Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center
PGY1/PGY2 Health-System Pharmacy
Administration & Leadership Residency
About our PGY1/PGY2 Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership Residency (HSPAL)
The PGY1/PGY2 Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership (HSPAL) residency is a 24-month combined training program. The resident will concurrently complete a Master of Business Administration (MBA) through Augusta University's Hull College of Business.Overview
Thank you for your interest in our 2-year combined PGY1/PGY2 Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership (HSPAL) Residency Program. This program is designed to provide a robust clinical foundation while equipping residents with the essential leadership skills necessary to assume high-level managerial, supervisory, and leadership responsibilities throughout their careers. Our program integrates a Master of Business Administration (MBA) through Augusta University's Hull College of Business, providing residents with specialized education in healthcare leadership, management, and strategy. Candidates who already hold an MBA have the option to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH), further expanding their expertise in population health, public policy, and health system outcomes.Program Goals
The PGY1/PGY2 HSPAL residency prepares residents for leadership roles within healthcare systems. The program focuses on:- Patient-Centered Care: Residents gain comprehensive clinical experience across various practice areas, ensuring competence in delivering high-quality care.
- Pharmacy Operations: Develop expertise in managing pharmacy services, including medication safety, policy development, financial management, and quality assurance.
- Leadership and Strategy: The PGY2 year focuses on advanced leadership training, including operations, human resources, and financial management, preparing residents for executive roles.
Learn More About Us
About Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center
Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center offers the most advanced comprehensive care to the people of Augusta and the surrounding areas. Our highly trained physicians, nurses and staff provide patient-centered, collaborative care from diagnosis through recovery. We provide cutting-edge technology and extensive expertise to create an unparalleled healthcare experience that delivers high-quality care for your medical, surgical, rehabilitative or emergency needs. Wellstar MCG Health has a Kidney Transplant Program and is designated as a Level I Trauma Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center. Click here to visit our Pharmacy Residency Programs overview page.About Wellstar Health System
At Wellstar Health System, we make a difference every day by improving quality and access to healthcare in communities, big and small. With locations across metro Atlanta and beyond, Wellstar is one of the largest health systems in Georgia. Learn more about us.PGY1 Experiences Offered
Please click to view PGY1 Learning Experiences on the PGY1 program page under the "Learning Experiences" tab.PGY2 Experiences Offered
Core Requirements (length can vary)
- Pharmacy Operations & Technology I (5 weeks)
- Clinical Services Management I (5 weeks)
- Specialty & Community Management (4 weeks)
- Financial Management & Supply Chain (5 weeks)
- Executive Pharmacy Leadership (DOP) (4 weeks)
- Senior Executive Leadership (C-suite) (2-3 weeks)
- Ambulatory Pharmacy Management (6 weeks)
Longitudinal
- Medication Safety, Quality & Regulatory Oversight
- Integrated Leadership, Human Resources, & Personnel Management
- Scheduling
- Human Resources/Personnel Management
Electives (4 weeks)
- Apexus 340B Operations (Virtual)
- Outpatient Infusion (Non-Onc) Management
- Cancer Care Management
- Population Health & Medication Access
- Investigational Drug Services
- Pharmacy Operations & Technology II
- Clinical Services Management II
- Apexus 340B Operations (Virtual)
- Outpatient Infusion (Non-Onc) Management
Academic Degree: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
An integral component of the program is the completion of an MBA through Augusta University Hull College of Business. This MBA is designed specifically for healthcare professionals and equips residents with critical skills in financial management, strategic planning, and organizational behavior. The program also offers a Healthcare Management concentration, which focuses on healthcare delivery systems, policy, and leadership. Tuition for the MBA program is fully funded as part of the residency program.Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive stipend estimated at $52,900 (PGY1 year) and $54,600 (PGY2 year)
- 403(b) tax-deferred investment program for retirement
- Paid Time Off (PTO): accrual of up to 23 days per year for holidays, vacation, and sick days
- Extended Illness Bank (EIB): accrual of up to 5 days per year
- Health, dental and vision insurance
- Tuition for the MBA program
- Professional leave for meeting attendance
- Free parking
- Educational travel allowance
- Option to cash in unused PTO at the end of the program
Conference Travel
Conference attendance and travel to the following conference is supported by the department based on availability of funds:- ASHP Conference for Leaders
- ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting and Exhibition
- Southeastern Residency Conference
How to Apply
Applications are submitted electronically through the Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service (PhORCAS) and require the following:- Letter of Intent
- Curriculum Vitae
- Pharmacy School Transcripts
- Three Letters of Recommendation, including one from someone who can speak to your leadership potential
- Pharmacist Licensure (must be eligible for licensure in Georgia)
- MBA Program Application (coordinated post-match)
- MPH Program Application (if applicable)
Program Materials
- Wellstar MCG Health Health-System Pharmacy Administration & Leadership Residency Program with MBA
- Wellstar MCG Health PGY1/PGY2 Health-System Pharmacy Administration & Leadership Residency PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Structure
- Example Schedule for PGY2 HSPAL
Length of program
- 24 months
Number of positions
- 2 (1 PGY1, 1 PGY2)
Longitudinal service commitment
- PGY1:
- Every 3rd weekend
- Up to 3 holidays (1-2 minors, 1 major)
- PGY2:
- Every 4th weekend
- Up to 3 holidays (1-2 minors, 1 major)
Additional pharmacy education and leadership opportunities
- Chief resident
- Precept pharmacy students from the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy
- Participate in local and national pharmacy organizations
- University of Georgia Teaching Certificate
- University of Georgia pharmacy operations lecture
Program Director
Richard Burrell, RPH, MBA
Director of Pharmacy, Inpatient / Pharmacy Administration
[email protected] Richard received his BS degree in Pharmacy from the University of South Carolina in 1987. He completed his Master’s in Business Administration also from the University of South Carolina in 1989. He then completed an ASHP-accredited Hospital Pharmacy residency with an emphasis in Pharmacy Administration from 1989-90 at the Medical College of Georgia (now Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center).
He was hired as a frontline pharmacist at MCG in 1990 and became Operations Supervisor in 1993. In 1995, he moved into the position of Assistant Director in charge of financial operations. Continuing his progressive leadership appointments, Richard served for many years as Pharmacy Manager--Informatics and Automation and a member of the Pharmacy Leadership Team, with particular emphasis on Computerized Prescriber Order Entry (CPOE) development before becoming the Interim Pharmacy Director in February 2017. In June 2017, he was named the permanent Administrative Director of Pharmacy Services. Richard precepts pharmacy students in the areas of pharmacy management, financial analysis, hospital information systems and is a great resource for the residents on hospital analytic data and technology.
Program Coordinator
Chris Duphren, PharmD, MS
HSPAL Pharmacy Residency Program Coordinator
Acute Care Operations Manager
[email protected] Chris earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Florida. After completing his pharmacy education, he went on to complete a PGY1/PGY2 HSPAL residency at the University of Kansas Health System where he also received a Master of Science in pharmacy practice.
After completing residency training, Chris joined the Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center pharmacy team as the acute care operations manager.
In addition to his leadership duties, Chris is actively involved in precepting pharmacy residents and students in areas such as pharmacy management and pharmacy operations. He is a key resource on topics related to health-system data analytics, pharmacy technology, and performance improvement initiatives.
As the Program Coordinator for the PGY1/PGY2 Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership Residency at Wellstar MCG Health, Chris supports the development of future pharmacy leaders by overseeing residency operations, providing mentorship, and fostering an environment of learning and professional growth.
Meet Our Resident
Ebony Crawford, PharmD, PGY2 Health System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership
Hometown: Port St Lucie, Florida
Pharmacy School: Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL
Practice Interests: Academia, Administration & Leadership, and Emergency Medicine
Hobbies: Reading, yoga, and watching anime
Research Project: Evaluation of the Impact of a Pharmacy Technician Practice Counsil on Operational Efficiency and Quality Metrics
Why I Chose This Program: I chose Wellstar MCG Health because the people and culture emphasized learning and growth with never-ending support from our wonderful preceptors, directors, and coordinators. After interviewing here, I knew I had found a place I could thrive at over the next two years. Wellstar MCG Health offers a great environment to learn, precept, teach, and grow as a pharmacist.
[email protected]
