Frequently Asked Questions
How will this residency prepare me for board certification?
In addition to the critical thinking skills you develop during patient care, Mayo Clinic offers a structured preparation program for board certification. The Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP) group meets for one hour each Monday to discuss a specific disease state, Wednesday to discuss a drug class utilized in that disease state, and Friday to do a journal club on landmark trials for that disease state. The pharmacy department provides a weekly educational series for one to two hours to review core topics covered on the BCPS exam. You will be eligible to sit for the BCPS exam during the fall of your oncology residency and will be supported in your pursuit of this certification.
Back to topWhat teaching opportunities are available at Mayo Clinic?
Mayo Clinic is not affiliated with a college of pharmacy; however, Mayo provides clerkships for about 15 students from nearby universities each year. Generally, residents are expected to precept one student each year after they have developed proficiency in the area of oncology, but may precept more students if the experience is desired. Didactic lecture skills are developed during ample opportunities for pharmacy and nursing presentations.
Back to topDoes Mayo Clinic support travel to conferences?
The pharmacy department is generally able to fund travel to the ASHP Midyear Clinical meeting, the Midwest Residency Conference and one conference in your specialty area (e.g., HOPA, ASCO, ASH, or the Tandem BMT Meeting).
Back to topHow are residents evaluated?
Resident evaluations are modeled on the ASHP residency learning system and facilitated through ResiTrak. Each rotation preceptor will evaluate the resident's performance on rotation and the residency director will coordinate summative evaluations and tailor the program to meet the unique needs of each resident.
Back to topCan you describe the staffing component?
Residents will staff 4 hours each week on a weekday afternoon in the chemotherapy infusion clinic.
Back to topWhat projects or presentations are required in addition to daily clinical activities?
Oncology pharmacy residents will develop and complete a research project, write a manuscript for publication, conduct a medication use evaluation, teach at least three hours of lecture in the pharmacy educational seminar series, actively participate in the BCOP curriculum, and give at least three presentations to pharmacy, nursing, or medical staff throughout the year.
Back to topWhat other educational opportunities are available?
Residents are encouraged to attend the variety of weekly conferences offered at Mayo Clinic, including Grand Rounds, Hematology Core Conference, Oncology Core Conference, BMT Core Conference, Transplant Grand Rounds, Clinical Pathologic Conference, and Oncology Interesting Patient Conference. Throughout the year, many invited, renowned clinician-investigators speak at Mayo Clinic.
As Mayo Clinic is a teaching hospital, the physician consultants generally teach the house staff throughout the week during or following rounds and welcome pharmacy residents and students to these discussions.
Mayo Clinic has an extensive selection of classes for staff with a lecture series to improve almost any weakness (teaching, communication, presentation, and computer skills, to name a few).
Back to topWill I need a Minnesota pharmacy license?
Yes, residents must be eligible for licensure (reciprocity or examination) and successfully obtain Minnesota licensure as soon as possible.
Back to topIs there anything else I should know?
The library has a colossal collection of online journals that you can easily access from anywhere in the hospital or clinic.
On-site parking is not available for pharmacy residents, but Mayo Clinic supports several alternatives, including free passes for public transportation (city bus) and park and ride to work as well many housing options within walking distance of the clinic.
Mayo Clinic has an on-site, state-of-the-art employee fitness center with indoor pools, an indoor track, a plethora of cardiovascular and free weight equipment, and a variety of classes including yoga, pilates, and dance. Membership rates are nominal.
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