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Internship Program

The internship program is designed to provide progressive training in pharmacy drug distribution and clinical practice, building on the academic curriculum. The program gives interns a strong foundation an understanding of the crucial role that pharmacists play in patient care. We are especially focused on the medication use process and the pharmacist’s role in practicing evidence-based medicine, providing medications that are safe and effective for patients.

Program Leads

  • Kaman Chung, PharmD
  • Celica Tong, PharmD

Internship Components

  • Staffing
  • Intern program meetings
  • Off-block rotation shadowing experience
  • Summer projects
  • Mentorship program
  • Career development opportunities
  • Three-year commitment including two full summers

Intern Expectations

  • Models high standards of professionalism
  • Demonstrates an interest in growth and development as a future clinical pharmacist
  • Participates in patient care initiatives of the department
  • Demonstrates effective communication skills
  • Contributes to the achievement of a high-performing team
  • Maintains accountability and ownership with assignments
  • Exhibits flexibility and adaptability

First Year (P2)

Focus
  • Medication distribution process
Staffing Components
  • Central dispensing shift
    • Fill medication orders
  • Patient-centered technician shift
    • Deliver medications to designated nursing units
    • Perform morning cart exchange
    • Fill Pyxis machines
    • Refill IV floor stock
    • Triage missing medications
    • Facilitate communication between nurses and pharmacists

Second Year (P3)

Focus
  • Sterile compounding
Staffing Components
  • IV room shift
    • Obtain IV certification
    • Prepare and mix sterile products
  • Central dispensing shift
  • Patient-centered technician shift

Third Year (P4)

Focus
  • Clinical activities
Staffing Components
  • 5RX clinical shift
    • Evaluate patients on pharmacy protocols (vancomycin/aminoglycoside PK dosing, anticoagulants and antimicrobials)
    • Perform patient medication education
    • Conduct medication reconciliation
    • Assist pharmacists with clinical activities as needed
  • IV room shift
  • Central dispensing shift
  • Patient-centered technician shift
Career Development
  • CV review
  • Mock interviews

Time Commitment

Staffing Shifts (eight hours per shift)
  • AM: 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
  • PM: 3:30 p.m. - midnight
  • Sterile compounding shift times vary between 6 a.m. and midnight
Summers – FULL TIME (first and second year)
  • Summers – FULL TIME (first and second year)
  • Up to 40 hours per week starting one week from the last day of class through the start of the next school year
  • Work every other weekend, including day and evening shifts
School year
  • Two full weekends per month (16 hours per weekend, including day and evening shifts)
  • Option to work extra
Holidays
  • Usually either Christmas Day or New Year's Day
  • Interns will be assigned to work holidays on a rotational basis, similar to other staff

Vacations must be preapproved.
During all school breaks, interns may be asked to work additional hours.