University Hospitals Specialty Pharmacy

University Hospitals is one of the nation’s leading healthcare systems. It provides high quality, patient-centered medical care at hundreds of locations throughout Northeast Ohio. The University Hospitals system includes 11 regional hospitals and more than 40 health centers, as well as a network of physician practices.

University Hospitals Home Care services help patients manage their disease states. This includes the UH Specialty Pharmacy services, which are designed to help those patients who are taking high-cost and complex medications, called specialty medications. UH Specialty Pharmacy offers a unique approach to complex disease management. Clinical pharmacy specialists are embedded throughout the UH system, providing support for providers and patients. Our clinical pharmacists work closely with the providers to ensure that the right medications reach the patients with minimal delay. Our pharmacy team works diligently on insurance issues to make these complex treatment plans more affordable for the patient.

As the only specialty pharmacy for the entire UH system, we provide service to the entire network and we are continuing to grow. The UH Specialty Pharmacy operates Monday through Friday during normal business hours with a rotating on-call pharmacist who is available 24 hours a day. The pharmacy provides a full range of services, including medication receipt, storage, dispensing, drug information, drug interactions, and monitoring drug therapy. Staff at the UH Specialty Pharmacy are integrated in the UH system and are able to access patient information through the electronic health record. This feature allows for closer and more complete patient-centered healthcare.

PGY1 pharmacy residency programs build on Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education and outcomes to contribute to the development of clinical pharmacists responsible for medication-related care of patients with a wide range of conditions, eligible for board certification, and eligible for postgraduate year two (PGY2) pharmacy training.

The UH Specialty Pharmacy PGY1 Residency provides a unique ambulatory care setting, taking care of patients in the community. Residents will be integrated among the various disease specialties including: oncology, rheumatology, gastroenterology, neurology- multiple sclerosis, neurology- memory care, cystic fibrosis, dermatology, fertility, hepatology, asthma immunology, and cardiology as well as within the main specialty pharmacy and ambulatory infusion center working with insurances, patient foundations, and patient grants. As such, the PGY1 University Hospitals – Specialty Pharmacy residency program prepares residents to be change agents and skilled patient care providers in community pharmacy settings, particularly those that include elements of specialty pharmacy care (i.e. specialty pharmacy, specialty medications, telepharmacy) given the program’s emphasis in specialty pharmacy.

Residents will be prepared to incorporate effective and accountable patient care, provide medication management, and provide education to patients and the patients’ family members they will serve. Communication, precepting and leadership skills will be enhanced throughout the year. Upon completion of the residency, the resident will be well qualified to practice as a clinical pharmacist in a variety of community or ambulatory care settings or continue training in a PGY2 program.