Current and Past Residents

• Hometown: Norfolk, Nebraska
• Pharmacy education: University of Nebraska Medical Center
• Clinical interests: Oncology, Cardiology, Academia
• Research: Evaluation of Rituximab Dosing Strategies in Acquired Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (aTTP)
• Residency program: PGY1 Pharmacy

From the very beginning of my residency search, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist stood out for offering everything I was looking for in a program, particularly with its PGY2 options in my areas of interest. The more I learned, the more I could envision myself being part of it. With the resources of an academic medical center and a wide variety of rotation options, residents are ensured a well-rounded experience in an ideal environment for professional growth. What truly drew me in, however, were the directors, preceptors, and residents I interacted with throughout recruitment. While residency is a time to challenge yourself and build up your clinical knowledge and confidence, the program's emphasis on resident well-being is incredibly reassuring. Everyone has been welcoming and supportive, making the idea of moving away from home far less intimidating. It feels like the perfect place to grow both personally and professionally.

• Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan
• Pharmacy education: University of Georgia College of Pharmacy
• Clinical interests: Cardiology
• Research: Efficacy Evaluation of Daptomycin vs. Vancomycin in Renally Impaired Patients for the Treatment of Staphylococcal Infections
• Residency program: PGY1 Pharmacy

I can undoubtedly say that I have met some of the kindest people at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. I feel humbled to be integrated with a team who go above and beyond to provide world-class patient care. The facility is an academic medical center with a level I trauma designation academic medical center serving a clinically diverse patient population which unlocks more learning and triaging opportunities for residents. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist was my first choice because of the robust training, tailored learning rotation experience, longitudinal precepting, research opportunities and mentorship it offers. Our program director and residency coordinators extend unconditional support to residents' success and wellbeing. If you are looking for a people-focused program, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is the program for you!

• Hometown: Athens, GA
• Pharmacy education: University of Georgia
• Clinical interests: Ambulatory Care
• Research: Evaluation of Value-Based Care Pharmacy Reviews and Payer-Provider Collaboration to Improve Medication Management and Patient Outcomes in Patient with Heart Failure
• Residency program: PGY1 Pharmacy

When considering residency programs, one of the unique qualities that stood out to me was the supportive environment that Wake Forest Baptist provided for its residents. Not only are we provided with mentors throughout the year, but there is also an emphasis on our well-being. Along with the wide variety of rotations and unique experiences, it was the ideal place for me. From my interview experience and talking to the residents, I knew that everyone was truly happy to be here. Wake Forest offers many challenging but rewarding experiences for residents to flourish as clinicians and leaders. This year, I am looking forward to completing the teaching certificate and being able to precept pharmacy students. I cannot wait to see what this year holds for me and my co-residents!

• Hometown: Baltimore, MD
• Pharmacy education: University of Maryland School of Pharmacy
• Clinical interests: Critical Care, Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases
• Research: The Impact of Universal Implementation of Automatic Stop Orders (ASO) on Antimicrobial Utilization and Patient Outcomes
• Residency program: PGY1 Pharmacy

It was both exciting and intimidating looking through lists of different programs, but after narrowing down my list by programs with PGY2s in my interest area and how I felt during interviews, Wake Forest Baptist stood out to me. With the various opportunities in critical care, pediatrics, and infectious diseases I felt as though the program would foster my growth as a new pharmacist. After meeting several of the pharmacists during the interview process, I was amazed by how supportive and knowledgeable they were. I am thankful for the opportunity this program has given me, and I can't wait to see what the future holds.

• Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
• Pharmacy education: University of Pittsburgh
• Clinical interests: Transplant, Pediatrics, Ambulatory Care
• Research: ANC-Directed Management of Maintenance Chemotherapy in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
• Residency program: PGY1 Pharmacy

Throughout the residency application process, I prioritized programs that could further cultivate my clinical confidence, leadership, research, and teaching experience. Through their robust clinical and research opportunities, teaching certificate program, and resident-led committees, I quickly found that Atrium Wake Forest Baptist equipped residents to excel in all these areas and more. I was further drawn to the strong sense of community and support exemplified by previous residency classes, resident-led Wellness and Social committees, and frequent 1-on-1 meetings with advisors and our residency program director. This support and community-focus continues to ring true in just my first few months here, and the shared PGY1-PGY2 office space has been a great place to learn from one another and build relationships. Due to the personalization and flexibility of an elective-based curriculum, I am also grateful to explore my various interest areas early in my PGY1 year. I look forward to all that my incredible co-residents and I will achieve over the course of this year!

• Hometown: East Bend, NC
• Pharmacy education: Wingate University School of Pharmacy
• Clinical interests: Population Health, Internal Medicine, Ambulatory Care
• Research: The Impact of Two Different Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs on Clinical and Financial Outcomes
• Residency program: PGY1 Pharmacy/PGY2 HSPAL

I chose Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist because of the diverse range of rotation opportunities and the flexibility to tailor my required learning experiences to my career goals. The program offers a challenging yet encouraging learning environment, strong MS cohort, and a solid clinical g along with a solid clinical foundation PGY1 year. During my interview, it was clear that the program director, coordinators, preceptors, and administrators are deeply invested in the success of their residents. I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to grow with this program over the next two years!

• Hometown: Potomac, MD
• Pharmacy education: UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy
• Clinical interests: Oncology, Pediatrics
• Research: Evaluation of a Glucose Management Software System on Time to Resolution of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in the ICU
• Residency program: PGY1 Pharmacy

When I was choosing a residency program, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist stood out to me because it had everything I was looking for in a program. I wanted to be part of a large academic medical center that aligned with my goals of becoming a skilled clinical pharmacist, leader, and educator. However, what has impressed me most since joining Wake is the incredible support and dedication from the RPD, RPCs, and preceptors toward my professional and personal growth. The transition from student to pharmacist is challenging, but I know that I have a support system to lean on throughout my entire residency journey. I am truly grateful to be part of this program and look forward to continuing to grow alongside my co-residents this year!

• Hometown: Tampa, FL
• Pharmacy education: University of South Florida
• Clinical interests: Ambulatory Care
• Research: Impact of Pharmacy-Driven Medication Adherence Outreach
• Residency program: PGY1/2 Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership with Masters

When I first began researching residency programs, I was seeking a program that would provide a supportive learning environment as well as have the facilities to provide a strong clinical experience for me as I navigated my residency training. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is one of the leaders of pharmacy practice in the area, specifically with utilizing pharmacy in the outpatient space through their pharmacy care clinics, one of my major clinical interests. It was an easy choice, as the innovative pharmacy practices, incredible leadership and mentor team and the experiences offered to residents prepares us for any career path we are pursuing. An additional bonus was their participation in the UNC Master's cohort, as I am now connected with other future pharmacy leaders throughout my residency.

• Hometown: Temple, TX
• Pharmacy education: Cedarville University School of Pharmacy
• Clinical interests: Ambulatory Care, Specialty Pharmacy
• Research: The Impact of Implementation of an EHR-Integrated Specialty Pharmacy Management Platform on Specialty Pharmacy Services
• Residency program: PGY1/2 Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership with Masters

The HSPAL program at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist has an impressive legacy in many different and unique areas of pharmacy. I was impressed at the diversity of rotation options in both the first and second year of the HSPAL program and knew that the broad exposure I would get would help mold me into the kind of leader I wanted to be while also helping me narrow down my interests. Additionally, the preceptors and administrators I met from the program were incredibly kind and made me feel that my wishes would be valued as a resident in the program. Having the option to do longitudinal management supporting full-time employees during my second year was also something that stood out about this program, as it gives true administration training that will be invaluable as I head into the workforce.

• Hometown: Macon, GA
• Pharmacy education: University of Georgia - Augusta
• Clinical interest: Critical care, Pediatrics, Academia
• Research: Evaluation of Updated DKA Protocol in Pediatric Patients
• Residency program: PGY1/2 Investigational Drugs and Research

As a large academic medical center focused on advancing patient care beyond the usual standard of compassionate healthcare, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist immediately caught my attention. The flexibility of their program was one of the biggest draws to me when looking into various programs prior to the Match. It really felt like you could pursue any interest you wanted with the number and selection of available elective rotations. When I had my interview, I got the feeling that my ideals resonated with their mentality, and they made me feel welcomed. As someone with a variety of interests ranging from critical care to academia, I feel this program provides me the resources to pursue my goals as far as I am willing to go. Everyone has been nothing but welcoming and informative, and I feel miles ahead of where I was clinically and professionally even after only a few months here. I am looking forward to seeing just how far my co-residents and I can grow as we move through the year!

• Hometown: Lexington, NC
• Pharmacy education: Campbell University's College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
• Clinical interests: Oncology, Infectious Diseases
• Research: Impact of Universal Nasal Decolonization with an Alcohol-Based Nasal Antiseptic vs. Mupirocin on Infection Rates and Antimicrobial Utilization in Burn ICU Patients
• Residency program: PGY1 Pharmacy

During the residency application process, I was looking for programs that offered diverse rotations, teaching opportunities and a focus on wellbeing. As a student pharmacist, I participated in the Pharmacy Internship Program and was able to experience the challenging yet incredibly supportive learning environment here at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. After my residency interview, it was evident that the program director, coordinators and preceptors immensely cared about the professional and personal growth of each resident. This year, I am excited for the many opportunities to learn from top-notch practitioners while serving our patients. I am also looking forward to providing mentorship to students and giving back to the Winston-Salem community through philanthropy efforts at the DEAC (Delivering Equal Access to Care) Clinic. I am so thankful to be a part of the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist family and progress through the year alongside my wonderful co-residents!

• Hometown: Granite Falls, NC
• Pharmacy education: UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy
• Clinical interests: Critical Care, Infectious Diseases, Emergency Medicine
• Research: Clinical Impact of Rapid Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Nasal Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Screening on Duration of Empiric Vancomycin Therapy for Suspected Pneumonia in Adult Patients Admitted to the Trauma Intensive Care Unit
• Residency program: PGY1 Pharmacy

When choosing a residency program, I sought out programs with diverse clinical rotations and a rich history of research that would challenge me to become a well-rounded clinician capable of providing top-notch care for my patients. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist undoubtedly met and exceeded my expectations. From the minute I walked through the door, I was impressed with the passion and commitment the preceptors and program directors had for pharmacy learners. Since being here, I continue to be amazed by the progressive pharmacy practice and supportive culture. The institution has a longstanding history of providing excellent care for a diverse patient population and continues to innovate through new opportunities like the recent collaboration with Advocate Health. It is thrilling to know that I am training in such a transformative time and privileged to be at an institution that values integrative care. I am honored to continue my training alongside my inspiring co-residents and look forward to the exciting year ahead!

• Hometown: Morgantown, WV
• Pharmacy education: West Virginia University School of Pharmacy
• Clinical interests: Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases
• Research: Pain Management in Patients with Untreated OUD
• Residency program: PGY1 Pharmacy

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist truly stands out as an excellent program. I was interested in an academic medical center with teaching teams, and the flexible schedule offered. There are a plethora of rotational experiences to choose from, opportunities to teach/mentor students and a myriad of first-class pharmacists to support you. However, what makes this place special are the people. While they are committed to pushing you to excel as a clinician, they also care about you as a person. Residency can be stressful, but the relationships made here make each day worth it. The preceptors provide a supportive environment and are devoted to helping build your confidence as a pharmacist. Having co-residents makes the days brighter and has provided lasting friendships that I will cherish. Making the "leap of faith" was scary, but I am grateful that I did. I am excited to see what other accomplishments and memories will be made as I progress through the year with these wonderful people.

• Hometown: Louisville, KY
• Pharmacy education: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
• Clinical interests: Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases
• Research: The Utilization of Hydrocortisone Plus Fludrocortisone Compared to Hydrocortisone Alone in the Resolution of Septic Shock
• Residency program: PGY1 Pharmacy

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist offered everything that I was looking for in a residency program including a breadth of rotations, resident autonomy, strong interdisciplinary relationships and a heavy emphasis on teaching and research opportunities. In my research of residency programs, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist stood out for its unique elective-based curriculum that allows learners to build their rotation schedule based on their evolving clinical interests. However, what truly brought me to this program were my interactions with current residents, preceptors and program directors. From the very first open house that I attended, I was drawn to the ability of this program to foster a community of pharmacy leaders who genuinely motivate and uplift each other. I am so excited to not only be a part of this cohort but continue to contribute to a supportive culture that prioritizes resident wellbeing, both personally and professionally!

• Hometown: Hickory, NC
• Pharmacy education: University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy
• Clinical interests: Critical Care, Emergency Medicine
• Research: Pseudoephedrine or Midodrine for the Treatment of Neurogenic Shock
• Residency program: PGY1 Pharmacy

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is a special place to complete residency. From the large array of learning experiences, amazing preceptors and mentors, to the long history of excellence in Pharmacy and Residency training, this program is an amazing place to complete residency training. With the wide variety of learning experiences, residents are exposed to areas of interest while being challenged to select rotations from the wide array of specialty services. Since starting residency, I have had the opportunity to volunteer at the DEAC clinic, participate in layered learning with pharmacy students on APPE rotations, and participate in Code Blue response. Lastly, you will be part of a large residency class. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist does an amazing job at selecting each residency class, the 2023-2024 Pharmacy Residents have become one large family.

• Hometown: O'Fallon, MO
• Pharmacy education: University of Kansas School of Pharmacy
• Clinical interests: Oncology, Population Health
• Research: Impact of Systemic Bivalirudin on Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device Function
• Residency program: PGY1 Pharmacy

My interest in Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist began with a virtual open house last Fall. I was initially drawn to this program because of its elective-based curriculum, diverse patient population and robust research program. However, what truly distinguished this residency program for me was its emphasis on mental well-being, enabling residents to learn how to create balance while developing into skilled clinicians. Since starting residency, this commitment to well-being has only grown more apparent. I've had the privilege of being surrounded by the most amazing individuals who have been helpful and welcoming, ensuring my success both professionally and personally. The team here provides an optimal learning environment — one that is both challenging and exceptionally supportive. I'm truly grateful to be a part of this program and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead!

• Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
• Pharmacy education: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
• Clinical interests: Infectious Diseases
• Research: 7 Days vs. Longer Duration of Antibiotics for Gram-Negative Bacteremia (GNB) in Immunocompromised Patients
• Residency program: PGY1 Pharmacy

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist exceeded all my expectations while going through the recruitment process. I was looking for a program that would allow me to have a variety of learning opportunities, develop precepting and teaching skills and that ultimately valued my personal and professional growth. I was blown away by the positive learning environment and unique opportunities offered at this large academic medical center. Our RPD and program coordinators strive to ensure we can all meet our individual goals. They worked closely with each of us to develop rotation schedules so that we had opportunities to rotate through areas we were most interested in at the beginning of the residency year. The program also places an emphasis on well-being and resident bonding. We all share a large office and get to work with each other during our PPE (staffing) shifts. I have already learned so much since being a resident here and am looking forward to continuing learning from our amazing preceptors!

• Hometown: Uniontown, OH
• Pharmacy education: Cedarville University School of Pharmacy
• Clinical interests: Pediatric Pharmacy, Infectious Diseases
• Research: Impact of the Elimination of an Employer-Sponsored Health Program on Beneficiary Glycemic Control
• Residency program: PGY1 Pharmacy

After attending a virtual Q&A session and ASHP Midyear, I was impressed by the positivity surrounding Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s PGY1 program. It was refreshing to see the family environment both virtually and in-person, and everything that I learned confirmed my belief that this residency program aligns very closely with my professional passions and goals. Not only does our institution have PGY2 opportunities in my areas of interest, they also offer a unique and flexible rotation schedule filled with six-week rotation blocks to assist in growing your confidence level as a new practitioner. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is a place where you feel cared for both personally and professionally. My transition from student to resident has been well supported by my co-residents and preceptors. I am really looking forward to this year and all of the upcoming opportunities as a member of this amazing team!

• Hometown: Roanoke, VA
• Pharmacy education: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy
• Clinical interests: Oncology, Academia, Pharmacogenomics
• Research: Piperacillin/Tazobactam vs. a Carbapenem for Definitive Treatment of Extended Spectrum β-lactamase Bacteremia

When I started my search for a residency program, I knew I wanted to be at a large academic medical center that would challenge me and provide a supportive environment where I could develop as a pharmacist and a person. The diverse selection of rotations combined with the 6-week rotation duration offered a novel way to explore my interest areas and perfect my skills. After my interview, I knew I had found the perfect place for me. Each pharmacist I spoke to increased my confidence that I would receive the comprehensive and challenging training I desired in an environment that would support me constantly. Since starting residency, I have enjoyed the unique opportunities here like volunteering at the DEAC clinic, mentoring pharmacy students with their APPE presentations and teaching cardiac rehabilitation classes about medications. AHWFB has many strengths but the people that work here are what makes this place so special and I am surrounded each day by mentors and peers that have become my family. I am so grateful to be part of this program and hospital and I am looking forward to everything this year will bring!

• Hometown: Parsons, KS
• Pharmacy education: The University of Kansas
• Clinical interests: Solid Organ Transplant, Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine
• Research: Implementation and Real-World Experience of a Clinical Pharmacist-Driven Cabotegravir/Rilpivirine HIV Clinic

When I was searching for residency programs, I knew I wanted to be at a large academic medical center that also had a wide variety of PGY-2 programs. I came across Wake Forest Baptist and attended an information session where I immediately fell in love with the program and the people. Everyone was so friendly and you could tell it was a great environment to be in. Additionally, the flexible rotation schedule was very appealing to me and I knew that this program would give me many opportunities to prepare me for being a successful clinical pharmacist. It also stuck out to me how important our mental health was to all of those involved in this program and how often people would check in to make sure us residents are doing ok. With the stress that comes with residency, this was an important component that I wanted in a program. Since starting my residency, I have been surrounded by the most amazing individuals who have made Wake Forest Baptist feel like home. This program has truly exceeded all of my expectations and I am positive that I will be a well-rounded clinical pharmacist ready to pursue the next steps in my career when my residency is complete.

• Hometown: Davidson, NC
• Pharmacy education: UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy
• Clinical interests: Internal Medicine, Pain Management, Geriatrics
• Research: The Impact of Pharmacy Involvement on Medicaid Gap Closure in Managed Medicaid Patients

Despite the stress of the residency application process, every interaction I had with a resident, preceptor, or the program director here at Wake Forest was uplifting and made me excited about residency! I was immediately drawn to the welcoming community and positive personalities of everyone I met, and knew that this program was something I wanted to be a part of. Beyond that, I was impressed by the wide range of opportunities available for residents to truly push their limits and practice at the top of their license while providing world-class patient care to a diverse patient population. Since being at Wake, I have been blown away by the preceptors' dedication to resident learning and the length the entire department of pharmacy is willing to go to to ensure that our experience will prepare us well for careers in clinical pharmacy. I knew choosing Wake for residency was a great decision, but I had no idea how much this place and these people would impact me even in the first few months here!

• Hometown: Baltimore, MD
• Pharmacy education: The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy
• Clinical interests: Pediatrics, Population Health, Academia
• Research: Impact of Pediatric Population Health Pharmacists in the Ambulatory Care Setting

My strong interest in Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist began when I attended one of the virtual informational sessions last Fall. I knew completing training at a large academic medical center with a diverse patient population, teaching experiences and robust clinical opportunities would align with my career goals. I was drawn to the elective-based curriculum, which allows residents to personalize their clinical rotations to meet their individual interests, which is such a unique strength of the program! I initially worried it may be hard to assess what the culture was like over a virtual platform, but I was pleasantly surprised. I immediately felt welcomed by everyone I interacted with and instantly knew this place was special. I wanted to pursue residency at a place that challenged me to grow both personally and professionally, but also supported me and my aspirations. With every conversation I had with the RPD, residents and preceptors, it was evident how genuinely supported everyone felt. Since starting my residency at AHWFB, all the unique aspects that drew me to AHWFB have been further reinforced. It is evident that everyone shares a passion for excellence, compassion and dedication. I am so grateful to be a part of the AHWFB “family” and look forward to spending the next year with my co-residents (you all are the best)!

• Hometown: Tampa, FL
• Pharmacy education: UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy
• Clinical interests: Oncology, Infectious Diseases
• Research: Evaluation of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP) Microbiology at AHWFB to Inform Appropriate Empiric Antibiotic Selection

Wake Forest Baptist undoubtedly “checks all the boxes” for a strong residency program, with a high level of pharmacy practice, top-notch preceptors, opportunities to mentor students and an institutional commitment to excellence. However, the aspect of the residency program at Wake Forest that made it stand out to me was the emphasis on strong relationships as the foundation of personal and professional growth during residency. Program leadership, preceptors and co-residents at Wake Forest support me holistically, challenging me to develop professionally in a manner that is sustainable for the long term. Residency is a busy and often stressful period of life, and it has been incredibly reassuring to know that I have a strong support system at Wake Forest Baptist to help build me up during easy and difficult times. If you are looking for a “people first” approach to residency, I would strongly encourage you to consider Wake Forest Baptist!

• Hometown: Westminster, MD
• Pharmacy education: University of Maryland, Baltimore
• Clinical interests: Critical Care and Oncology
• Research: Time to Therapeutic Tacrolimus Levels in Heart Transplant Patients Using Fixed vs. Weight-Based Dosing

Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center truly is a special program. I could tell from my first interaction this place truly creates an environment where the people you work with are not simply your co-workers. This was really important to me because starting this residency would be the first time I lived outside of Maryland in my life. I needed to feel comfortable with the people I work with first and foremost, and that is where this program really excels. Although I could ramble on about the pharmacists here, there were several other factors that influenced my decision as well. Our rotations are six weeks long, allowing us to truly be independent by the latter half of the rotation. As someone with an interest in academia, I loved the opportunities to precept students from 4 different pharmacy schools and be the pharmacist that oversees a student-run clinic. I get to learn from pharmacists at the top of their respective fields at a hospital that promotes pharmacist involvement. Finally, I love that AHWFBMC has a large residency class. They prioritize choosing applicants that will do well together, inside and outside of the hospital. This program is everything I could have expected, and I believe that it will continue to become better as I progress through the year.

During the virtual residency application process, I was anxious I would be unable to assess which program would be the best fit for me. I was looking for programs that offered strong clinical rotations, PGY2 programs in my interest areas, robust research opportunities and an emphasis on resident wellbeing. Immediately after my interview at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, I knew this was where I was meant to be. Each interaction I had with the residency director, preceptors and residents conveyed both a culture of excellence and a supportive, family-like environment. Since beginning this program, I continue to be more impressed each day by my pharmacy colleagues at Wake Forest Baptist. I am grateful to be training in a program that is dedicated to my personal wellbeing while also challenging me to become the best pharmacist I can be for my patients. I am looking forward to growing alongside my wonderful co-residents as we take on the year ahead!

I chose Wake Forest Baptist for the people and the encouraging learning environment. When I began researching residency programs, I knew that completing my PGY1 training at an academic medical center would allow me to become a well-rounded practitioner while also preparing me for the next step in my career. Wake Forest Baptist offers robust clinical rotation experiences while allowing residents to tailor rotations to their interests through numerous electives. Even through a year of virtual information sessions and virtual Midyear, Wake Forest Baptist consistently stood out. The supportive and caring culture of the program was evident when speaking with the current residents. During my interview, as I met even more preceptors and residents, that same feeling remained. I am so grateful to be a part of the Wake Forest Baptist pharmacy family. I look forward to a tremendous year of personal and professional growth.

When searching for residency programs, I knew I wanted to be at a large academic medical center that provided diverse rotational experiences, teaching opportunities and had a robust research program. Wake Forest Baptist easily fulfilled these criteria and the program’s flexible rotation schedule and 6-week blocks were a huge advantage. Both allow me to personalize my residency year based on my interests and goals while also becoming fully immersed in each rotational experience. However, what stood out to me the most during the whole interview process was the family atmosphere. Even through virtual open house events and Webex interviews, I could feel the supportive culture that exists at Wake Forest Baptist. Since starting residency, this feeling has only become more evident. The preceptors, program directors and pharmacy staff are always so helpful, make you feel at home immediately, and will do anything to help you succeed both professionally and personally. Wake Forest Baptist provides the perfect learning environment- challenging yet immensely supportive. I am so thankful to be a part of this program and cannot wait to see what the upcoming year will bring!

Attempting to navigate the pharmacy residency application process during the times of COVID was challenging for many reasons. One of the most difficult hurdles to overcome, however, was the inability to visit potential residency sites in-person. While program descriptions and features were available online, it was challenging to gauge institution and pharmacy-specific culture in the virtual setting. Despite these immense barriers, Wake Forest Baptist managed to convey their commitment to residents on both a professional and personal level. Not only did they offer everything on my residency checklist, including a flexible schedule with breadth and depth of rotations, commitment to research and publication and avenues to teach and precept, but they also demonstrated a palpable sense of camaraderie and satisfaction in their work. I was confident that I had found the place that would allow me to develop as a pharmacist, in a sustainable and balanced fashion. During my time as a resident here at Wake Forest Baptist, the reasons that drew me to the program have not only been met, but have been exceeded. I couldn’t ask for a better support network and environment to complete my residency training.

During my residency search, I sought to find a program that would provide a multitude of clinical and research experiences. Originally, I was drawn to Wake Forest Baptist due to the flexibility in rotation schedule and the ability to be surrounded by all types of learners in an academic medical center. As I gained more exposure to the program, I knew I would not only be provided these opportunities, but would also be taught by a progressive pharmacy team that truly strives for excellence in patient care. My interview day, while virtual, allowed me to interact one on one with so many amazing preceptors. Even through a computer screen, their passion for teaching and supporting the growth of residents was evident. I am honored to be a part of this program, and I look forward to tackling the challenge of PGY1 year in a supportive environment!

I had three priorities while looking at residency programs: rotational experiences in my interest areas, involvement in clinical research that positively impacts patient care, and the opportunity to participate in teaching the next generation of pharmacists by earning a teaching certificate. Many programs checked these boxes, but Wake Forest Baptist stood out far above the rest. Despite the virtual setting for interviews, the supportive nature and positive culture of the residents and pharmacists I interviewed with confirmed that it would truly be a privilege to be a resident here. I fully anticipate this year to be my biggest challenge yet, but I am thrilled to be part of a supportive environment that will push me to excel. Throughout the residency interview process Wake Forest Baptist felt like home and I’m excited to call it home for the next year!

Initially when looking at programs, I knew I wanted to be at an academic medical center that prioritized education and innovation with a myriad of rotation opportunities and PGY2 options. With multiple interest areas, the flexibility of rotation scheduling at Wake Forest Baptist and the 6-week rotation blocks have allowed me to become fully immersed in my rotation experiences so that I may confidently choose a career path that is best suited towards my interests. This flexibility would not be possible without the camaraderie among the pharmacy department and other health-care professionals throughout Wake Forest Baptist. The welcoming and supportive nature I felt throughout my interview continued to ring true when I stepped foot on campus as a resident. My preceptors, advisors and co-residents genuinely care about my success while challenging me to be the best pharmacist I can be each day, and for these reasons, Wake Forest Baptist was the perfect fit for me!

I was fortunate to participate in the Pharmacy Internship Program at Wake Forest Baptist as a student pharmacist and witness first-hand the compassionate care the pharmacy team provides for their patients. I was drawn to the family atmosphere and blown away by the dedication and commitment preceptors, program directors and department leadership demonstrate for their students and residents alike. The elective-based curriculum has allowed me to personalize my residency experience based on my career goals, while the layered-learning approach and teaching certificate program have allowed me to pursue my passion for mentorship and academia. Finally, I was inspired by Wake Forest Baptist’s commitment to philanthropy in the Winston-Salem community through the DEAC (Delivering Equal Access to Care) Clinic. The sense of community I felt as a student intern has only strengthened as Wake Forest Baptist has become the professional home I had been hoping for, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve our patients alongside the best co-residents, preceptors and mentors out there!

As I was researching residency programs, Wake Forest Baptist checked all of my boxes. The flexible rotation schedule paired with the diverse projects and teaching experiences offered at Wake Forest Baptist provided an opportunity to grow and develop as a professional and lay the groundwork for the rest of my career. However, the family feel of Wake Forest Baptist was what made them stand out the most. It was clear to me how invested the pharmacy department was in the development of their residents. Since starting my residency, I’ve been surrounded by supportive mentors and amazing co-residents that have further reinforced everything that stands out about Wake Forest Baptist. I’m so grateful to be a part of this program and excited for rest of the year!

As a P4 student applying for residency, I was searching for a program that was challenging enough to help me grow, but supportive enough to help me excel. Flexibility was also very important to me. I wanted to be at an academic medical center that offered diverse rotations, valued research and provided opportunities to mentor and teach younger pharmacy students (those of you who are currently applying know that there are many schools that satisfy these criteria). But as I started to interact with representatives from different programs, Wake Forest Baptist consistently stood out. There is a strong sense of community and respect among the residents and preceptors here that has been evident throughout my entire experience; this sense of camaraderie really cemented my decision. I knew that I would be equally challenged and supported as I advanced in my training, and I couldn’t wait to get started!

It’s hard to imagine a residency program full of people who care about their residents more than the preceptors and program directors at Wake Forest Baptist. After my interview, I knew that I would be valued not only as a developing pharmacist and practitioner, but as a person. The preceptors, program directors and pharmacy staff have created a positive environment that facilities and encourages learning whether it be during rotation, staffing, or through research. Wake Forest Baptist has provided the tools and structure to develop my knowledge base and clinical skills while simultaneously allowing for flexibility to pursue my interests. One of the aspects that first attracted me to the program was the minimal required rotations. I was able to set up rotations to suit my interests and needs to really turn the residency into my own program. I am so thankful to be a part of the Wake Forest Baptist family and am excited to experience the rest of the year!

When making my residency decision, I knew that a program at a large academic medical center would provide access to the most diverse rotational experiences available and in turn, help me become a great clinical pharmacist. While these experiences were at the top of my professional considerations, I also wanted a community and network that would help me grow not just as a pharmacist, but, through support and mentorship, as a person. Throughout the interview process, it became abundantly clear that while publications, academic success and challenging rotations are important, it is equally important to be a pharmacist with character. The goal at Wake Forest Baptist isn’t just to develop the pharmacist, but to also develop the person. Since beginning the program, I have both witnessed and thrived within Wake Forest Baptist’s community environment. For example, pharmacists are welcomed as part of the medical teams and medical residents ask countless questions as they navigate being a new physician. Additionally, attending physicians always encourage pharmacy’s participation and respect our recommendations. Finally, pharmacy preceptors challenge you by fostering autonomy with an appropriate level of support. For me, Wake Forest Baptist is the perfect learning environment, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year will bring.