HCA Florida Ocala Hospital launches new pharmacy residency program
HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, part of HCA Florida Healthcare, is announcing the launch of its American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) Pharmacy Residency Program.
HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, part of HCA Florida Healthcare, is announcing the launch of its American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) Pharmacy Residency Program. Accredited by ASHP, the new program will train residents in drug treatment and patient care. The pharmacy residency is the only active program of its kind in the Marion County region.
A residency is a critical component of a clinical pharmacist’s career path. The program last one year for general clinical pharmacy practice. Residents may then pursue a second residency year in a specialty of their choosing.
Each resident will focus on evidence-based medicine and participation in the healthcare team to design and manage drug treatment regimens for our patients. Opportunities for the residents will include research projects, medication use evaluations, conference attendance, committee involvement, teaching students, and more to create a well-rounded clinical pharmacist by the end of the first year.
“HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital are very excited to partner with the American Society of Health System Pharmacists to bring this new residency program to our community,” said Alan Keesee, chief executive officer for HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. “Our hospital and trained medical staff make HCA Florida Ocala an ideal partner for the residents. In addition, attracting and retaining talent is key to expanding access to care and improving the health of our community. As these residents complete their training, our community and region will see economic and health benefits. We are fortunate to have the strong infrastructure necessary to create this program as well as our team of clinical pharmacists who can train the next generation of caregivers.”
Across the country, HCA Healthcare is a pharmacy residency leader. With more than 400 program graduates across 15 states, HCA Healthcare trains more than 100 pharmacy residents annually. In Florida, HCA Healthcare is home to the largest teaching hospital system.
HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital also have multiple Graduate Medical Education Residency programs in coordination with the University of Central Florida that include medical residents in the following specialties: General Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Anesthesiology, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Transitional Year and a Surgical Critical Care Fellowship.