Temple University Hospital Program

The Temple University Hospital PGY2 Infectious Diseases Pharmacy Residency Program, established in 2007, celebrates a long-standing commitment to advancing pharmacy practice in the field of infectious diseases. This program provides a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum that prepares pharmacy residents to excel in various dimensions of infectious disease management.

Program Curriculum

The residency incorporates a wide range of experiences, including general consult services, a dedicated transplant infectious diseases team, established antimicrobial and antiretroviral stewardship programs, and ambulatory infectious disease clinics, particularly focusing on HIV and Hepatitis C. Residents will engage in both clinical rotations and teaching opportunities through collaboration with the Temple University School of Pharmacy, thereby reinforcing a cycle of education and application of medical knowledge 1.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the program are required to have completed or be in the process of completing an ASHP-accredited PGY1 Pharmacy Residency. A strong application consists of a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, US citizenship or permanent residency status, a letter of intent, a detailed Curriculum Vitae, pharmacy school transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. The application must be submitted via the Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service (PhORCAS) by the designated deadline 2.

Resident Experience

Currently, the program has one PGY2 Infectious Diseases Pharmacy Residency position available each year. The residents participate actively in various aspects of patient care, gaining experiential learning while being mentored by experienced pharmacy preceptors. The program emphasizes a supportive learning environment that encourages professional growth 3.

Preceptors

The PGY2 Pharmacy Infectious Diseases Residency Program is led by qualified professionals who are experts in their fields. These preceptors include Dr. David Koren, who has distinguished himself in HIV management and public health. The diverse expertise of the clinical pharmacy specialists ensures that residents receive thorough clinical exposure and mentoring during their rotational experiences 4.

Salary and Benefits

The program offers a competitive salary, which is approximately $73,000 annually. Benefits include health, medical, and dental insurance, a personal computer for the residency office, and access to Temple University facilities. The residents also receive combined vacation and sick leave totaling 18 days, along with 8 paid holidays throughout the year. Additionally, residents are supported for attending professional conferences, including the ASHP Midyear Conference and IDWeek 5.

Visa Support

The program is open to applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, thereby ensuring that visa arrangements are typically not necessary. However, if international applicants show exceptional qualifications, it is worthwhile to inquire about potential visa sponsorship options directly.

Competitiveness

The residency in Infectious Diseases at Temple University Hospital is viewed as highly competitive due to the increasing demand for specialized pharmacy practitioners. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate robust pharmacy practice backgrounds, strong communication skills, and commitment to ongoing professional development to strengthen their applications. While the selection process is competitive, the program maintains a welcoming environment for all applicants, including those who may identify as DO or international medical graduates.

Special Programs and Rotations

Temple University's program is distinctive due to its broad exposure to various infectious diseases, with dedicated rotations aimed at both inpatient and outpatient settings. This extensive exposure enables residents to build a solid foundation in both clinical practice and the nuances of patient-centered pharmaceutical care 1.