New pharmacy ownership residency program available for North Carolina practitioners

Recent doctor of pharmacy graduates can now learn how to become independent community pharmacy owners with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)-Eshelman School of Pharmacy's recently launched pharmacy residency program.

"The independent pharmacy ownership residency program will teach residents innovative and entrepreneurial techniques to be pharmacy owners in an evolving healthcare market," Stefanie Ferreri, residency program director and clinical associate professor at Eshelman School of Pharmacy, said. "They will get the skills, confidence and experience needed to create a viable business model for community pharmacies of the future."

The year-long residency program will start during the 2016-17 school year and will collaborate with the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) and Mutual Drug Company. Those interested must apply by Jan. 1. 

As part of the program, individuals who hold a PharmD and are licensed to practice in North Carolina will have the opportunity to work at one of two independently owned community pharmacies in the state. The graduates will team up with experienced practitioners and learn how to effectively grow and operate an independent pharmacy business.

They will also spend time at both NCPA headquarters and Mutual Drug Company, where they will attend meetings, possibly contribute to NCPA's monthly magazine and be educated on legislative advocacy as well as on the relationship between independent community pharmacies and wholesalers.