Specialized pediatric residency programs

Abstract

Specialized residencies provide focused instruction in various areas of pharmacy practice. They are designed to follow a general pharmacy practice residency and build on the skills developed in the first year of postgraduate training. Practice sites encourage, and often require, residents to complete a general pharmacy residency before enrolling in a specialized residency. Much like general pharmacy practice residencies, specialized residencies are yearlong commitments of intensive training, with a much more specific scope of practice. At this time, ASHP-accredited specialized residencies and unaccredited residencies are not required to participate in the ASHP Resident Matching Program that is required of general pharmacy residency programs. Pediatric pharmacists have in-depth knowledge of drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in a wide range of patients, from premature neonates to young adults. Pediatric pharmacists must account for changes in the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of medications, all of which depend on the child’s stage of organ development.1 Because many pediatric patients often receive medications for “off-label” use,2 the pediatric pharmacist must make clinical decisions based on the developmental status of the pediatric patient, while keeping in mind the basic pharmacology of medications.