History

As a program with over two decades of pharmacist training, we hope you will take the time to learn more about our progressive program. While we are fortunate enough to practice in an environment in which many people look forward to vacation, we are more than just a tourist destination. We welcome our new residents and look forward to growing a strong residency program committed to resident education. Our goal is to give our residents the foundation and tools to become successful practitioners, regardless of where they choose to further their career upon graduation. 

Desert Regional Medical Center serves a wide variety of patients with specialties in stroke, trauma, orthopedic surgery, and cardiology. As a pharmacy resident at DRMC, your focus will be primarily in critical care, with rotations including emergency medicine, and both adult and neonatal intensive care. However, in our effort to provide the resident a well-rounded experience, we have an affiliation with a pioneering accountable care organization in the Coachella Valley to provide a progressive ambulatory care experience.

For the 2024-2025 program, DRMC will be accepting one traditional PGY-1 resident and one non-traditional resident. We pride ourselves on training the next generation of advanced practice pharmacists to make positive contributions to patients all across our nation. On behalf of the entire team, we wish you the best of luck in furthering your education through residency training.

Since its inception in 1993 DRMC has been helping residents succeed in their clinical careers. The program is accredited through the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and is recognized nationally as an innovative training program that recruits applicants from all over the United States.

The program has a retention rate exceeding 50% however the roster of past residents is extensive with colleagues working in the following areas:

• Hospital (BCPS)

• Pharmacy Administration

• Ambulatory Care (BCACP)

• Academia

• Pediatrics

• Critical Care

• Infectious Disease (SIDP)

• Consulting (BCGP)

• Oncology (BCOP)

The PGY-1 program involves rotations designed to meet the desired objectives of ASHP, the resident, and the organization. Specific resident needs are met through flexible rotation scheduling and a multitude of elective options. Additionally, through extensive physician/pharmacist interaction the program strengthens both clinical acumen and inter-collegial relationships.