Pharmacy program pushes for more people

FORT MYERS — Lee Health's pharmacy residency program is expanding the amount of students, in an effort to meet growing population needs.

The post-graduate year one residents will increase from four to six students, and post-graduate year two residents will double from two to four for the 2017-2018 residency class, according to a statement. Both programs are designed to build on the clinical, professional and leadership skills of the doctor of pharmacy degree, the release adds.

Florida has seven pharmacy schools that offer doctoral degrees, say Lee Health officials, but none of the schools are in immediate geographic proximity to the Fort Myers-based medical facility.

“Lee Health is proud to bring quality pharmacists that aspire to enhance their capabilities in providing optimal patient care,” says Lee Health Pharmacy System Director John Armitstead in the statement. “Despite the lack of a Doctor of Pharmacy program in Southwest Florida, we have top graduates coming to our area to participate in Lee Health programs. It has been a great accomplishment to expand our program to additional populations and provide enhanced patient care to additional areas in Southwest Florida.”

The Lee Health Pharmacy Residency Program was founded in 2008.