The CAVHS Pharmacy Residency Program offers a well-rounded curriculum with experiences in both acute care and ambulatory care settings. As the referral center for VA Medical Centers in our region, CAVHS provides the opportunity to care for a variety of patients. The CAVHS residency program has enjoyed a rich history that dates back to 1974 and boasts the graduation of over 200 residents. Our graduates currently serve in various roles, including clinical positions at various facilities, clinical coordinators, and faculty positions at Colleges of Pharmacy.

Our program has approximately 45 residency preceptors in a variety of specialties.  We are affiliated with and adjacent to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences which is home to the UAMS College of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, and College of Nursing, as well as other health care professions programs.  Students/Residents from these programs train alongside our pharmacy residents at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System.

We offer six PGY1 positions as well as PGY2 programs in Pain Management/Palliative Care, Ambulatory Care, and Geriatrics. 

Start date: July 6, 2021

Required Concentrated Learning Experiences

• Orientation (6 to 7 weeks)
• Acute Care 1 (1 month)
• Acute Care 2 (1 month)
• Acute Care 3 (1 month)
• Geriatrics (1 month)
• Primary Care (1 month)
• Medication Management (1 month)
• Pharmacy Administration (1 month)

 Required Longitudinal Learning Experiences

• Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee
• Pharmacy-Nursing Committee and Formulary Compliance Committee
• Chief Resident
• Drug Information
• ADR Reporting
• Non-formulary Consult Review
• Practice-Related Project

Select Elective Options

• Pain Service
• Hematology/Oncology
• Palliative Care
• Infectious Disease
• CHF/Liver Clinic
• Mental Health 
• Community-Based Outpatient Clinic
• Pharmacy Telehealth
• Women's Clinic

Resident will select two elective options.  Each is a month-long experience.  Experiences may be tailored to the resident's interests.  The elective options listed above are some of the more commonly chosen elective rotations but it is not a comprehensive list.

Additional Requirements for Completion of PGY1 Residency Program

• Residency Project
• Platform presentation at CAVHS Residency Research Conference
• Project to be submitted in manuscript form for journal publication
• Staffing inpatient or outpatient based on needs of service
• Formal Grand Rounds presentations
• UAMS College of Pharmacy Teaching Certificate Program
• UAMS College of Pharmacy Research Certificate Program
• Facilitation of UAMS College of Pharmacy Recitation course- one semester
• Attendance at one regional and one national professional meeting (as funding allows)
• *Full list of requirements will be provided with interview invitation