Have a question about our program?

Below are some of the questions that applicants often ask. Choose one to see its answer.

What types of teaching opportunities are available?

Each resident and fellow has a minimal amount of hours that they must teach each semester. These activities may include leading small group discussions, facilitating clinical skill assessments, grading examinations and precepting students completing Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences.

Do you have a teaching certificate program? What are the program requirements?

Yes, the University of Maryland offers a Teaching Certificate Program. More details about this program can be found on the Residency and Fellowship Program Requirements page.

Are off-site rotations available? Are there elective rotations available?

There are a wide variety of rotation experiences offered within our residency and fellowship program. However, there may be opportunities for off-site rotations. The number of off-site rotation opportunities varies among programs. A list of potential external rotation experiences is provided to the residents and fellows at the beginning of each training year.

All programs offer opportunities for elective experiences; the number of elective experiences differ among our programs. Please refer to each residency/fellowship program’s webpage for more details.

What is the staffing requirement? Is there an on-call requirement?

The staffing and on-call requirements, if any, vary among many of our programs. Please refer to the program’s specific page for more details.

If I completed a teaching certificate program during my first year of residency, can I still participate in some of your teaching certificate program activities during my second year?

We can often accommodate these requests based on availability of resources and opportunities.

What are some examples of research projects that have been completed by former residents and fellows?

Here are links to PubMed citations of some residency and fellowship projects that have been published in the past few years. The resident/fellow’s name is in bold.

How do residents and fellows select their research projects?

The Post-Graduate Year (PGY)-1 Pharmacy Practice residents and select PGY-2 residents choose their project from a list provided by program preceptors. This list is reviewed and approved by the a committee before distribution to the residents. Other residents and fellows work with their program director and residency committee to develop their project topic. The goal is for all residents and fellows to have a project selected by the end of July.

Are there requirements for presenting my resident/fellowship research project?

Each fall, all residents and fellows are required to present the background and methodology of their research project to the Residency and Fellowship Research Committee.

Each spring, residents and fellows are all required to present their research project, as a poster, at the School of Pharmacy’s Research Day.

PGY-1 Community, Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapy residents are required to present their research at the Eastern States Residency Conference. Fellows, who did not complete a PGY-1 residency, are also required to present at Eastern States.

Do the residents and fellows have their own work space/office and computer?

The residents and fellows share an office. However, each resident and fellow has a dedicated workspace with his or her own computer and storage area. Residents and fellows have access to a printer and scanner.

Is multidisciplinary care part of the culture at your institution? Is pharmacy well respected by other health care providers?

Interdisciplinary education is a high priority at the University of Maryland. The integration of pharmacists as a member of the health care team is evident by the number of collaborative practice agreements and pharmacy services that exist among the institutions involved with our program. Program preceptors also collaborate on research proposals and other endeavors with other health care providers.

Additionally, some of our program directors have been appointed to statewide committees. For example, Dr. Lynn McPherson, our Pain and Palliative Care program director, was appointed to the State’s End of Life Council. Dr. Bethany DiPaula, our Psychiatry residency program director, was appointed to the State’s Opioid Advisory Counsel Pharmacy Workgroup. Dr. Charmaine Rochester, our Ambulatory Care program director, was appointed to the commissioner at-large position for the State Board of Pharmacy.

What qualities are necessary to succeed in your program?

There are numerous qualities that can lead to success within our programs but several that stand out among the most successful trainees are: excellent written and oral communication skills, a passion for continued learning, flexibility, persistence and excellent time management skills.

What is there do in Baltimore and the surrounding area?

Baltimore is a thriving center of history, culture, and the arts. History buffs will love visiting Fort McHenry or Historic Fells Point. Baltimore is also home to a symphony orchestra, a number of theatres and museums, and myriad weekend festivals including America's largest free arts festival. Baltimore is also well known for its music scene; a variety of music venues throughout the city host internationally famous musicians, local acts, and many in-between.

Sports fans can not only go see the Orioles or the Ravens, but can also catch a Baltimore Blast soccer game or Charm City Roller Girls roller derby bout. For those who would rather play than watch, there are many social sport leagues in the city for anything from flag football to skeeball.

Aside from everything Baltimore has to offer, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City are all within a few hours by car or bus.

Will the program provide me with suggestions on housing if I match/ am offered a position?

Yes, shortly after the residency match results are released we will send the incoming group information on area housing. This information will include input from current and prior trainees.

What are the Board requirements for pharmacy licensure in Maryland?

Passing score for the NAPLEX and the Maryland Jurisprudence Examination.

Please visit the Maryland Board of Pharmacy website for more details.

Do you only consider applicants who visit your program during a residency showcase?

No, candidates are only considered based on materials that are submitted with their application.

Do students/graduates from University of Maryland School of Pharmacy receive preferential status for interviews?

No, candidates are only considered based on materials that are submitted with their application. The School/College of Pharmacy attended by the candidate is not included in the application/selection criteria. All applicants must be a student or graduate of School/College that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education."

Are international candidates eligible for participation in your residency or fellowship program?

Please contact Kristine Parbuoni, Director of Post-Graduate Training, at P-SHORResidencyandAdministrativeSupport@rx.umaryland.edu for more information.