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PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program

Mercy San Juan Medical Center

Program Description

Dignity Health Mercy San Juan Medical Center offers a one-year, post-graduate residency program in pharmacy practice with a focus in acute care. The program is designed to transition didactic concepts into direct patient care. Throughout the year, the resident will participate in activities providing patient-specific clinical care and administrative projects.

Mercy San Juan Medical Center is a 384-bed, acute care, non-profit hospital located in Carmichael, California.
Serving over 100,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including:

  • Level II Trauma
  • Level III NICU
  • Cardiology
  • Oncology
  • Women’s health
  • Comprehensive stroke center

Residents gain extensive experience with diverse patient populations and benefit from a rich clinical specialist environment, including experts in Infectious Disease (ASP), Critical Care,Transitions of Care, Pediatrics/Neonatal Intensive Care, Oncology and Emergency Medicine.

Pharmacist working

Program Highlights

  • Unique learning environment for residents to learn side by side with physician residents
  • Opportunity for teaching certificate
  • Early commit PGY2 opportunities with various PGY2 programs within CommonSpirit Health
  • Multidisciplinary skills enhanced through integration with the Internal Medicine Physician Residency program
  • Patient Safety Excellence Award (2026)
  • Leapfrog 'A' Hospital Safety Grade
  • Level II Trauma Center
Image of hospital employees in conversation
Image of Program Director

Welcome Message from Program Director

Welcome to the PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program at Mercy San Juan Medical Center! Thank you for your interest in our American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) accredited program. Located in Carmichael, California, our Level II Trauma Center serves as a dynamic, high-acuity community teaching environment where passion meets practice.

What sets our program apart is our deeply ingrained culture of humankindness and personalized mentorship. As a leading regional healthcare destination, we offer diverse and complex patient populations that will challenge your clinical reasoning, sharpen your critical thinking, and broaden your therapeutic expertise. Concurrently, our dedicated preceptors are fully invested not just in your clinical development, but also in your professional well-being, helping you tailor your residency path to match your unique career aspirations.

Whether your goal is to pursue PGY-2 specialized training, enter acute care clinical practice, or step into pharmacy leadership, we provide the foundational tools, resources, and clinical rigor to help you succeed.

We look forward to the possibility of welcoming you into our dynamic pharmacy family and navigating this transformative year of growth together!

Sincerely,
Doris Manford, Residency Program Director

Learning Experiences

Required Learning Experiences:

Concentrated: Orientation, Medication Safety, Transitions of Care I, Internal Medicine I, Hospital Practice I & II, Critical Care I, Emergency Medicine I, Research

Longitudinal: Pharmacy Management, Hospital Practice Longitudinal (Staffing), Chief Resident, Research - Longitudinal

Elective Learning Experiences:

Transitions of Care II, Internal Medicine II, Critical Care II, Emergency Medicine II, Neurocritical Care, Pediatric and NICU, Oncology, Infectious Disease (ASP). Other electives may be available based on preceptor availability and resident's interest.

Training Locations

Mercy San Juan Medical Center

Carmichael, California

Compensation & Benefits

Salary

$79,040

Health & Wellness

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance

Time Away & Flexibility

Sick Leave
Paid Time Off (PTO)

Financial & Retirement

Employee retirement program with employer matching contributions

Professional Benefits & Perks

Professional Travel Reimbursement (Registration, Airfare, Mileage, Hotel)
BLS and ACLS Certification
Personal White Coat
Personal Pharmacy Scrubs
Free Onsite, Covered Parking


Our Community

For residents looking to balance intense clinical training with a high quality of life, Carmichael and the surrounding Sacramento region offer the perfect backdrop. Affectionately known as "The Jewel of Sacramento," Carmichael combines a relaxed, community-centered vibe with effortless access to California’s best destinations.

  • Nature on Your Doorstep: Enjoy the stunning American River Parkway, a sprawling 32-mile trail network perfect for biking, running, or kayaking on the weekend.
  • The Farm-to-Fork Capital: Just minutes down the road, downtown and midtown Sacramento offer a legendary, diverse culinary scene, thriving craft breweries, and lively weekend farmers' markets.
  • A Hub for Adventure: When you get a block of well-deserved PTO, you are perfectly positioned for a day trip or weekend getaway—located just a short drive from world-class skiing and hiking in Lake Tahoe, pristine vineyards in Napa Valley, and the iconic urban landscape of San Francisco.
  • Convenient & Accessible: Enjoy a lower cost of living compared to coastal California cities, while benefiting from mild year-round weather and an easy commute to the hospital.
Join us at Mercy San Juan Medical Center, where you will find the perfect balance of rigorous, high-acuity clinical training, a deeply supportive professional family, and an exceptional California lifestyle to anchor your residency year.

Image of Mercy San Juan Medical Center

How to Apply

PGY1 Pharmacy Practice resident applicants must apply through PhORCAS (WebAdmit), the electronic pharmacy residency application service offered by ASHP.

All applications must be submitted through PhORCAS. Please review the official PhORCAS portal directly to confirm the exact closing deadline.
Interviews are usually scheduled during late January and February. The following materials are required to complete your application:

  • Pending completion of an accredited Pharm.D. program
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Personal Statement/Letter of interest
  • College transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
We will notify the applicant by email with the assigned interview date and time (several dates are available). Interviews will be in-person.
ASHP code: 92800
NMS code : 162513

Faculty and Residents

Our pharmacy residents are talented professionals dedicated to advancing patient care and the practice of pharmacy. Throughout their residency, they work closely with exceptional preceptors, experienced pharmacists who share their knowledge and expertise to guide, mentor and inspire the next generation of pharmacy leaders.

Learn More

Contact Information

Residency Program Director (RPD):
Doris Manford, Pharm.D., MPH, BCPS, APh, DPLA
916-962-8974
Doris.manford@commonspirit.org

Residency Program Coordinator (RPC):
Carrie Towle, Pharm.D., MPH, BCPS
Carrie.towle@commonspirit.org

Related Content

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