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 Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS) group provides presentation during the year to review core topics covered on the BCPS exam. There are a number of additional CE's throughout the year in a wide variety of topics (generally about 1 per week) which help reinforce the more general range of knowledge / experience acquired in your PGY1 year.
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 Schools or Colleges of Pharmacy in the region each year. Residents are expected to precept PharmD students during the year. Didactic lecture skills are developed through ample opportunities for pharmacy, nursing and physician education.
Back to topDoes Mayo Clinic support travel to conferences?
The pharmacy department is generally able to fund travel to the ASHP Midyear Clinical meeting and the Midwest Residency Conference.
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 have a staffing component to the residency. Please call to inquire about the details.
Back to topWhat projects or presentations are required in addition to daily clinical activities?
The Pharmacy Practice Residency in Pharmacotherapy (PGY2) will develop and complete a research project, write a manuscript suitable for publication, conduct a medication use evaluation, teach at least one BCPS lecture, 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 Medical Grand Rounds specific to the rotation the resident is currently on, Pharmacy Resident Chief Conference and many other opportunities to numerous to mention. Throughout the year renowned clinician-investigators speak at Mayo Clinic and residents are encouraged to attend these presentations as well.
As Mayo Clinic is a teaching hospital, the physician consultants generally teach the house staff 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, computer skills, etc.)
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.
The Mayo Clinic has electronic medical records which are extremely useful for clinical activities as well as any data collection / research that may be done throughout the year.
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.
Remote access is available, including remote desktop access.
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