Pharmacy MS at University of Wisconsin Madison

The pharmacy master's program is a two-year, combined pharmacy administrative residency (anASHP Accredited PGY-1 and PGY-2, hosted by the UW Health Department of Pharmacy) and academic degree program, which culminates in a M.S. degree, emphasizing health system pharmacy management and leadership. Applicants must be eligible for licensure as a pharmacist in the State of Wisconsin at the point of beginning the program. The program is designed to provide the pharmacy resident/graduate student with a solid academic foundation and experience in the administration of exemplary pharmaceutical services across an integrated health system.

The primary objective of the program is to develop health system pharmacy administrators who are trained and prepared to immediately assume administrative leadership positions within large, integrated health care delivery systems at the level of managers and assistant directors, and eventually as directors of pharmacy. These positions include oversight of pharmacy operations, clinical programs, medication safety, new business development, supply chain, etc. Residents complete clinical and management rotations in the first year of the program, and advanced administrative and elective rotations in the second year (chosen from a variety of settings, as desired by the resident). The curriculum's flexibility allows for specialization in administrative areas that best complement the student's career goals. Resident activities are varied in scope, depending on each individual's background and areas of interest.

See thedetailed program overview (including a description of rotations; program strengths; resident competency objectives; projects; presentation, teaching, and travel opportunities).

The UW Health Department of Pharmacy is a leader in the profession, and a leader within the University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics in the areas of technology assessment, new business development, information technology, patient safety, resource utilization and regulatory compliance. In 2006, this residency program proudly accepted the inaugural ASHP Foundation Pharmacy Residency Program Excellence Award for producing leaders across the profession.

1. Demonstrates the ability to design, implement, evaluate, optimize, and manage the medication use process using technology, automation, workflow design, application, and optimal skill mix.
2. Thoroughly understands the components of an integrated health system and the role of pharmacy across the continuum of care.
3. Displays knowledge and expertise in the development and coordination of medication use policy to standardize practice, provide optimal patient care, and impact the financial performance of the organization.
4. Demonstrates the ability to manage the supply chain, including inventory analysis, contract negotiation, purchasing, and drug shortage management.
5. Comprehends medication safety principles to ensure safe medication practices.
6. Effectively monitors the financial performance of the pharmacy department, including knowledge of budgeting concepts, reporting of variances, and revenue cycle optimization.
7. Understands the principles of human resource management, including recruitment, interviewing, hiring, performance management, discipline, and effective day-to-day supervision.
8. Demonstrates personal leadership qualities essential to operate effectively within a health system and advance the profession and practice of pharmacy.