PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program

The purpose of this program is to 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. 

This Program offers two residents a 52-week immersive experience in clinical patient care, working with a diverse and rewarding Veteran population. Residents will collaborate with a variety of clinical pharmacists who have prescriptive authority and will progress to independently practice in various ambulatory care settings, including primary care, rural health, anticoagulation, mental health, diabetes, and pain management. Graduates will be well-prepared to excel in patient safety, formulary management, pharmacy operations, and leadership.

This Program is designed to train pharmacists to deliver pharmaceutical care, actively participate as members of the healthcare team, and provide education to patients, health professionals, and themselves through disease state management, pharmacy operations, and quality improvement. Residents will learn to perform self-monitoring and demonstrate leadership by contributing to performance improvement. The program encourages the development of a professional approach that fosters lifelong learning and career satisfaction. 

This Program aims to maximize residents’ individual skills and talents while fostering growth through diverse clinical scenarios, interdisciplinary collaborations, practical education, and leadership training. Residents will have opportunities for self-reflection on professional development, to enact lasting changes for the betterment of the Program, to create adaptable solutions and practices, and to apply their skills in caring for patients across various practice settings

• No required staffing on nights or weekends
• Annual stipend of $49,194 (subject to change)
• Meets eligibility requirements for medical, dental, vision, and life insurance through the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) and Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Link to Federal Employees Benefits
• Access to Federal Employee Assistance Program Services
• 13 days of sick leave (accrued at 2-hours per week)
• 13 days of paid annual (vacation) leave (accrued at 2-hours per week)
• 11 days of paid Federal holidays
• Authorized leave for residency-related activities and professional meetings (financial support may be available)
• Access to the VA healthcare system with opportunities for continuing education and networking nationwide
• Free on-site parking at White City VA Medical Center and CBOCs
• Private office space (shared with co-resident) with up-to-date computer software (laptops may also be available to offer onsite and remote access)
• Access to library resources, including multiple reference databases and clinical information systems available online, literature resources, and other VA educational programs.
• Because VA is a federal employer, may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness program

Application Requirements

The following will be required of all applications to the program to ensure applicants will be licensed or eligible for licensure from any state or territory of the United States of America as defined by VA and the American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists (ASHP):

• Citizen of the United States of America
• Graduate or candidate for graduation from an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited degree program or have a Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) certificate from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
• Materials are submitted via ASHP Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service (PhORCAS) at http://www.ashp.org/phorcas.
  • Letter of intent
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Academic transcripts
  • Minimum of 3 letters of recommendation (via standard PhORCAS recommendation template)

ASHP Code: 94044

NMS Match Code: 274013

Application Deadline 

All application materials are due via submission to PhORCAS no later than January 4th.

Application Procedure

Once materials are submitted via PhORCAS, interviews will be scheduled following evaluation of all applications and applicants will be ranked for selection based on the candidate’s qualifications, skill sets, interests, fit, and ability for the program to meet the goals and aspirations of the candidate.

For more information, please contact Dr. Trevor Laursen. You can also download the program brochure and manual below to learn more.

Grace Beyer, PharmD

Hometown: Eagle, Wisconsin

College of Pharmacy: Saint Louis College of Pharmacy

Why I chose VA SORCC: I was truly impressed by the support and warm welcome I received during my interview process. This program stood out to me because it offers a unique and immersive experience in outpatient settings, with exposure to numerous specialty areas. I am excited about the opportunity to pursue my career in such a comprehensive and supportive environment.

Clinical areas of interest: Ambulatory Care, Mental Health

Favorite hobbies: Hiking, running, spending time with friends 

Thing I want to do most while in Oregon this year: Exploring hiking trails, waterfalls, and the coastline

Jasmine Kha, PharmD

Hometown: Beaverton, Oregon

College of Pharmacy: Oregon State University/Oregon Health & Science University

Why I chose VA SORCC: I was captivated by the diverse ambulatory care learning experiences and incredibly supportive team at VA SORCC. Having been immersed in the program for a few months, I can attest to our RPD's dedication to advocating for residents and optimizing opportunities in our areas of interest. 

Clinical areas of interest: Ambulatory Care, Pain Management

Favorite hobbies: Exploring restaurants and coffee shops, watching movies/shows (currently Modern Family)

Thing I want to do most while in Oregon this year: Hiking, skiing, and camping in Southern Oregon!