Waterloo Regional Health Network partners with the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy to advance hospital pharmacy
The Region of Waterloo is one of the fastest-growing regions in the province. To keep up with current and emerging needs, attracting, retaining and training top health-care talent is a priority. Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) have launched a 52-week pharmacist hospital residency program in partnership with the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy to attract and train talent within the region.
Anthony Amadio (BSc Phm’11), interim director of pharmacy at WRHN, and Mike Collins (BSc Phm’11) WRHN residency co-ordinator and regional clinical co-ordinator at the School, developed the newly established program to provide pharmacy residents with training opportunities in hospitals to increase leadership, management, research, teaching and distribution skills.
“A lot of smart, driven graduates from the School’s PharmD program looking for opportunities to further advance their knowledge and skills in a clinical setting end up having to leave the Region because this opportunity has not previously existed here for them. We’re excited for graduates to have the chance to stay and fulfill their hospital residency here in the Region of Waterloo,” Amadio says.
The program joins more than 40 existing hospital residency programs across Canada to build residents’ skills and capabilities to be confident decision makers to contribute to more efficient patient care.
"This residency program strengthens the connections between the School and the community we serve, allowing our graduates the ability to deepen their clinical skills in a hospital setting while supporting local healthcare needs. The residency program will enhance patient care in Waterloo Region while helping to ensure that the next generation of pharmacists is prepared to lead in an evolving healthcare system,” says Brett Barrett, assistant professor at the School, CSHP-Ontario Branch faculty liaison and WRHN residency program academic liaison.