PGY2 Pediatric-Focused Oncology

Overview

The pediatric-focused PGY2 Oncology Residency is a newer program at the University of North Carolina Medical Center (UNCMC) with the first resident graduating in 2022. The Pharmacy Department at UNCMC recognizes the need for advanced pharmacy training within the field of pediatric oncology to optimize medication safety in this specialized population and support the growing complexities of pediatric oncology care with pharmacists as an integral member of the interdisciplinary team. This program will serve to prepare graduates to assume positions in which they demonstrate leadership and compassion through work as highly skilled providers of care to pediatric oncology patients. The residency aims to provide comprehensive training supported by advanced practice models in a variety of oncology care settings. Our training program fosters a culture of innovation that supports opportunities for residents and encourages the development of practitioners who demonstrate the attributes of a leader. Additionally, we promote an atmosphere of curiosity and one that encourages residents to engage in scholarly pursuits, fosters compassionate delivery of healthcare, and promotes preceptor development. Lastly, we aim to provide a collegial environment where residents feel supported through mentorship.

Program Purpose

PGY2 pharmacy residency programs build on Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) education and PGY1 pharmacy residency programs to contribute to the development of clinical pharmacists in specialized areas of practice. PGY2 residencies provide residents with opportunities to function independently as practitioners by conceptualizing and integrating accumulated experience and knowledge and incorporating both into the provision of patient care or other advanced practice settings. Residents who successfully complete an accredited PGY2 pharmacy residency are prepared for advanced patient care, academic, or other specialized positions, along with board certification, if available.

Collaboration with the North Carolina Cancer Hospital

The North Carolina Cancer Hospital, the clinical home of UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, houses an interdisciplinary cancer care program in a 315,000-square foot building that was dedicated in 2009. Within the oncology service line, the Department of Pharmacy provides critical services to our patients in collaboration with interprofessional colleagues who value our contributions to care. Our oncology pharmacy practitioners provide a wide breadth of services in a diversity of practice settings that include both acute and ambulatory care. Our oncology pharmacy team has won three ASHP Best Practice Awards.

The North Carolina Children’s Hospital has 150 inpatient beds along with a comprehensive children’s outpatient center. In addition to pediatric oncology services, the Children’s Hospital provides extensive general and subspecialty medical services for patients, thus offering a wide array of clinical learning opportunities for residents. Additionally, our pediatric pharmacy satellite provides drug consulting services, patient-specific oral and IV dose preparation, and pediatric code coverage. Services including total parenteral nutrition admixture and compounding of special formulations are provided by our centralized pharmacy, and preparation of antineoplastic agents is provided by our Cancer Hospital Infusion Pharmacy.

At UNCMC, we nourish an advanced and contemporary practice model in oncology pharmacy. We continue to trail blaze, pushing the envelope with innovative pharmacy services supported by external funding resources. We believe the diversity in opportunities that you will encounter here at UNC will well-equip you with a confident mind and a strong skill set that readies you for success both now and in the future!

About the Residency Program Director

Dr. Phillips is a clinical pharmacist practitioner in pediatric hematology/oncology at UNC. She completed her undergraduate training at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and her Doctor of Pharmacy at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. She completed her PGY1 pharmacy practice residency at NYU Langone Medical Center and her PGY2 specialty residency in oncology with a focus in pediatrics at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, New York. Her practice and research interests include patient and caregiver education, chemotherapy toxicity management and supportive care, and maintenance oral chemotherapy for acute leukemias in the pediatric population.