El Rio Health is the site of the first collaborative practice agreement for pharmacists in the state of Arizona. Since 2002, this diabetes management program has expanded to include ten other clinics within the El Rio system. This award-winning program has been recognized for improving patient outcomes and advancing the practice of pharmacy. Although the area of focus for the original collaborative practice was diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, experience and expertise in areas including but not limited to HIV, behavioral health, pain management, transitions of care, and pharmacy administration are all opportunities our staff engage in to improve the patient experience and health outcomes.

The PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy/El Rio Health is a 12-month program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA). The ambulatory care program was established in 2009 and the community program in 2016.

A pharmacist completing the programs will be well-prepared to serve as the next generation of patient care leaders in an outpatient setting. The experiences over the course of the year build on Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) education and outcomes to contribute to the development of clinical pharmacists responsible for medication-related care of patients with a wide range of conditions, but also develop your vision and leadership style. Successful residents will be prepared to enter practice, pursue advanced training in a postgraduate year two (PGY2) residency or fellowship, and be prepared for board certification. Upon successful completion of the residency program, a certificate will be awarded to the resident by the college and the clinic.