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Pharmacy Residency Program at MelroseWakefield Hospital

About this program

Our pharmacy residency programs are in collaboration with Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, offering a PGY1 program, a 24-Month PGY1/PGY2 Health System Pharmacy Administration & Leadership program and a PGY2 Infectious Diseases residency program.

Both the PGY1 program and our 24-month Health System Pharmacy Administration & Leadership (PGY1/PGY2) program are proudly ASHP accredited.

PGY2 Infection diseases residency program is in ASHP candidate status.
 

PGY1 Pharmacy residency

PGY1 residency programs build upon Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education and outcomes to develop pharmacist practitioners with knowledge, skills, and abilities as defined in the educational competency areas, goals, and objectives. Residents who successfully complete PGY1 residency programs will be skilled in diverse patient care, practice management, leadership, and education, and be prepared to provide patient care, seek board certification in pharmacotherapy (i.e., BCPS), and pursue advanced education and training opportunities including postgraduate year two (PGY2) residencies.

Program description

Tufts Medicine MelroseWakefield Hospital (MWH)/Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) residency is a structured, 1-year postgraduate educational and training experience that fosters the development of advanced knowledge and skills in the delivery of pharmaceutical services within a community hospital setting.

The residency consists of learning experiences in key areas of internal medicine, critical care, pharmacy leadership/administration, medication safety, infectious diseases, pharmacy operations, anticoagulation, and academia.

Besides completing core and elective learning experiences, the resident will have to conduct a longitudinal research project to be presented at a meeting conference(s) as decided by RPD for the given year. The resident will be expected to staff every other weekend with 1 adjusted day off either the week before or after the weekend worked. Additionally, the resident will be expected to work one major and one minor holiday. The resident will have an academic appointment as the rank of instructor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice at MCPHS University, Boston. The resident will teach in various areas of pharmacy practice and will gain experience as a preceptor for pharmacy students on advanced clinical rotations. Upon completion of the program, the resident will be prepared to enter numerous fields of clinical practice.

The fundamental goal of the residency is to attract and develop pharmacists whose talents and motivation indicate a strong potential for assuming leadership roles in a community hospital setting.

Upon completion of the program, the resident will be prepared to enter numerous fields of clinical practice.

The PGY1 program has:

  • 2 General Track (US Citizens/Green-Card holders/valid OPT Status) positions (NMS Code 127513); and
  • 2 International Tracks (currently only for Saudi Arabia or Kuwait candidates who has govt. sponsored scholarship) positions available (NMS Code 127521)
ASHP residency accredited
24-Month PGY1/PGY2 Health System Pharmacy Administration + Leadership (HSPAL)

PGY2 residency programs build upon Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education and PGY1 pharmacy residency training to develop pharmacist practitioners with knowledge, skills, and abilities as defined in the educational competency areas, goals, and objectives for advanced practice areas. Residents who successfully complete PGY2 residency programs are prepared for advanced patient care or other specialized positions, and board certification in the advanced practice area, if available. 

Program description 

The PGY1/PGY2 is a structured, 2-year postgraduate educational and training experience that is designed to develop pharmacists in the skills necessary to become a competent and confident formal hospital pharmacy leader. 

The PGY1 program provides a strong practice foundation with an emphasis on clinical skill development. The PGY2 program provides a broad experience in the management of pharmacy services in a community health system setting including inpatient and ambulatory programs, as well as foundation skills in human resources, leadership, technology, compliance, informatics, operational management, finance, medication safety and quality. The HSPAL resident participates in the ASHP Foundation Pharmacy Leadership Academy in the PGY 2 year.  Staffing includes 16 hours per month mainly at the Lawrence Memorial campus (weekends only if needed) in addition to one major and one minor holiday. The HSPAL PGY2 also rotates leader on call once a month. 

The 24-month PGY1 & PGY2 program (NMS code 239741) has 1 position available (general or international track but requires valid status for 2 years). 

 

ASHP residency accredited
PGY2 Infectious Diseases Residency

PGY2 residency programs build upon Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education and PGY1 pharmacy residency training to develop pharmacist practitioners with knowledge, skills, and abilities as defined in the educational competency areas, goals, and objectives for advanced practice areas. Residents who successfully complete PGY2 residency programs are prepared for advanced patient care or other specialized positions, and board certification in the advanced practice area, if available.

Program Description

The PGY2 program is a structured, 1-year postgraduate educational and training experience that advances on the knowledge and skills acquired during PGY-1 residency in the delivery of pharmaceutical services specializing in infectious diseases (ID) within a community hospital setting. The program will provide a broad and comprehensive experiences in various aspect of infectious diseases pharmacy practices including but not limited to clinical ID service and stewardship activities, wound care service experience, microbiology laboratory experience, HIV and immunocompromised patient population services. There is a greater emphasis on various stewardship activities, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics principles of antibiotics selection and dosing as well as managing resistance organisms. Besides completing core and elective learning experiences, the resident will have to conduct a longitudinal research project to be presented at a conference as decided by RPD for the given year. There may be some opportunities to have select learning experiences at our partner sites for specific patient population to cover the depth and breadth of clinical ID experience. The resident will be expected to staff every other weekend with 1 adjusted day off either the week before or after the weekend worked. Additionally, the resident will be expected to work one major and one minor holiday. Upon completion of the program, the resident will be prepared to enter into various roles in the field of infectious diseases.

PGY2 ID program has 1 position available. It is currently available for an international (Saudi Arabia or Kuwait candidates who has govt. sponsored scholarship) candidate only.
 

ASHP Candidate
Contact info
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Randy Hollins, PharmD, BCCCP
PGY1 Residency Program Director

Clinical Pharmacy Manager
Tufts Medicine MelroseWakefield

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Nicole Clark, PharmD, MHA, BCPS, FASHP, FMSHP
HSPAL Residency Program Director

Director of Pharmacy
Tufts Medicine MelroseWakefield

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Ruchit Marfatia, PharmD, MSCR, BCCCP, BCIDP
PGY2 Infectious Diseases Residency Program Director

Clinical Specialist II (Antimicrobial Stewardship)
Tufts Medicine MelroseWakefield
 

Typical resident schedule

PGY1

Core learning experiences (5 weeks):
  • Orientation (4 weeks)
  • Medication Safety
  • Critical Care I
  • Pharmacy Operations
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Internal Medicine
  • Anticoagulation
Electives (choose three; 5 weeks):
  • Advanced Infectious Diseases
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Ambulatory Care
  • Critical Care II
  • Psychiatry
  • Transitions in Care
  • Preceptor Development
Longitudinal experiences (12 months unless noted):
  • Leadership/Administration (1 meeting/month)
  • Pharmacy Practice (every other weekend + 1 major/1 minor holiday)
  • Residency Project (11 months)
  • Teaching Certificate MCPHS University Boston (9 months)

Committee/Longitudinal lead duty involvement

Residents will also be involved in MelroseWakefield medication-related/multidisciplinary committee meetings and lead longitudinal learning experiences, which include: 

Committee/Meeting involvement
  • Clinical Practice Committee
  • Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee &
    • Infection Control and Prevention Committee
  • Infection Control and Prevention Committee
  • Anticoagulation Subcommittee
  • Joint Commission Readiness Committee
  • Diversion Oversight Committee
  • Med Safety Committee
Resident longitudinal lead duties
  • Education and Community Outreach
  • Residency Brand and Communications
  • Students Activities and Follow-up
  • Students Orientation
  • Well-being and Resiliency

PGY2 Health system pharmacy administration + leadership

Core learning experiences (5 weeks unless noted)
  • Orientation (5 weeks)
  • Ambulatory Care Leadership
  • Clinical Pharmacy Leadership
  • Director of Pharmacy Leadership
  • Finances and Strategic Planning
  • Informatics Pharmacy Leadership
  • Operations Pharmacy Leadership
  • Supply Chain and Revenue Cycle
Electives (choose two; 5 weeks)
  • Home Infusion Operations
  • Residency Program Coordination
  • Specialty Pharmacy Operations and Leadership
  • Sterile Products Operations
  • Technology Advancement and Implementation
  • Others upon discussion with Residency Program Director
Longitudinal experiences
  • Chief Resident (12 months)
  • Leadership Project (12 months)
  • Medication Safety, Drug Policy (12 months)
  • Pharmacy Leadership Academy (7 * 6 week modules)
  • Leadership Practice (Staffing 16 hours/month + 1 major/1 minor holiday, and on-call 1 week/month)

PGY2 Infectious diseases

Core learning experiences (5 weeks unless noted):
  • Orientation (2 weeks for internal candidate; 4 weeks for external candidate)
  • ID Consult Service
  • Antimicrobial Stewardship
  • Microbiology (3 weeks)
  • Infection Control and Prevention
  • Medical Critical Care (ID focused)
  • Wound Care Clinic
  • Outpatient Infectious Diseases (off-site but within Tufts Medicine)
Electives (choose three; 5 weeks):
  • Oncology-ID Focused (off-site at Lowell General Hospital)
  • Transplant/Immunocompromised Service (off-site within Tufts Medicine or may be completed outside)
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Antimicrobial Stewardship Administration
  • Others upon discussion with RPD
Longitudinal experiences (12 months unless noted):
  • Research Project
  • Pharmacy Practice
    • Staffing every other weekend; work ONE major and ONE minor holidays
    • Vancomycin per Pharmacy Consults Evaluation
  • Medication Management and Leadership/ Administration
    • Medication Use Evaluation
    • ID Leadership (Lead duties and Committee Involvement)
  • Teaching
    • Precepting APPE students/PGY1 resident on ID learning experience
    • ONE ACPE-Accredited Continuing Education lecture across Tufts Medicine
    • Pharmacotherapeutic Seminar – Spring semester facilitation didactic lectures if interested
    • Teaching Certificate MCPHS Boston (9 months) if not previously completed in PGY1 program
  • SIDP Antimicrobial Stewardship Certificate Program Online

Applicant requirements

PGY1 and 24-month PGY1/PGY2 program

  • The applicant must possess a PharmD degree from a college or university accredited by ACPE or equivalent experience and must be eligible for MA license in pharmacy.
  • Requirements must be met prior to the start date of the application year. Applicants must apply through PhORCAS.

PGY2 ID Applicant Requirements

  • Applicant must be a Doctor of Pharmacy graduate from an ACPE- accredited school of pharmacy (or one in process of pursuing accreditation) or have a Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Committee (FPGEC) certificate from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy
  • Resident must be a graduate of an ASHP Accredited PGY1 Pharmacy training degree program.
    • Resident must provide a signed copy of the ASHP Accredited PGY1 Pharmacy certificate prior to hospital orientation.
  • Applicant must be eligible to work in the US and/or be eligible for licensure as a pharmacist in the state of Massachusetts by July 1 of the application year
     

How to apply

All applicants must apply through PhORCAS:

  1. Letter of intent
  2. Curriculum Vitae
  3. All official college transcripts
  4. Three Letters of Recommendation Forms (through PhORCAS)
  5. Interview by invitation
  6. Register and participate in National Matching

Program

All materials should be submitted by January 3rd of each year.

Note: There is an option to early commit for the PGY2 ID program only. Currently the PGY2-ID program is only available for an international candidate (Saudi Arabia or Kuwait candidates who has government-sponsored scholarship).

Positions available

  • PGY1: Two General Tracks and Two International Tracks (Saudi Arabia or Kuwait candidates who has govt. sponsored scholarship)
  • PGY1/PGY2 HSPAL: One Position
  • PGY2 ID: One International Track (Saudi Arabia or Kuwait candidates who has govt. sponsored scholarship)

About MCPHS University Boston

MCPHS University Boston is the second oldest pharmacy school in the United States with a strong commitment to preparing future leaders of the profession of pharmacy. The University is located in the prestigious Longwood Medical and Academic Area. The University grants degrees in several undergraduate and graduate programs.

MCPHS University logo

Meet our pharmacy residents

Dr. Julia Yu

Dr. Julia Yu

Dr. Julia Yu is a current PGY1 resident at MelroseWakefield Hospital. Originally from Seoul, Korea, she completed her undergraduate studies in Biology at University of British Columbia before earning her PharmD from MCPHS-Boston. Her professional interests lie in ambulatory care and Cardiology. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring bakeries and introducing others to new desserts and baked goods.


Dr. Wuju Chun

Dr Wuju Chun

Dr. Wuju Chun is one of the PGY1 residents at Melrose Wakefield Hospital. Wuju is originally from Ilsan, Korea and recently graduated from MCPHS in Boston. Fun fact, before starting pharmacy school, Wuju worked as a barista. On her free time, Wuju enjoys going to sports games in Boston, but her favorite team will always be the LA Dodgers.

 


Dr Robert Stoica

Dr Robert Stoica

Dr. Robert Stoica currently serves as a PGY1/PGY2 HSPAL resident at Melrose Wakefield Hospital. Raised in Revere, MA, he pursued his education at MCPHS University in Boston, graduating in 2024. Robert developed a passion for sports early on, particularly hockey, football, and basketball. Beyond his hospital duties, he enjoys watching TV shows, dining out, and avidly scouting football players for his fantasy team (despite his claims of expertise!). An interesting fact about Robert is his fluency in Romanian.


Dr. Mohammed AlQaryan

Dr. Mohammed AlQaryan

Dr. Mohammed Alqaryan was born and raised in Saudi Arabia. He recently graduated from MCPHS and has begun his PGY1 residency at MelroseWakefield Hospital. Outside of his professional life, Mohammed enjoys discovering new areas around the city with his family. He plays soccer regularly and enjoys watching soccer games, being a big fan of Barcelona. Mohammed is passionate about cooking and loves trying new recipes.


Dr Aminah Altalhi

Dr Aminah Altalhi

Aminah earned her PharmD from Pacific University. She is passionate about caring for patients and helping them with her knowledge and applicable clinical expertise. Outside of her professional life, Aminah enjoys traveling and participating in various events and activities. She has a passion for exploring new cultures and trying different cuisines, always eager to learn and experience something new.


Dr. Saeed Aldosari

Dr. Saeed-Aldosari

Dr. Saeed Aldosari is a current PGY2-ID international resident at Melrosewakefield Hospital. He completed his PharmD degree at Nova Southeastern University College of Pharmacy in May 2022 and his PGY1 pharmacy residency at MelroseWakefield Hospital in 2024. Heworked as a teaching assistant at the clinical pharmacy department at Albaha University, Saudi Arabia. Saeed was born and raised in Saudi Arabia and is very interested in infectious diseases.  When he’s not busy with microbes, Saeed loves spending quality time with his family, traveling to new places, and doing adventurous activities like swimming and skydiving.

Contact: saeed.aldosari@tuftsmedicine.org

Meet our preceptors

PGY1 Preceptors
Randy Hollins

Randy Hollins, PharmD, BCCCP
Clinical Manager, PGY1 Residency Program Director
Learning Experience(s) Precept: Critical Care II:, Orientation, Project
Contact: randy.hollins@tuftsmedicine.org

 


Ruchit Marfatia

Ruchit Marfatia, PharmD, MSCR, BCCCP, BCIDP
Clinical Specialist II (Antimicrobial Stewardship , PGY2-ID Residency Program Director
Learning Experience(s) Precept: Infectious Diseases (Care and Advanced), Preceptor Development, Orientation, Project
                             Contact: Ruchit.Marfatia@tuftsmedicine.org

 


Nicole Clark

Nicole Clark, PharmD, MHA, BCPS, FASHP, FMSHP
Director of Pharmacy, HSPAL Residency Program Director
Learning Experience(s) Precept: Leadership/Administration, Medication Safety, Project
Contact: Nicole.Clark@tuftsmedicine.org

 


Toni DeQuevedo

Toni DeQuevedo, PharmD, CACP, BCACP
Anticoagulation Coordinator
Learning Experience(s) Precept: Anticoagulation
Contact: Antonia.DeQuevedo@tuftsmedicine.org

 


Ed Harney

Ed Harney, RPh
Clinical Pharmacist
Learning Experience(s) Precept: Internal Medicine
Contact: Ed.Harney@tuftsmedicine.org

 


Amy Lemieux

Amy Lemieux, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist
Learning Experience(s) Precept: Psychiatry, Transitions in Care
Contact: Amy.a.Lemieux@tuftsmedicine.org

 


Kaitlin Nickerson

Kaitlin Nickerson, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist
Learning Experience(s) Precept: Critical Care I, Pharmacy Practice
Contact: Kaitlin.e.Nickerson@tuftsmedicine.org

 


Ellen Rawnsley

Ellen Rawnsley, RPh, CACP
Clinical Pharmacist
Learning Experience(s) Precept: Anticoagulation
Contact: Ellen.a.Rawnsley@tuftsmedicine.org

 


Jonathan Tiongson

Jonathan Tiongson, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacist
Learning Experience(s) Precept: Internal Medicine, Pharmacy Practice
Contact: Jonathan.Tiongson@tuftsmedicine.org

 


Kayla Vogl

Kayla Vogl, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist
Learning Experience(s) Precept: Emergency Medicine, Pharmacy Practice
Contact: Kayla.Vogl@tuftsmedicine.org

 


Leigh Taylor

Leigh Taylor, PharmD, BCPS, CDCES
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Learning Experience(s) Precept: Ambulatory Care (with a concentration on diabetes)
Contact: Leigh.Taylor@tuftsmedicine.org

 

PGY2 Health System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership (HSPAL) Program Preceptors
Nicole Clark

Nicole Clark, PharmD, MHA, BCPS, FASHP, FMSHP
Director of Pharmacy, HSPAL Residency Program Director
Learning Experience(s) Precept: Director of Pharmacy Leadership, Finances and Strategic Planning, Medication Safety/Drug Policy, Advanced Finance, Human Resources, Project, Staffing, Residency Program Coordination, Chief Resident
Contact: Nicole.Clark@tuftsmedicine.org

 


Tom Cerbone

Tom Cerbone, RPh
Informatics Manager
Learning Experience(s) Precept: Informatics Pharmacy Leadership, Technology Advancement and Implementation
Contact: Tom.Cerbone@tuftsmedicine.org

 


Ruchit Marfatia

Ruchit Marfatia, PharmD, MSCR, BCPS, BCCCP, BCIDP
Antimicrobial Stewardship Coordinator, PGY2-ID Residency Program Director
Learning Experience(s) Precept: Pharmacy Leadership Academy
Contact: Ruchit.Marfatia@tuftsmedicine.org

 


Randy Hollins

Randy Hollins, PharmD, BCCCP
Clinical Manager

Learning Experience(s) Precept: Clinical Pharmacy Leadership, Chief Resident, Residency Program Coordination, Project
Contact: Randy.Hollins@tuftsmedicine.org

 

PGY2 Infectious Diseases Program Preceptors
Ruchit Marfatia

Ruchit Marfatia, PharmD, MSCR, BCCCP, BCIDP
Clinical Specialist II (Antimicrobial Stewardship, PGY2-ID Residency Program Director)
Learning Experience(s): Infectious Diseases Consult, Antimicrobial Stewardship, Antimicrobial Stewardship Administration, Wound Care Clinic, Pharmacy Leadership and Administration, Teaching Experience, Orientation, Project
Contact: Ruchit.Marfatia@tuftsmedicine.org

 


Randy Hollins

 Randy Hollins, PharmD, BCCCP
Clinical Manager
Learning Experience(s): Medical Critical Care Precept
Contact: Randy.Hollins@tuftsmedicine.org

 


Nicole Clark

Nicole Clark, PharmD, MHA, BCPS, FASHP, FMSHP
Director of Pharmacy, HSPAL Residency Program Director
Learning Experience(s): Teaching Experience
Contact: Nicole.Clark@tuftsmedicine.org

 


Jonathan Tiongson

Jonathan Tiongson, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacist
Learning Experience(s) Precept: Pharmacy Practice, SIDP Antimicrobial Stewardship Certificate Program
Contact: Jonathan.Tiongson@tuftsmedicine.org

 


Kayla Vogl

Kayla Vogl, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist
Learning Experience(s) Precept: Emergency Medicine, Pharmacy Practice
Contact: Kayla.Vogl@tuftsmedicine.org

 


Kaitlin Nickerson, PharmD

Kaitlin Nickerson, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist
Learning Experience(s) Precept: Pharmacy Practice
Contact: Kaitlin.E.Nickerson@tuftsmedicine.org

Frequently asked questions

How are candidates selected for an interview?

Applications for consideration will be reviewed by the residency application review committee to select candidates for an interview that most closely match our program goals and learning opportunities. This committee is composed of the residency program director and selected preceptors. All application materials including a letter of intent, CV, transcripts and letters of recommendation will be reviewed by the committee and recommendations of whether to consider for an interview made based on the specific rubric evaluating various domains. An average of 5-6 candidates will be interviewed for each available position.

What should candidates expect for the interview?

The interview process may be virtual or in-person. If virtual, an on-site option may be given for candidates wishing to tour pharmacy/hospital. The interview process will usually be anywhere from half a day to a full day. 

General template for the interview consists of but not limited to: 

  • Meet and greet with RPDs, interview team members, and current residents 
  • One-on-one interviews with the interview team of preceptors and RPDs 
  • Presentation and/or clinical case 

Phase II interview process may follow the same template but would be accelerated with less team members.

Do I need to be licensed in the state of MA at the start of residency?

All residents must be licensed or be eligible for licensure in the state of Massachusetts on the initiation of the program. If a resident is not licensed prior to the start of the residency, they must obtain an MA pharmacy intern license. All residents are required to be a Massachusetts licensed pharmacist within 120 days of starting their residency program.

How will the program address my individual goals?

Understanding each of our residents individual goals and interests is important and our program puts its best efforts to provide flexibility with learning experience schedule, electives and residency projects. We encourage our residents to not hesitate to discuss opportunities to tailor activities to their specific interests.

What are your staffing requirements?

PGY1 and PGY2-ID residents are expected to staff every other weekend in addition to one major and one minor holiday. Residents will be given 1 comp day for every 2 weekend shifts (1 day for working Saturday and Sunday). 

PGY1 resident staffing includes all clinical areas as well as central pharmacy. PGY-2 ID residents are expected to staff on clinical areas and PGY2-HSPAL resident is expected to staff 16 hours per month in clinical or non-clinical areas.

Do you have residents handle on-call services?

PGY-1 or PGY-ID residents in the pharmacy program are not expected to be responsible for on-call services. 

Our PGY-2 HSPAL resident does handle leadership on-call responsibilities to obtain managerial experience.

Is there any opportunity to early commit for PGY2-ID program?

Yes, PGY1 international track resident will be eligible for early commit for PGY2-ID program if they meet specific criteria. In addition, a formal interview process will also be conducted for the final selection of the candidate.

What is the salary?

The PGY-1 resident minimum stipend is $50,422 and the PGY2 resident minimum stipend is $53,048. For international track residents, salary and benefits are provided through MCPHS. The resident will receive an annual salary as decided and is eligible for health, dental and prescription benefits. The required wage rate must be the higher of the actual wage rate or the Department of Labor prevailing wage. In addition, an employer is not permitted to pay a wage that is lower than a wage required under any other applicable federal, state or local law.

Where are your graduated residents now?

Our graduated residents have received PGY-2 training and practice as clinical pharmacists in various medical institutions across the globe. Our past PGY-2 HSPAL residents have progressed to director of pharmacy positions at other institutions, obtained clinical coordinator/leadership roles and even entered medical school.

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