RPY: Residential Program Year
Pharmacy residency is education a pharmacist can pursue beyond the degree required for licensing as a pharmacist (in the United States of America: PharmD). A pharmacy residency program allows for the implementation of skill set and knowledge acquired in pharmacy school through interaction with the public either in a hospital setting or community practice.The program is done over a span of about two years after graduation from pharmacy school and licensure as a pharmacist. Pharmacy residency helps improve the resume of a pharmacist so as to increase chances of obtaining employment outside community practice. A 2022 review suggested that there is sufficient evidence that residency develops key competencies for junior pharmacists
In India, after completing a Pharm.D. (Doctor of Pharmacy) degree, students can pursue residency programs to specialize in clinical pharmacy or related fields, enhancing their expertise and career prospects. These programs, often lasting one to two years, provide advanced training in areas like clinical pharmacy practice, patient care, and drug information.
Details about Pharm.D. and Residency in India:
- Pharm.D. as a Professional Qualification:The Pharm.D. is a professional doctorate recognized by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI). It signifies expertise in pharmacy practice and allows graduates to become licensed pharmacists.
- Residency Programs:
- Following the Pharm.D., residency programs offer specialized training in various clinical settings, such as hospitals and clinics.
- Focus Areas:
- Residency programs can focus on areas like:
- Clinical Pharmacy: Providing patient-centered care, medication therapy management, and drug information services.
- Critical Care: Managing patients in intensive care units, focusing on advanced life support and critical care protocols.
- Other Specializations: Opportunities may also exist in areas like oncology, cardiology, and infectious disease, depending on the specific program and institution.
- Career Paths:
- Residency training can lead to various career opportunities, including:
- Clinical Pharmacist Roles: In hospitals and other healthcare settings, directly involved in patient care.
- Medical Affairs: Bridging the gap between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals, providing scientific expertise and support.
- Research: Participating in clinical trials and research activities.
- Duration:Residency programs typically last one to two years, depending on the specialization and institution.
- Benefits:Residency programs offer valuable practical experience, enhance clinical skills, and improve career prospects for Pharm.D. graduates.
Residency Medicine
Residency or postgraduate training is a stage of graduate medical education. It refers to a qualified physician (one who holds the degree of MD, DO, MBBS/MBChB), veterinarian (DVM/VMD, BVSc/BVMS), dentist (DDS or DMD), podiatrist (DPM), optometrist (OD), pharmacist (PharmD), or Medical Laboratory Scientist (Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science) who practices medicine or surgery, veterinary medicine, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, clinical pharmacy, or Clinical Laboratory Science, respectively, usually in a hospital or clinic, under the direct or indirect supervision of a senior medical clinician registered in that specialty such as an attending physician or consultant.
The term residency is named as such due to resident physicians (resident doctors) of the 19th century residing at the dormitories of the hospital in which they received training.[1]
In many jurisdictions, successful completion of such training is a requirement in order to obtain an unrestricted license to practice medicine, and in particular a license to practice a chosen specialty. In the meantime, they practice "on" the license of their supervising physician. An individual engaged in such training may be referred to as a resident physician, house officer, registrar or trainee depending on the jurisdiction. Residency training may be followed by fellowship or sub-specialty training.[2]
Whereas medical school teaches physicians a broad range of medical knowledge, basic clinical skills, and supervised experience practicing medicine in a variety of fields, medical residency gives in-depth training within a specific branch of medicine.
In India, medical residency, also known as postgraduate training, typically lasts for 3 years after completing the MBBS degree. It's a period of intensive clinical training in a chosen specialty, preparing doctors for independent practice. The residency program is structured with academic coursework, clinical rotations in various departments, and research components, culminating in an MD or MS degree (depending on the specialty).
Key aspects of medical residency in India:
- Duration: Generally 3 years for most specialties, but can vary.
- Eligibility: Requires completion of MBBS and passing the NEET-PG exam.
- Structure: Includes clinical rotations, academic learning (case discussions, seminars, etc.), and research.
- Focus: Hands-on clinical experience and development of practical skills under supervision.
- Outcome: Leads to an MD or MS degree in the chosen specialty and prepares doctors for independent practice.
- Supervision: Residents work under the guidance of attending physicians and consultants.
- Workload: Residents typically work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
