MAD-ID Program Highlight: MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Portland PGY2 Infectious Diseases Pharmacy Residency

Program Director: Kristina Connolly, PharmD, BCIDP 

Link to Program Website

Tell us about your PROGRAM

The PGY2 Infectious Diseases Pharmacy Residency at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine, provides advanced training in infectious diseases pharmacotherapy and antimicrobial stewardship through diverse inpatient and outpatient experiences, including outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy and virology. The program offers interdisciplinary collaboration, research opportunities, and clinical rotations across a broad spectrum of patient populations. 

What makes your program UNIQUE?

Our program stands out for its exceptional preceptor team of five board-certified infectious diseases pharmacists, offering residents personalized mentorship and hands-on learning in both inpatient and outpatient antimicrobial stewardship. As a large hospital with diverse, complex cases and a strong sense of community, residents build close relationships with ID specialists and colleagues while advancing their clinical expertise. 

What opportunities are there for RESEARCH and QUALITY IMPROVEMENT in your program?

Our residents participate in innovative research and quality improvement initiatives that have a direct impact on patient care and antimicrobial practices across our health system. Current projects explore areas like the impact of MaineHealth clinical guidelines and automated microbiology comments, transitions of care initiatives to promote earlier oral antibiotic therapy, and outcomes and safety of long-term oral antimicrobial suppression for hardware-related infections. 

What QUALITIES are you looking for in a successful trainee?

Our program looks for trainees who are self-motivated, inquisitive, and passionate about infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship. 

What CAREER paths have past trainees pursued and how does your program support trainees in finding job opportunities?

Upon completion of our program, most past trainees have become clinical infectious diseases pharmacists across the country, many stepping into leadership roles in antimicrobial stewardship programs. Additionally, some have pursued ID fellowships and positions in the pharmaceutical industry. 

MAD-ID Training Program Highlight

This series highlights ID pharmacy training programs, including PGY2 ID residency and ID fellowship programs, who send trainees to the MAD-ID Annual Meeting. We provide an opportunity for program directors to give insights into their offerings that mean most to prospective trainees.

If you are interested in highlighting your ID pharmacy training program, please contact David Ha at dha@stanfordhealthcare.org.