Program Purpose Statement

PGY2 pharmacy residency programs build on Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) 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.

Upon completion of this residency program, the individual will be able to demonstrate leadership skills and practice as an emergency medicine pharmacist, play a role on an interdisciplinary emergency medicine team, and engage in adjunct faculty responsibilities. The individual can be expected to continue their pursuit of expertise in emergency medicine practice.

Residency Goals

• Develop into an independent, competent, emergency medicine practitioner with the ability to work with a multidisciplinary team to provide pharmaceutical care to patients in a range of emergency medicine settings.
• Develop the knowledge and clinical skills to provide evidence-based pharmacotherapy recommendations for critically ill patients.
• Formulate a research question, develop methods and complete a short-term research project.
• Develop teaching and communication skills necessary to provide education to multidisciplinary emergency medicine providers and trainees.
• Develop the essential skills necessary of a practice leader

Training Site

The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) is a 988-bed hospital. The HUP Emergency Department is a bi-level ED with 61 patient treatment areas, and a total annual volume of over 69,000 visits. Its clinical services include disaster preparedness, emergency medical services, emergency ultrasound, hyperbaric medicine, observation medicine, resuscitation and critical care, toxicology, quality improvement and safety, trauma, and travel medicine. There is a high level of acuity in the HUP ED providing complex care for various disease states including cardiologic, neurologic, oncologic and traumatic emergencies.

Learning Experiences

Required Rotations (36-40 weeks):

• Orientation
• Emergency Medicine – Introduction
• Emergency Medicine – Core
• Emergency Medicine – Independent Practice
• Emergency Medicine – Preceptorship
• Emergency Medicine – Trauma
• Medical Intensive Care Unit
• Neurocritical Care Unit
• Toxicology

Elective Rotations (12-16 weeks):

Electives may be structured as 2-week, or 1-month learning experiences where noted below. Elective rotation requests will be considered on an individual basis, with regards to resident interests and preceptor availability.

• Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
• Emergency Medicine – Pediatrics
• Heart and Vascular Surgical Intensive Care Unit
• Infectious Diseases
• Toxicology
• Palliative Care and Pain Management
• Surgical Intensive Care Unit

Longitudinal Experiences

• Develop and execute a research project manuscript suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed journal and national emergency medicine conference
• Provide an ACPE-accredited presentation at Pharmacy Grand Rounds
• Present and mentor journal clubs and/or patient case presentations as part of the residency program’s Therapeutics Conference
• Develop and present lectures to non-pharmacy audiences
• Participate in the clinical intervention program, adverse drug reaction reporting program and medication error program
• Serve as a secretary for the University of the Hospital of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) ED Pharmacy meeting
• Assist in mentoring and act as a pharmacy role model to pharmacy students, PGY1 residents, and pharmacy staff
• Participation in department, hospital, and clinical unit committees based on areas of interest
• Function as a unit based clinical pharmacist during weekend staffing coverage in an emergency medicine practice area, responsibilities include:
  • Order verification
  • Medication distribution
  • Pharmacokinetic consult recommendations
  • Drug information resource for health care providers
  • Emergency response participation at all codes, anesthesia stats, and rapid response calls for assigned units
  • Complete at least 208 hours of weekend clinical operations as a unit based clinical pharmacist

Program Director

David Dinh, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Emergency Medicine
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
3400 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19104
david.dinh@pennmedicine.upenn.edu 

Application Requirements

Candidates interested in the program should apply through PhORCAS

• Academic transcripts from your School of Pharmacy
• Letter of Intent which addresses the following:
  • Why you have chosen the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
  • Why you have chosen to pursue specialized training in emergency medicine
  • Your residency and career goals
• Curriculum vitae
• Three letters of recommendation should be submitted through the PhORCAS system from the following:
  • Clinical rotation preceptor, preferably from an emergency medicine rotation
  • PGY1 Residency Program Director
  • Other clinical preceptor

All required application materials should be submitted to PhORCAS by deadline of January 2nd, 2026.

Program Website: Emergency Medicine - Penn Medicine

About Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) is world-renowned for its clinical and research excellence, forging the way for newer and better ways to diagnose and treat illnesses and disorders. Its long and rich history of top-notch patient care began more than two centuries ago with the founding of the nation's first medical school, the University of Pennsylvania. Since 1765 when it first opened its doors, Penn has been dedicated to the training of medical professionals and the discovery and implementation of new medical knowledge. The world-class faculty and staff of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania are dedicated to superior patient care, education, and research for a better, healthier future. Their significant and groundbreaking contributions to medicine are recognized both nationally and internationally. The interdisciplinary team of professionals provides personalized care and service to patients — all within a compassionate and respectful environment. Innovative research coupled with responsive, hands-on care allows Penn to tailor treatment specifically to individual patient needs. HUP's reputation as a world leader in medical research and clinical care ...attracts the highest quality medical specialists from around the world. The supportive and collaborative environment encourages physicians and staff to keep reaching ahead to find new ways to improve the quality and length of life for everyone.

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