clinic during her undergrad years, and is honored to be back now working with the pharmacists and clinic that inspired her pharmacy journey!

Amy Schweitzer, Pharm D, BCPS, HF-Cert is a Clinical Pharmacy Provider in Cardiology/Heart Failure, operating the Pharmacist-Led Heart Failure Titration Clinic, in addition to serving as a resource for Cardiology providers and fellows.  She graduated from the University of Iowa with her Pharm D in 1999.   Joined the ICVAHCS in 2000 as a Clinical Pharmacist in the Outpatient Pharmacy.  Additional opportunities allowed for a broader experience as part of the Medication Reconciliation Team, Transitions of Care Clinic, and Heart Failure Clinic.   Amy was recently part of the first cohort of heart failure (HF) providers to earn Heart Failure Certification (HF-Cert) as a member of HFSA. 

Abby Tague, PharmD, CACP joined the Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center in July 2009.  She graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2003 and competed a Primary Care Specialty Residency at the William S. Middleton VA Hospital in Madison, WI. She currently works in the Iowa City VAMC anticoagulation clinic and medication management service. Prior to joining the Iowa City VAMC, she worked for the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics as the Clinical Coordinator of the Anticoagulation Clinic.

Marshall Tague, PharmD, BCOP joined the Iowa City Veteran Affairs Medical Center in July 2009.  He is a 2003 graduate of the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy.  Upon graduation he completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in Madison, Wisconsin from 2003 to 2004.  He then went on to complete an Oncology Specialty Residency at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida from 2004 to 2005.  Prior to joining the Iowa City VAMC he worked at the University of Wisconsin Hospital Clinics providing services to inpatient Hematology, Bone Marrow Transplant, Medical Oncology, and Palliative Care services.  He is currently the Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Oncology at the Iowa City VAMC.

Krystal Titus-Rains, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP  Krystal graduated from the University of Iowa College of pharmacy in 2014 and pursued a PGY1 pharmacy practice residency at the Iowa City VA Healthcare System.  She completed a PGY2 residency in oncology pharmacy at the VA in Durham, NC prior to returning to the Iowa City VA in 2016.   She worked as an inpatient clinical pharmacist and resident co-coordinator for the inpatient pharmacy rotations and staffing experiences until 2022 when she transitioned to Oncology Pharmacy Specialist.  Her interests include internal medicine and oncology.  She enjoys  reading, running, baking, and traveling. 

Traviss Tubbs, PharmD. is the Chief of Pharmacy Services for the Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System (ICVAHCS) and also hold the titles of Assistant Dean of Veterans Affairs and Assistant Professor (Clinical) at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy.  He graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2001.  After graduation Dr. Tubbs worked for Wal-Mart Pharmacy in roles including Pharmacy Manager, Pharmacy District Manager and Corporate Recruiter for Pharmacy and Optometry.  Traviss then took a position as a Clinical Pharmacist in the Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Department at the UIHC.  He joined the Iowa City VA Health Care System in October of 2009 as the Pharmacy Supervisor for Outpatient Services.  Dr. Tubbs was later promoted to Associate Chief of Operation Compliance and Supply Management and subsequently to the Chief position.  As Chief of Pharmacy, Traviss is ultimately responsible for all pharmacy related operations, contracting, budgeting, compliance, outcomes, inventory management and clinical practice.  Dr. Tubbs is also involved in policy management and development for the ICVAHCS.  He serves on the Residency Advisory Board, Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, Medical Executive Board, Health Care Operations Committee, Quality Safety Value Committee, Space Committee, Informatics Committee, Pain Committee, Affiliation Partnership Council and Peer Review Committee for the ICVAHCS.  At the VISN level, Dr. Tubbs serves on the VISN 23 Pharmacy Advisory Board, VISN 23 Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, and the VISN 23 Pain Committee.  At the national level, Traviss has previously worked with the Medication Reconciliation Documentation Workgroup, the Pharmacy Recruitment and Retention Advisory Board and a workgroup tasked with reviewing and recommending changes to the national directive on controlled substance inspections.  In his work with the College of Pharmacy, Dr. Tubbs serves on the Dean’s Executive Committee, lectures in the Leadership and Professional Development Electives and mentors pharmacy students. 

Nancee Waterbury, PharmD, BCACP has been a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at the Iowa City VA since 2001. She graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2000 and completed the specialized practice residency in Ambulatory Care at the Iowa City VA in June 2001. Dr. Waterbury has served as the PGY 1 Pharmacy Practice Residency Program Director since 2008. Her primary areas of clinic involvement include diabetes, weight loss management, and virology. She is an active member of the Iowa Pharmacy Association participating in the Leadership Pharmacy Conference, receiving Young Pharmacist of the Year award, completing a two-year term on the Board of Trustees in 2012 and serving on a variety of committees. Dr. Waterbury is an adjunct assistant professor for the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. She lectures several times a year and helps precept students.

Luke Watson, PharmD, BCPP joined the ICVAHCS as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Psychiatry in 2016. Dr. Watson received his B.S. in Chemistry from the Truman State University in 2010.  Dr. Watson received his PharmD. degree from the University of Iowa in 2014. He completed his PGY-1 residency training at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL.  He then completed his PGY-2 residency training in psychiatric pharmacy residency at the ICVAHCS and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.  Dr. Watson’s clinical interests include psychiatric and neurological pharmacy. Dr. Watson is currently the Residency Program Director for the PGY2 Psychiatric Pharmacy residency program at the ICVAHCS.

Marcia Chace Zeithamel, BS, PharmD, BCPS, BCGP is an Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner at the Iowa City VA Health Care System.  She received her Bachelor of Science in 1995 and Doctor of Pharmacy in 2005 from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy. She is a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist and a Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist.  Dr. Zeithamel has cared for our Nations’ Veterans in the ambulatory care pharmacy setting at the Iowa City VA HCS since 2003, and has served in her current Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner position since 2017.  She is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and enjoys precepting pharmacy students and residents.  Her primary areas of interest and clinic involvement include Primary Care, Geriatric Pharmacy, Medication Management and Anticoagulation.  She is a member of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

Christine L. Zeman, PharmD. is an Associate Chief of Pharmacy, Specialist Operations.  Christine earned her doctorate from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2000 and joined the ICVAHCS in 2002 as an outpatient staff pharmacist.  During her career with the VA, Dr. Zeman has served as Outpatient Pharmacy Program Manager in 2007-2008 prior to transitioning to a PACT pharmacy clinical role in 2009.  As a PACT pharmacist, Dr. Zeman provided clinical pharmacy support and medication therapy management services to the Coralville Primary Care Clinic.   In September 2019, she transitioned her role to Associate Chief of Pharmacy, Specialist Operations.  She is an adjunct professor for the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, precepting both pharmacy students and residents.  She graduated from the VA’s LEAD program in 2006 and attended the Iowa Pharmacy Association’s Leadership Pharmacy Conference in 2012.  Prior to her career with VA, Dr. Zeman managed Drug Town in Columbus Junction, IA, and provided pharmacy consultative services for the local nursing facility.  Her primary area of interest is ambulatory/primary care.

Caroline Hartman, PharmD, originally from North Liberty, IA, received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Iowa in May 2022 and graduated from the Iowa City VA PGY-1 pharmacy residency in 2023. She has been involved in the American Pharmacists Association—Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA), the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, and the Upstream Initiative out of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Dr. Hartman’s professional areas of interest include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. In the future, she intends to obtain BCPP certification and pursue a career in psychiatric pharmacy practice. Her favorite things to do are to hang out with her Alaskan Husky, Winnie and cheer on the Iowa Hawkeyes! caroline.hartman@va.gov               

Sanya Hassan, PharmD, originally from St. Louis, MO, received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from University of Iowa in May 2023. She has been involved in the Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society, University of Iowa Mobile Clinic, and Student National Pharmaceutical Association. In the future, she would like to obtain a BCPS certification and pursue a career in inpatient clinical practice. Dr. Hassan’s professional areas of interest include oncology, critical care, and palliative care. In her free time, she loves gardening, making candles, and traveling with her family. sanya.hassan@va.gov

Stephanie Schafer, PharmD, originally from Naperville, IL, received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Creighton University in May 2023. She has been involved in the Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society, Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society, Phi Lambda Sigma Pharmacy Leadership Society, American Pharmacist Association – Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA), American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), and Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity. Dr. Schafer’s areas of interest include ambulatory care practice involving chronic disease state management, infectious disease, and academia. In the future, she intends to pursue a PGY2 in ambulatory care. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, listening to live music, and cheering on the Creighton Bluejays!  stephanie.schafer@va.gov

Komel Shahid, PharmD, originally from West Des Moines, IA, received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from University of Iowa in May 2023. She has been involved in the Student National Pharmacy Association, Iowa City Mobile Clinic, and the Iowa City Hospice. Dr. Shahid’s areas of interest include psychiatry and ambulatory care clinical practice. In the future, she intends to pursue a career in inpatient psychiatry or ambulatory care pharmacy with the obtainment of BCPP or BCPS certification. Her favorite things to do include traveling, trying new restaurants, photography, and working out.  komel.shahid@va.gov

Hope Thelander, PharmD, originally from Hastings, NE, received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Creighton University in May 2023. She has been involved in the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA), Phi Lambda Sigma Pharmacy Leadership Society, Rho Chi Honor Society, Nebraska Pharmacist Association, and Student Society of Health System Pharmacy. Dr. Thelander’s areas of interest include inpatient clinical pharmacy practice, critical care, infectious disease, and mental health. She intends to obtain BCPS certification and pursue a career in inpatient clinical pharmacy practice. In her free time, she enjoys lifting weights, cooking new recipes, listening to podcasts, and spending time with friends and family.  hope.thelander@va.gov

QUESTION

What clinical rotations are available, how are they selected, is scheduling flexible?

ANSWER

• Every resident is required to complete the following clinical learning experiences
  • Internal Medicine-1
  • Selective Required Ambulatory Care Block
    • Anticoagulation Clinic
    • Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT)-1
    • One clinic/service from the Ambulatory Care track
• Residents select ONE elective track
  • Ambulatory Care Track
  • Specialty Clinical Track
  • Psychiatry PGY-2 Track
• Residents select one daily elective
• RPD meets with residents at the beginning of the year and every quarter to review the
  schedule; changes made based on resident preference

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QUESTION

How much patient interaction will residents be exposed to while on ambulatory care rotations?

ANSWER

• Patient interaction is the hallmark of ambulatory care
• F2F, telemedicine, video to home and phone calls are used to interact with patients
• Eighty percent of a resident’s time is spent performing direct patient care activities

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QUESTION

What is the staffing schedule, responsibilities, and support? How many hours, on call?

ANSWER

• Staffing schedule is determined by the residents
• Each resident will work the same number of weekends and evenings
  • 13 weekends (26 shifts): Saturday and Sunday for 8.5 hours each day
  • 28 evenings: one evening a week for 3 hours
• Residents will always have a clinical pharmacist(s) working with them on the weekends
• Residents are NOT on call
• Staffing is part of the residency program. Extra hours are not available for additional pay

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QUESTION

What is the support system for the research project, how often do projects get published? How are they selected. Is this a large area of focus in this program?

ANSWER

• We have a project advisory board (PAB) who helps to guide projects to completion
  • Residents start meeting with the PAB in July
  • Meetings are weekly for the first several months
• There is a list of projects to select from; own ideas are welcome
• We do put a lot of focus and dedicate resources to the residency project and MUE
• We average 1-2 published projects a year

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QUESTION

What are the expectations and opportunities of Education Program for Residents (PEPPR)?

ANSWER

• PEPPR is our teaching program affiliated with the University of Iowa COP
• Residents attend a workshop in August and select activities to participate in
  • Design and deliver 1 learning activity (large group)
  • Facilitate learning activities in the pharmacy practice course series one day in
    the Fall and one day in the Spring semester (small group/lab)
  • Can select more if desired
• Educational sessions are held once a month with required attendance (F2F or virtual)
• Outside of the classroom residents assist in precepting students on rotations, but will
  not be the primary preceptor for a student
• All residents are responsible for completing a drug class review, CE program and
  pharmacy-wide journal club

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QUESTION

What type of autonomy do ICVA pharmacists have?

ANSWER

• In the VA Health Care System clinical pharmacists have their own scope of practice
  • Can prescribe medications and order labs
  • Without physician co-signature
• VA Health Care System does not allow PGY-1 residents their own scope of practice
  • Can work under preceptors’ scope of practice
  • Can order medications and labs under preceptors’ name for signature
• Each clinical pharmacist has a unique scope of practice based on their area of expertise

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QUESTION

How are residents evaluated? (how frequently is feedback given and from whom)

ANSWER

• PharmAcademic is the formal website
  • Preceptor evaluations at the end of each learning experience
  • Residents evaluate each learning experience and preceptor(s)
• Residents receive feedback on their projects and presentations throughout the year
• VA Health Care System requires preceptors to co-sign all PGY-1 resident notes
  • Feedback on recommendations and monitoring plans
  • Feedback on notes
• Every quarter RPD meets individually with each resident
  • Reviews most recent evaluations
  • Determines if changes in the schedule need to be made

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QUESTION

Where have residents (over the past five years) gone after completing residency?

ANSWER

• Positions directly out of PGY-1 residency training
  • Inpatient Positions: 45%
  • Outpatient/Am Care Position: 30%
  • PGY-2: 25%
• Currently working in the VA Health Care System: 95%

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QUESTION

What is there to do in the area when not at work?

ANSWER

• Iowa City is home to the University of Iowa.
• Coralville and North Liberty are the immediate surrounding areas
• University of Iowa Campus Tour
   

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QUESTION

How is transportation to work/parking handled? Is there adequate housing in the area?

ANSWER

• Parking onsite at the ICVA is reserved for veterans
• Employees are allowed to park onsite during the weekends
• We encourage residents to secure housing on a bus route
• There are multiple busing options; all stop behind VA for easy access
  • University Cambus (no charge)
  • Iowa City busing routes
  • Coralville busing routes
• Discounted busing passes are provided for VA employees