Community Based Administration and Leadership Residency: Kroger & UC

Throughout the program, the first year follows the accredited PGY1 format, with a strong focus on practice management and integration of the curriculum for the Master's degree. You'll engage in longitudinal learning experiences encompassing direct patient care, patient-centered dispensing, pharmacy management, leadership, and academia.

In the second year, you'll have the opportunity to further enhance your skills in clinical service development and pharmacy operations. Working closely with leadership on cross-functional teams within Kroger Health and the Cincinnati regional division office, you'll participate in a wide array of management and administrative processes. The culmination of the program includes completing a major project that advances community pharmacy practice and contributes to the field as a whole.

Through these hands-on experiences, you will develop a well-rounded skill set and make a positive impact on patient outcomes while enhancing your clinical proficiency as a pharmacist.

The Kroger Health/University of Cincinnati Community-Based Administration and Leadership Residency Program provides residents with exceptional practice site experiences across various locations. These include:

• Kroger Community Pharmacy locations: Gain hands-on experience and exposure to the dynamic environment of Kroger's community pharmacies, where you'll engage in direct patient care, and patient-centered dispensing, and learn about pharmacy management.
• The University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy: Collaborate with esteemed faculty members and engage in academia-focused learning experiences that enhance your leadership and teaching skills.
• Kroger Cincinnati-Dayton Division Offices: Immerse yourself in the administrative side of community pharmacy practice by working closely with leadership teams at the division offices. This exposure will broaden your understanding of cross-functional processes and operational aspects.
• Kroger Health Corporate Offices: Gain insights into the broader healthcare landscape by engaging with leaders at the Kroger Health corporate offices. This experience will provide valuable exposure to clinical service development and innovative pharmacy operations.

To apply for the Kroger Health/University of Cincinnati Community-Based Administration and Leadership Residency Program, please submit your application through PhORCAS™, ensuring that all standard elements are included. While applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, we encourage you to submit your application before January 2, 2024, as preference will be given to early submissions.

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Graduation from an ACPE-accredited college of pharmacy.
• Eligibility for licensure as a pharmacist in the states of Ohio and Kentucky.
• Eligibility to apply to the University of Cincinnati Graduate Programs.

Selected candidates will be invited for onsite interviews, which will be conducted in January or February. As part of the selection process, we will evaluate applicants based on their academic record, practice experience, career goals, involvement in professional activities, and their potential to make a meaningful impact on the pharmacy profession. 

The Kroger Health/University of Cincinnati PGY1 Community-Based Pharmacy Residency Program participates in the ASHP Residency Matching Program, ensuring a fair and standardized selection process.

As a resident in the Kroger Community-Based Administration and Leadership Residency, you'll enjoy a range of benefits designed to support your professional and personal growth. These benefits include an annual residency stipend, ensuring financial stability throughout your training. You'll also receive tuition assistance, making your educational journey more affordable and accessible.

We care about your well-being, which is why health insurance coverage is provided to all residents. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to take annual vacations, allowing for a healthy work-life balance. Should you require professional and educational leave, we offer that, too, ensuring you have the flexibility to pursue additional learning opportunities or attend important conferences.

A unique advantage of the program is the two-year appointment as an Adjunct Instructor at the esteemed James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy. This appointment provides you with valuable teaching experience, elevating your expertise and opening doors for future academic opportunities.

Completing the Kroger Community-Based Administration and Leadership Residency opens up a world of exciting career possibilities. As a PGY1/PGY2 program graduate, you can explore diverse paths within the pharmacy profession, such as:

• Community Pharmacist: Apply your clinical expertise and patient-centered care skills as a community pharmacist, serving and improving the health of individuals in a community setting.
• Community Pharmacy Manager: Take on a leadership role as a community pharmacy manager, overseeing operations, implementing innovative practices, and ensuring high-quality patient care within a pharmacy setting.
• Academia/Professor: Share your knowledge and passion for pharmacy by pursuing a career in academia. As a professor, you can inspire and educate future pharmacists, contributing to the growth and advancement of the profession.
• Ambulatory Care: Thrive in the field of ambulatory care, delivering comprehensive pharmaceutical care to patients in outpatient settings. Collaborate with healthcare teams to optimize medication therapy and improve patient outcomes.

On the other hand, as you progress in your career beyond PGY2, you might consider pursuing roles such as:

• District Pharmacy Leader: As a district pharmacy leader, you'll oversee multiple pharmacy locations, ensuring consistent high-quality care, implementing operational efficiencies, and driving exceptional patient outcomes across a broader region.
• Corporate Pharmacy Management: Step into corporate pharmacy management, where you can contribute to strategic initiatives, develop policies and procedures, and shape the direction of pharmacy services within a larger healthcare organization.
• Pharmacy Safety Leader: Specialize in pharmacy safety and risk management, utilizing your expertise to create and implement safety protocols, minimize medication errors, and promote patient well-being.
• Health Outcomes Researcher: Make a significant impact on patient care and healthcare policies by pursuing a career in health outcomes research. Conduct studies, analyze data, and generate evidence to support best practices and enhance patient outcomes.

These are just a few examples of the diverse career paths that await you upon completing the Kroger Community-Based Administration and Leadership Residency. With the knowledge, skills, and experience gained during your residency, you'll be well-equipped to pursue a fulfilling and impactful career in the ever-evolving field of pharmacy.