BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, the region’s largest health plan, recently launched the first health plan-based managed care pharmacy residency program in Western New York.
The new initiative, developed in partnership with the University of Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences offers a realistic, tactical learning experience by immersing recent graduates in every aspect of managed care pharmacy.
The program was spearheaded by BlueCross BlueShield’s Clinical Pharmacist Lisanne Holley.
Throughout the one-year program, residents spend time in several BlueCross BlueShield departments including corporate pharmacy, utilization management, case management and quality. Additionally, residents are required to do a research project that they will present at a national or regional meeting, and complete a teaching certificate program.
“We’re proud to pave the way as the region’s first health plan to introduce a managed care pharmacy residency program in Western New York,” said physician Thomas E. Schenk, senior vice president, chief medical officer, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York. “Our goal is to help educate the upcoming generation of pharmacists and increase the number of qualified managed care pharmacists in the region who will play an important role in the healthcare delivery system.”
Buffalo native, Taylor Sanderson is BlueCross BlueShield’s inaugural resident.
Sanderson received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from D’Youville College School of Pharmacy in 2016 and is currently enrolled in the residency through the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
“Having grown up in Buffalo and completing an internship at a local pharmacy, I developed a passion for improving the health of this community,” said Sanderson. “My dedication to serve others coincides with BlueCross BlueShield’s commitment to enhancing the health of individuals throughout Western New York. I believe I can contribute to our mutual goal of providing quality health care.”
Sanderson will be the first resident to graduate from the program in June 2017.