As cancer treatments become increasingly complex — with targeted therapies, immunotherapies, clinical trials and a surge in new drugs coming to the marketplace — the role of specialized pharmacists has never been more critical. Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute is helping meet the demand and ensuring high-quality patient care by educating the next generation of advanced oncology and research pharmacists.
For aspiring oncology pharmacists, this in-depth training is essential for managing today’s intricate demands of cancer care. The residency programs bridge the gap between pharmacy school and real-world practice, building upon foundational principles and providing intensive, hands-on training in specific areas of practice.
Two specialized programs, one common mission
Miami Cancer Institute offers two distinct Post-Graduate Year 2 (PGY2) residency programs, both accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
PGY2 Oncology Pharmacy Residency
The PGY2 Oncology Pharmacy Residency is the first and largest program of its kind in Southeast Florida, accepting four residents annually. The comprehensive, 52-week program, provides extensive training across multiple oncology subspecialties, including adult medical oncology, malignant hematology, bone marrow transplant and cellular therapy, as well as pediatric hematology and oncology.
“Residents gain experience in both acute care and ambulatory settings, learning to design and monitor evidence-based treatment regiments,” said Jessica Unzaga, Pharm.D., BCOP, program director. “Beyond clinical skills, residents develop competencies in leadership, research and teaching, preparing them to be excellent clinicians and future educators in the field.”
PGY2 Investigational Drugs and Research Pharmacy Residency
The second pharmacy residency program, also 52 weeks, focuses on Investigational Drugs and Research and is the first of its kind in Florida. “There is a critical need for pharmacists who can expertly manage the regulatory and operational requirements governing clinical research,” said Vivian Nguyen, Pharm.D., BCPS, program director. “They play a vital role in ensuring that clinical trials are conducted safely and effectively.”
Residents gain hands-on experience implementing clinical trials, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and providing care to research participants. The program accepts one resident per year.
Training in an award-winning environment
Both programs have the advantage of working with Miami Cancer Institute’s pharmacy team of more than 30 board-certified pharmacists. In 2022, the Institute received the prestigious Warren E. Weaver/Richard P. Penna Award from the Board of Pharmacy Specialties.
If you’re a pharmacist who has completed a PGY1 residency and are passionate about oncology, click here for more information about the PGY2 Oncology Pharmacy Residency. For information about the PGY2 Investigational Drugs and Research Pharmacy Residency Program, click here.
Currently, a position is available for the PGY2 Investigational Drugs and Research Pharmacy Residency Program. Applications are accepted through January 9 and must be submitted through the Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service (PhORCAS™).