Building the Future: Pharmacy Residency Programs at Miami Cancer Institute

As cancer treatments become increasingly complex — with targeted therapies, immunotherapies, clinical trials and a surge in new drugs entering the marketplace — the role of specialized pharmacists has never been more critical. Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute is meeting this demand by educating the next generation of advanced oncology and research pharmacists, helping ensure the highest level of patient care.

For aspiring oncology pharmacists, this advanced training is essential to managing the complexities of modern cancer care. These residency programs bridge the gap between pharmacy school and real-world practice, building on foundational knowledge while providing intensive, hands-on experience in specialized areas.

Two Specialized Programs, One Common Mission

Miami Cancer Institute offers two distinct Post-Graduate Year 2 (PGY2) residency programs, both accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

PGY2 Oncology Pharmacy Residency

The PGY2 Oncology Pharmacy Residency is the first and largest program of its kind in Southeast Florida, accepting four residents annually. This comprehensive, 52-week program provides extensive training across multiple oncology subspecialties, including adult medical oncology, malignant hematology, bone marrow transplant and cellular therapy, as well as pediatric hematology and oncology.

“Residents gain experience in both acute care and ambulatory settings, learning to design and monitor evidence-based treatment regimens,” says Jessica Unzaga, Pharm.D., BCOP, program director. “Beyond clinical skills, residents also develop competencies in leadership, research and teaching, preparing them to become expert clinicians and future educators.”

PGY2 Investigational Drugs and Research Pharmacy Residency

The second residency program, also 52 weeks in length, focuses on investigational drugs and research and is the first of its kind in Florida. “There is a critical need for pharmacists who can expertly manage the regulatory and operational requirements governing clinical research,” says Vivian Nguyen, Pharm.D., BCPS, program director. “They play a vital role in ensuring clinical trials are conducted safely and effectively.”

Residents gain hands-on experience implementing clinical trials, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and providing care to research participants. The program accepts one resident per year.

Training in an Award-Winning Environment

Residents in both programs work alongside Miami Cancer Institute’s pharmacy team of more than 30 board-certified pharmacists. In 2022, the Institute received the prestigious Warren E. Weaver/Richard P. Penna Award from the Board of Pharmacy Specialties.

If you are a pharmacist who has completed a PGY1 residency and are passionate about oncology, learn more about the PGY2 Oncology Pharmacy Residency. For details about the PGY2 Investigational Drugs and Research Pharmacy Residency, visit the program page.

Currently, a position is available for the PGY2 Investigational Drugs and Research Pharmacy Residency Program. Applications are accepted through January 9 and must be submitted through the Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service (PhORCAS™).