Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Are the programs accredited by ASHP or AMCP?

A. In accordance with our internal program standards, the Postgraduate Year One (PGY1) Managed Care Pharmacy Residency conducted by UMass Chan Medical School’s Clinical Pharmacy Services is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, in partnership with the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy.

Q. What is the stipend?

A. The stipend is $48,000 for PGY1 residents.

Q. What benefits does the program offer?

A. Clinical Pharmacy Services offers 15 vacation days, two personal days, paid sick leave, comprehensive medical insurance (health/dental/vision), and paid holidays. We provide travel to ASHP and AMCP conferences and offer opportunities for publication, professional development, and certification/training.

Q. What are the unique strengths of this residency compared to other programs, from the perspective of a resident? 

A. Current and past residents mention a broad spectrum of advantages when asked to describe their view of our postgraduate residency program:

  • A unique combination of a business environment with a strong clinical focus
  • Team of more than 60 pharmacists
  • Focus on professional development
  • Emphasis on presenting and writing skills
  • Personalized leadership training
  • Research team dedicated to your residency project
  • Deliver accredited continuing education seminar
  • Adjunct faculty status at various colleges of pharmacy
  • Experience with multiple managed care plans
  • Close to Boston

Q. Are there other advantages to choosing your program?

Welcomed as essential members of our Clinical Pharmacy Services team, residents join an atmosphere with an intense focus on mission-driven work, yet we also enjoy a positive camaraderie within our supportive group. We offer you as many conveniences as possible, including an on-site cafeteria, dry cleaning service, casual Fridays, on-site fitness centers, employee discounts, and walking paths.

Q. What resources are available to the residents?

A. Each resident is supplied with individual space in our professional office environment, including a computer and a phone. Online and physical access to the medical library at UMass Chan Medical School and other pharmacy-related databases are available to residents. Each resident is also set up with virtual private network privileges to access desktop files and programs from home. Residents also receive their own business cards for purposes of recruitment and networking.

Q. Is there a staffing component?

A. We do not require a staffing responsibility. However, our residents are required to cover clinical review escalations during select days of the month. During clinical review, our residents serve as pharmacy consultants for complex clinical cases that require the application of clinical judgment and use of evidence-based medicine. Physician advisors, senior pharmacy management, and seasoned managed care pharmacists serve as resources for the resident on clinical review.

Q. Is there parking?

A. There is ample pre-tax, affordable parking.

Q. How can I learn more?

A. Feel free to contact us to set up a one-day shadowing opportunity. We will be glad to have you meet with both our operational and clinical staff to get a realistic sense of the day-to-day work at UMass Chan Medical School.