Cape Fear Valley Hospital

PGY1 Acute Care Track Information



Residency Alumni

2022-2023

Taylor Felton, PharmD

Research Project:AUC/MIC-based vancomycin dosing versus trough-based in patients with extremes of body weight
First Position after Residency: Med/Surg clinical pharmacist, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Fayetteville, NC

I was drawn to Cape Fear Valley's Pharmacy Residency program because of my previous experiences here as a student. During that time, I witnessed the family environment, how supportive the program was of its residents, and how preceptors guide you in the transition from student to pharmacist. Other reasons I chose Cape Fear Valley were the variety of clinical rotations, opportunities for teaching, earning a teaching certificate, and precepting students as this is one of my clinical interests.

Emergency medicine was my favorite clinical experience because every day is different and you get to care for patients when they are in their most vulnerable state. Due to the fast-paced environment, it allowed me to further develop my critical thinking skills and become a valuable member of the clinical team.

The team-based approach to taking care of patients is what I valued the most throughout residency. Because there are a lot of grey areas in clinical pharmacy, working as part of an interdisciplinary team is vital to delivering excellent patient care.

My advice for incoming residents would be to take one day at a time. Find ways to alleviate stress along the way and schedule time for yourself. Always ask for help or for clarification if you need it. Everyone is always willing to help and very supportive.

Marcus Mize, PharmD

Research Project:The effect of a clinical decision support tool on antibiotic prescribing durations
First Position after Residency: PGY2 Internal Medicine, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Fayetteville, NC

I was initially interested in pursuing my PGY1 residency at Cape Fear Valley because of the variety of elective options allowing residents to gain experience in both ambulatory care and acute care settings. During my interview, the preceptors and residents provided a family feel and created a welcoming environment, and I knew that CFV was the right program for me.

The most valuable thing I learned during my PGY1 pharmacy residency is that the field of pharmacy is constantly evolving, giving us the chance to be lifelong learners. My favorite experience during residency was my emergency department rotation, where I stepped out of my comfort zone and saw a variety of patient populations. My advice for new residents is don't be afraid to fail or to ask questions.

Jacklyn Rispin, PharmD

Research Project: Implementation of HFpEF/HFmrEF medication order set to improve evidence-based therapies at hospital discharge
First Position after Residency: Pediatric clinical pharmacist, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Fayetteville, NC

During my second year of pharmacy school at Campbell University, I had the opportunity to participate in rotations at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. During my tenure here as a student, I was introduced to a welcoming, supportive environment that attracted me to the residency program here. While conducting research on residency programs during my fourth year, I was impressed by the vast array of rotation experiences offered through the program.

When I began my clinical experiences here as a resident, I was excited to try new things and expand on my knowledge base. During my time, I conducted a research project, completed a medication use evaluation, and gained new clinical rotation experiences. One such experience was a pediatrics rotation, which shaped my career goals. I would advise the incoming PGY-1 residents to make the most of your experience here but know your limitations.

Lainey Vargo, PharmD

Research Project: The impact of a clinical pharmacist practitioner on hormone therapy adherence in hormone positive breast cancer
First Position after Residency: PGY2 Oncology, WVU Medicine, Morgantown, WV

There were multiple reasons that drew me to the Cape Fear Valley PGY1 Residency Program. Initially, I was interested due to the multiple opportunities for teaching and precepting such as having a student throughout rotations and presenting various lectures. The residency program was also welcoming and provided a family atmosphere throughout my application process making the program more appealing. Cape Fear Valley also provided many unique rotations which allowed me to further personalize my experience.

The most valuable thing that I learned during my time here was the ability to have confidence in my clinical knowledge and feel more stable as a new practitioner. This is always something that takes time but I felt comfortable making the transition with my supportive pharmacy team surrounding me. Oncology has always been my area of interest, but aside from that, I would say that cardiology was my favorite experience because it pushed me out of my comfort zone.

My advice for incoming residents is to rely on your co-residents because they are the only other people that understand what you are going through. It's also important to spend time with them outside of work so that you are maintaining a good balance. I am thankful for the opportunities provided to me here at Cape Fear Valley and look forward to starting my PGY2 at WVU.

2021-2022

Tera Jones, PharmD, MSPH

Research Project: Evaluation of the impact of linked probiotic orders with broad-spectrum antibiotics on healthcare facility-onset Clostridioides difficile infection rates
First Position after Residency: Inpatient Hospital Pharmacist, St. David's Hospital in Austin, TX

I became familiar with the Cape Fear Valley PGY1 Acute Care program as a student when I completed my 2-month Internal Medicine rotation and enjoyed my time immensely. I was mostly interested in the program due to the caliber of preceptors, high acuity patients, and the wide-ranging curriculum. I was also drawn to the service opportunities such as the Care Clinic and Better Health. I also saw strong co-resident relationships and a supportive residency team.

My PGY1 year at Cape Fear was out of the ordinary. I had to take a leave of absence to have my twin daughters who spent some time in the NICU. Having 4 children and a deployed husband during residency was not a walk in the park and I was so worried stepping back into residency after my time off, but I promised myself I would work hard and could accomplish my goals. I received so much support from my 2020/2021 co-residents along with my 2021/2022 co-residents. The residency leadership maintained confidence in me that I could carry out my residency to the finish line and I am happy to say that I did not let them down. I gained clinical exposure to things I never thought I would enjoy as much as I did, such as emergency medicine. I was also fortunate to work in pediatrics, oncology, and infectious diseases where the providers were supportive of pharmacy presence. Residents were also trained in operations and got to serve as “pharmacist in charge”, which was a great way to learn the ins and outs of the operational side of inpatient pharmacy. I was able to realize during my administration block rotation that I would be very interested in pharmacy administration in the future. The teaching certificate program was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about precepting and integrating active learning into presentations. I feel that all my experiences at CFV strengthened my skills to assist students, providers, and patients.

My advice to future residents is to push through every day and don't beat yourself up too much. Residency can be challenging but it will teach you a lot about yourself. I would also encourage them to continue living as much as possible outside of residency, even though some days it feels like you can't take a break. The experience and the knowledge that I gained this year has prepared me to be a competent and confident inpatient pharmacist. I have gained mentors and friends during the process, too! I will certainly miss my CFV family, but I am excited to continue to learn and grow as I step into an inpatient pharmacist role in Austin, Texas where I can be closer to family! I am so thankful for my time at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.

Kallie Arthur White, PharmD, MBA

Research Project: AUC/MIC vancomycin dosing vs traditional trough-based dosing on initial therapeutic concentrations in obese patients
First Position after Residency: PGY2 Oncology - Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center

My interest in Cape Fear Valley stemmed from clinical opportunities and the fact that it operates as both a teaching and community hospital. During my initial interview the interaction with leadership and current residents created a welcoming atmosphere. The amount of support from the directors and preceptors has been an aspect that I appreciated as well. The PGY1 program also allowed for a good work life balance because of the staffing requirements and compensation days for weekends.

Coming into residency, I had interests in Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, and Oncology. My most valuable learning experience was Oncology as it solidified my decision to pursue a PGY2 in Oncology. This residency has helped me overcome many obstacles and become a more resilient practitioner. My advice for incoming PGY1 residents would be to not be too hard on yourself. Residency year will be difficult and stressful, but also present you with amazing opportunities to grow and develop.

Over this past year, I have had many great memories with my co-residents. My favorite memory was the project month when we spent a lot of time together and were able to catch up and decompress. My co-residents will always remember me as Weenie Hut Jr. because of a communication class we took at the beginning of the year.

Cecily Groves, PharmD

Research Project: Evaluation of Vancomycin in Critically Ill Adults Receiving PIRRT: A Retrospective Cohort Study
First Position after Residency: Clinical Pharmacist - Emergency Department - Cape Fear Valley Medical Center

I was initially interested in pursuing my residency at Cape Fear Valley because of the opportunity to practice in one of the nation's busiest emergency departments. I was also excited that this would give me exposure to pediatric and psychiatric cases in the emergency department. The residency was very flexible in allowing me to select and switch rotations based on my changing interests. I was also passionate about working with the underserved and being able to do this through the CARE clinic.

My favorite part about residency was bonding with my co-residents, especially during project months. One of the most rewarding experiences during my residency was becoming more self-sufficient during rotations and being able to work through problems that may come up. My favorite rotations were psychotherapy, pediatrics, and emergency medicine.

One bit of advice I would give to incoming pharmacy residents is to give yourself grace. It is equally as important to know when you did your best even if the outcome is not what you wanted or expected it to be. I am excited to continue my career here at Cape Fear Valley in the Emergency Department.

Jennifer Wood, PharmD

Research Project: Comparison of rates of initial supratherapeutic aPTT and anti-Xa concentrations in patients receiving therapeutic heparin infusions
First Position after Residency: PGY2 Internal Medicine, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Fayetteville, NC

The PGY1 acute care residency program at Cape Fear Valley has allowed me to grow into an independent clinical pharmacist and become confident in my clinical knowledge and abilities. I was initially attracted to the program because of the teaching opportunities available to help me grow as a preceptor and the flexibility to pursue my interests and get the most benefit out of my residency.

I came into my residency interested in internal medicine, cardiology, critical care and emergency medicine. Throughout the year my love of internal medicine continued to grow and became my favorite area of interest. However, my learning experiences in other areas were just as valuable to me. The emergency medicine rotation and our code coverage service were extremely beneficial experiences for me because they really forced me out of my comfort zone and pushed me to grow the most.

With the completion of my PGY1 I feel well prepared to take the next step in my career. I am excited to stay on here at Cape Fear Valley to complete my PGY2 in Internal Medicine and hope to go on to work as an internal medicine clinical specialist. I would love to work with a pharmacy residency program to serve as a preceptor and pass on all that I have learned and continue to learn to future students and residents. My advice for incoming PGY1 residents is to not let perfection stand in the way of progress and to take the opportunity to truly reflect on your own personal growth.

2020-2021

Anna Felmer, PharmD

Research Project: Impact of discharge antibiotic prescription review on appropriate empiric antibiotic prescribing in a community hospital emergency department
First Position after Residency: PGY2 Pediatrics - Cleveland, Ohio

Cape Fear Valley's acute care program provided the rigorous training necessary to prepare for a PGY2 in Pediatrics at The Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. The culture of collaboration and support embodied throughout the health system is something that I will always carry into my practice moving forward. I am grateful for this program pushing me outside of my comfort zone and providing flexible and customizable learning experiences to become the best practitioner I can be.

This year was full of challenges, growth, and self-reflection. If I could go back and offer myself any advice on my first day of residency, do not procrastinate, and it is okay not to know everything. I will cherish the interdisciplinary relationships I made, especially with the Nephrology and ICU teams. I know I will miss seeing my co-residents every day and all of us going out for happy hour. I'm thankful for my Emergency Department rotation and attending codes. Working closely with those teams to provide patients the best care possible at their most vulnerable made a lasting impact on me. I thoroughly enjoyed the numerous opportunities to precept and take on a mentor role with pharmacy students. My lasting contributions to the program and pharmacy department were creating a SharePoint for the program and playing a crucial role in the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out and implementation.

Benjamin Tutterow, PharmD, MSCR

Research Project: Pharmacist led medication reconciliation process improvement in a community hospital general medicine unit
First Position after Residency: Clinical Pharmacist - Vidant Health

I initially became interested in pursuing my residency at Cape Fear Valley after completing a P4 rotation in the Intensive Care Unit here with Dr. Lynn Bass. There were so many unique aspects that appealed to me such as the variety of rotational experiences, teaching certificate, and precepting opportunities.

I would have to say that my favorite learning experiences were Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, and Code Blue Coverage. Additionally, I found myself acting in a teaching role and precepting pharmacy students which allowed me to further develop my teaching style. Cape Fear Valley has a great interdisciplinary approach and strong relationships with other medical team members. Some of my most rewarding experiences include making my first meaningful intervention and independently running the crash cart at a code.

This past year was entirely unprecedented, and I commend Cape Fear Valley for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic quickly and effectively. One of the things I value most from this past year was the experience working at the COVID-19 vaccination clinics held at Cape Fear Valley. These vaccination clinics helped to protect the local community and get us back on the path to normalcy. Reflecting on this past year, my time at Cape Fear Valley allowed me to gain invaluable hands-on experience and develop into a stronger clinician. I am very thankful for the opportunities provided by Dr. Bryan and the residency preceptors. I look forward to starting my career and continuing to grow as a clinical pharmacist.

Thomas Sessoms, PharmD, MSPH

Research Project: Evaluation of antibiotic use in patients with gram positive bacteremia after implementation of a rapid diagnostic blood culture panel with pharmacist review
First Position after Residency: Clinical Staff Pharmacist - Duke Raleigh Hospital

I was initially drawn to the Cape Fear Valley Medical Center PGY1 pharmacy residency program due to the number of rotation opportunities that were offered. The residency program was also very flexible in allowing residents to select and switch rotations, where available, based on changing clinical interest. My clinical areas of interest now include infectious disease, oncology, internal medicine, and emergency medicine.

My favorite part about residency was bonding with my co-residents, attending codes in the ED, and precepting students. I felt that my most rewarding experiences during residency were mentoring students, making impactful recommendations to providers, and developing interdisciplinary relationships. One of my most memorable moments was being able to successfully run a code for the first time without any assistance. Something that made me laugh during residency was when EPIC had me in the system as "Geroge" so everyone got a kick out of it when I would send a message.

Some advice that I would give to incoming pharmacy residents is to practice self-reflection because it is important throughout residency and not to be afraid to ask questions. An impact I feel that I had in the residency program, and health system altogether, was through my research project which implemented the BioFire culture results and treatment algorithm. I am excited to have successfully completed pharmacy residency training and look forward to starting my career as a clinical pharmacist.

2019-2020

Campbell White, PharmD

Research Project: The association of a source-directed therapy sepsis order set with appropriate antibiotic use in patients with sepsis secondary to pneumonia
First Position after Residency: Internal Medicine Clinical Pharmacist, Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Liberty, N.C.

My love for Cape Fear Valley Health started as a 4th year pharmacy student with an infectious diseaase rotation with Dr. Serina Tart, where I particularly enjoyed infectious disease and stewardship. What really drew me to this residency program was my desire to stay in southeastern North Carolina, where I grew up, but also the breadth of opportunities available at a location so close to home. I feel a strong connection to the people of southeastern North Carolina and getting to help improve their health over the past year while improving my clinical skills has been a great privilege.

I would have to say that my favorite rotation was Infectious Disease with Dr. Tart. Her mentorship has really helped develop me into a better pharmacist. Overall, I would say I am very proud of how much growth I had during the past year - not just my clinical skills, but skills such as presentations and communication. Additionally, I would say that I was not initially comfortable teaching other students, but the program nudged me out of my comfort zone, and I was able to overcome my trepidation about teaching and would be willing to take students again.

One thing I am particularly proud of is helping develop a COVID-19 response for the hospital during a crazy time in healthcare. The past year at Cape Fear Valley has been great for molding me into a better clinician and communicator and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to improve as a professional. My biggest advice for future residents would be to utilize your preceptors as resources, as they want to help you grow as a pharmacist and professional and their extensive clinical knowledge and years of experience make them valuable assets to the program.

Carrie Baker, PharmD, MBA

Research Project: Evaluation of Sacubitril/Valsartan vs. Spironolactone on Readmission Rates in Patients with Heart Failure Optimized on ACEi/ARB and Beta Blockers
First Position after Residency: PGY2 Internal Medicine, Fayetteville, N.C.

Prior to completing the acute care residency program at Cape Fear Valley Health, I was torn between pursuing a career in ambulatory care versus inpatient clinical pharmacy practice. The wide variety of inpatient and ambulatory care learning experiences offered at Cape Fear Valley was what initially drew me to the program. It was evident that a strength of this program was its flexibility and the willingness to tailor learning experiences to each resident. In addition, I was excited for the opportunity to serve the community through local non-profit partners and the opportunity to teach both pharmacy and medical students through a teaching certificate program.

Reflecting on this past year, my favorite memories are the times spent with my co-residents at ASHP Midyear and outside of the hospital setting. Within the hospital, I am most proud of developing and implementing a student-based anticoagulation counseling service for anticoagulation naïve patients.

Throughout my residency year along with my mentors, Dr. Bowers and Dr. Dorsett, I fell in love with internal medicine and cardiology. Those were my favorite rotations due to the content and the teaching opportunities they afforded me. Precepting pharmacy students on internal medicine provided an excellent opportunity for me to learn how to tailor my teaching styles to each student's knowledge level.

I am grateful for the variety of learning experiences offered during residency as they have allowed me to grow my clinical knowledge and increase my confidence in communicating recommendations with the medical team. My best advice for incoming PGY1 residents is to be open to building new relationships outside of the pharmacists and residents. I look forward to maintaining the relationships I have built here at Cape Fear Valley over the next year as I continue on as the first internal medicine PGY2 resident.

Katie Dircksen, PharmD

Research Project: Pharmacy Guided Procalcitonin Ordering in Adult Inpatients with Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
First Position after Residency: PGY2 Critical Care - Orlando, Fla.

I became familiar with the Cape Fear Valley PGY1 Acute Care program during my 4th year of pharmacy school. I was initially interested in the program due to the unique size of the program. Cape Fear Valley offers a wide-ranging curriculum and serves a diverse patient population but is small enough that I believed that I could get to know my peers and patients well. I am happy to say that I perceived correctly on both points. Cape Fear is a great place to work if you want to plug into the community and also build relationships with your co-workers.

My PGY1 year at Cape Fear Valley was full of rewarding experiences. Before this past year, I did not have a clear vision for my future career and had many interests. Throughout the year, however, I gained exposure to the day-to-day practice of pharmacy in many of these areas, and I developed a love of emergency/critical medicine and teaching. I enjoyed the high energy and fast-paced environment inherent to emergency medicine and the sense of accomplishment and influence I feel when teaching. The teaching certificate program, in particular, was a great opportunity to broaden my interests. Both of these experiences have enabled me to contribute to patients now, and in the future. Of note, I created the code response for incoming residents and won a patient safety award for research in quality improvement during this year. These are but a few examples of ways Cape Fear Valley Health helped me focus my interests, and contribute to the health of the community.

If I had to offer one piece of advice to future residents, I would encourage them to keep an open mind; you may be surprised at what you enjoy. The experience and knowledge I gained this year have prepared me to be a confident pharmacist as I move into the next step in my career. I feel ready to take on the challenges of my PGY2 year and am excited to continue developing my knowledge in critical care as a PGY2 in Orlando, Fla.

Kerri McGrady, PharmD

Research Project: Comparison of Traditional Vancomycin Dosing Versus Utilizing an Electronic AUC/MIC Vancomycin Dosing Program
First Position after Residency: PGY2 Internal Medicine, Richmond, Va.

This past year at Cape Fear Valley Health has been a very memorable and exciting year. I enjoyed the rotation selection as well as the variety of teaching experiences as I progressed through the year. Through these opportunities, I discovered not only my passion for internal medicine, but also the importance of antibiotic stewardship. Prior to this year, I had several rotations at Cape Fear Valley Health as a student and knew that this program would be a perfect fit for me. During each rotation, I felt as though I was a truly valued member of the healthcare team and will fondly remember that as I progress through my career. My preceptors were incredible mentors and provided a variety of advice, both personally and professionally in helping to build my confidence as a new pharmacist.

This year has been challenging but incredibly rewarding, and as I move into the next chapter of my career, I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Riley Bowers for his support over the course of the year. The time he invested into me and my fellow residents is something I hope to be able to provide to learners in the future. For those students who are interested in pursuing a PGY1 or for those just beginning their PGY1, I suggest several tips: be open minded, be flexible, understand your limits, and take personal time to recharge! Something I learned over this year was to be the kind of pharmacist that could be depended upon and willing to help and learn, regardless of my experience level. I cannot recommend this approach enough to incoming PGY1s. Enjoy this year and prepared to be challenged!

2018-2019

Emily Highsmith, PharmD

Research Project: Evaluation of a Pharmacist-Led Culture Review Service in a Community Hospital Emergency Department
First Position after Residency: PGY2 Critical Care, Houston, Texas

My past year at Cape Fear Valley Health has been one of the most rewarding experiences. I was originally attracted to the program for the acute care focus and the diverse rotational and longitudinal experiences. Through these opportunities, I was able to grow both personally and professionally. The most valuable aspect of the program, to me, was the amount of autonomy I was allowed. My preceptors were always available for guidance, but they also provided me with the independence to become a self-directed learner and clinician. My favorite learning activity was my research project. With the help of an amazing team, we were able to establish a protocol that will continue to be used in the Emergency Department. Lastly, my time at Cape Fear Valley would not have been the same without the wonderful people I worked alongside. The relationships I was able to build with my coworkers, co-residents, nurses, and medical residents are everlasting. My Residency Program Director always had an open-door policy and would work diligently to assure we were gaining the most out of every rotation.

Next year, I am excited to continue my pharmacy learning at Houston Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas, for a PGY-2 in critical care. I can't wait to utilize what I have learned at Cape Fear Valley in this new institution.

Savannah Knepper, PharmD

Research Project: Impact of a Pharmacist Monitored Program on Propofol Use in the Intensive Care Unit
First Position after Residency: Staff Pharmacist, Cape Fear Valley Health, Fayetteville, N.C.

Throughout the past year as a resident at Cape Fear Valley Health I have been able to gain exposure to diverse areas of pharmacy practice that I did not experience during my fourth year of school. This allowed me to recognize my passion for pediatrics. With the combination of inpatient and ambulatory care practice opportunities I have been able to vastly improve my overall knowledge and ability to practice as a pharmacist.

I am extremely grateful for the relationships I was able to form with both my preceptors and the pharmacy staff, who were always willing to help me learn over the course of the past year. One of the aspects I valued most about this residency was the responsiveness of our residency program director to any concerns or questions that I had. Additionally, I enjoyed being able to participate in interprofessional collaboration and learn from other professionals beyond just pharmacists. I was also grateful for the research experience I was able to gain throughout the year. Outside of being a resident, the Fayetteville area provided me with opportunities to do things I love, like go to the beach or participate in trivia nights.

The experiences I have gained over the past year have prepared me to be a confident well-rounded pharmacist. I am excited to continue my career and passion for learning as a Clinical Pharmacist at Cape Fear Valley Health.

2017-2018

Erika Hauenstein, PharmD

Research Project: Evaluation of the Impact on A1c of a Professional Continuous Glucose Monitor Clinic in a Family Medicine Practice
First Position after Residency: PGY2 Ambulatory Care/Academia, Asheville, N.C.

I have known since high school I wanted to be a pharmacist and complete a pharmacy residency program. I chose the program at Cape Fear Valley Health/Southern Regional AHEC because it included diverse experiences in both outpatient and inpatient settings, which would prepare me well for my goal of completing a PGY2 program in ambulatory care.

This past year has provided me with many unique and memorable opportunities. I gained experiences in pediatrics, HIV, and diabetes. In addition, I developed a rotation in women's health, which was an experience that I loved. One of my proudest accomplishments has been helping to re-establish the anticoagulation clinic at Southern Regional AHEC, allowing patients to interact with the pharmacists for any questions they may have, and ensure they are therapeutic on their warfarin. Additionally, my time at Diabetes Camp was incredibly rewarding and further enhanced my skill set. I am thankful for the flexibility of the program that allowed me to take part in such a unique experience!

I am grateful for the many interactions that I had over the past year with the entire Cape Fear Valley Health/Southern Regional AHEC family, including both pharmacy and medical staff. The medical residents utilized our pharmacy input daily in the clinic and have become close friends in the process. The pharmacy residency staff has provided endless support and encouraged me to believe in my own skill set to practice independently.

The experiences I have gained this year have prepared me for a PGY2 focused on developing new clinical services. I look forward to beginning my second residency year in ambulatory care and academia with Mountain AHEC and University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy in Asheville, North Carolina.

Reina Shimozono, PharmD

Research Project: The Impact of an Electronic Pharmacy Alert System on Pediatric Antimicrobial Stewardship in a Community Hospital
First Position after Residency: PGY2 Pharmacy Informatics, O'Fallon, Ill.

I chose Cape Fear Valley/SR-AHEC for my PGY1 Residency in acute care because of what the program encompassed. This program valued interprofessional relationships and offered diverse, well-rounded opportunities in the outpatient and inpatient settings. This residency encouraged me to grow as a pharmacist and vary my communication style, which will serve me well in my career.

Coming into this residency, my interests included ambulatory care and cardiology. However, with the commitment and encouragement of my preceptors and the residency team, I was able to find my passion for pharmacy informatics through projects and research. Because of this, I would say my proudest moment would be stepping into an area of pharmacy I was unfamiliar with and working diligently to explore this newfound interest. My advice to all future residents is to not be afraid to ask for what you want, because you never know what your future career could be.

Here at Cape Fear Valley, I had the privilege of meeting some amazing medical and pharmacy residents, which made this experience so memorable and special. This year went by so fast, but I will always remember all the different relationships I have built during my time here. I would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Miller, Dr. Mittleider, and everyone in the residency program for helping me get involved and supporting me with my decision to pursue a PGY2 residency in Pharmacy Informatics at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, part of the Hospital Sister's Healthcare System, in O'Fallon, Ill.

2016-2017

Jacqueline Hagarty, PharmD

Research Project: Impact of Naloxone Education on Healthcare Professional Knowledge and Attitudes
First Position after Residency: PGY2 Geriatrics Pharmacy, Glendale, Ariz.

I decided to pursue a residency position during my final year of rotations because I wanted to continue to challenge myself to develop my skills and gain further clinical experiences.

I was attracted to this program because of the close ties with a medical residency program, electives in public health and geriatrics, and the emphasis on community service and professional development. I knew it would be a good fit after seeing the passion in many of the preceptors and staff involved in the program during my interview.

My most memorable experiences over this past year was educating patients about their medications so they could be actively involved in their own care. It was fulfilling to work closely with patients, medical residents, and other healthcare professionals to provide patients with the best quality of care. This residency taught me the importance of not being afraid to reach out for help when you need it. My advice for future residents would be to take advantage of all the resources made available to you.

I am very thankful for the opportunities provided by Dr. Miller and all the preceptors. Their support encouraged me to exceed my own expectations and inspired me to further my education.

I am excited to start a PGY2 in geriatrics at Midwestern University in Glendale, Ariz., with plans to pursue a clinical career with precepting opportunities.

Justina Lipscomb, PharmD

Research Project: Impact of a Standardized Diabetic Ketoacidosis Pathway in the Pediatric Emergency Department
First Position after Residency: PGY2 Internal Medicine/Academia, San Antonio, Texas

Unlike most pharmacy students, my decision to seek out residency has not always been my goal. In 2014, I joined the Cape Fear Valley Health pharmacy team and this experience captivated my passion for clinical pharmacy, which fueled my desire to pursue a PGY1 residency.

This program appealed to me due to the many opportunities including community involvement, research, and teaching in conjunction with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Fayetteville State University.

Reflecting back on this year, I had the opportunity to embrace the unknown and have been able to go above and beyond what I thought was possible. This residency program surpassed my expectations and made me realize my passion for precepting students and educating other healthcare professionals. One of my proudest accomplishments was pushing past my comfort zone to give presentations to a variety of audiences. My advice to future residents would be, "Don't make mountains out of mole hills."

I am grateful for all the guidance and mentorship from Dr. Miller and the other preceptors during this residency. My experiences here have prepared me well to pursue my future career goals.

I look forward to starting an internal medicine PGY2 in San Antonio, Texas, at South Texas Veterans Health Care System. In the future, I hope to find an inpatient clinical position that includes precepting students.

2015-2016

Raquel Hertig, PharmD

Research Project: Pharmacy Student Involvement in a Treatment of Care Program
First Position after Residency: Outpatient Pharmacist, McChord Medical Clinic, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

I decided to pursue a residency to get further training and gain more exposure to various clinical sites. I was drawn to this residency program because of the relationships I formed with my preceptors, including the pharmacy residency program director Dr. Miller, during my rotations at Cape Fear Valley Health as a student. It was also close to where my husband was stationed, and I liked the teaching component that is integrated into the program.

This residency gave me numerous opportunities to work with other healthcare professionals and to see new things outside of a typical pharmacists' role. For example, I was able to watch medication administration during surgeries, which helped me to understand the full medication use process and put everything into perspective. One of my favorite parts was working closely with the family medicine medical residents; it was a unique opportunity to form strong relationships with other providers.

Reflecting back on the last year, I gained a lot of practice experience as a pharmacist. My biggest areas of growth were in my teaching skills and research experience. I feel more confident in my ability to provide a meaningful learning experience and engage my audience during presentations and other educational activities. Now I have a better appreciation for the time and effort that goes into a research project. I am proud of all of the hard work my team and I put into my project this year and of the effects it will have on this health system.

I am grateful for all of the guidance and support during my residency. I have accepted a position at an outpatient pharmacy at a military treatment facility in Washington. My goal is to eventually move into a clinical pharmacist position there.

Joshua McDaniel, PharmD

Research Project: Doubling Pharmacist Coverage in the Intensive Care Unit: Impact on the Pharmacists' Clinical Activities and Team Members' Satisfaction
First Position after Residency: Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, VA Medical Center, Fayetteville, N.C.

Beginning my first year in pharmacy school, I knew that I wanted to pursue a residency, but I joined the Air Force after graduating. After three years in the work force, I decided that it was the right time to get more in depth training and experiences in the field of pharmacy.

The Cape Fear Valley/SR-AHEC residency program was my number one choice for a number of reasons. First, this residency gives you a two-fold residency experience - big hospital experience and ambulatory care experience. Second, SR-AHEC has a Family Medicine Residency program and throughout the pharmacy residency I was able to form incredible multidisciplinary relationships with the medical residents. And third, my wife was born and raised in Fayetteville and being close to family is very important to me.

One of my favorite experiences as a resident was the elective surgical rotation which gave me some invaluable learning experiences. I had the chance to work closely with surgical personnel and actually witness surgical procedures in the operating room. This opportunity gave me the chance to really understand and see how the medications are used and how they affect the human body.

From this year as a resident, I have full confidence in my role as a clinical pharmacist, teacher and researcher. I am looking forward to my role as an inpatient clinical pharmacist at the Fayetteville Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

2014-2015

Hannah Park, PharmD

Research Project: Pharmacist Impact on Prescribing Practices of Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis in Non-ICUs
First Position after Residency: PGY2 Health System Pharmacy Administration, Baltimore, Md.

As I reflect on the past year of residency with Cape Fear Valley/SR-AHEC, it amazes me how far I have progressed as a pharmacist. Coming into the residency, I had prior experience as an IV room technician and in pharmacy research. Now I've had many different patient care experiences, opportunities to refine my communication skills, and developed my own research.

During the residency, there were two experiences that solidified my transition from pharmacy student to practicing pharmacist. The first came during my second internal medicine rotation, where I felt I had become an integral part of the patient care team. The team looked to me for recommendations, and I was able to be a model for the student I was precepting. The other experience was receiving a signed card from all the surgical unit staff at the end of the rotation. It signified to me the importance of not just imparting clinical knowledge but developing professional relationships.

The Cape Fear Valley/SR-AHEC program has a multitude of strengths. The rotation faculty are all focused on your development, and this is expertly coordinated by Dr. Miller.

After completing this program, I feel very prepared going into a PGY2 in pharmacy administration at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Mallory Howard, PharmD

Research Project: Potential Effects of Treatment Pathway on Skin and Soft Tissue Infection Treatment Practices
First Position after Residency: Clinical Pharmacist, Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Liberty, N.C.

From the time I began pharmacy school at Campbell University, I knew that a residency was something I wanted to pursue after graduation. I knew that it would help give me the confidence, experience, and knowledge needed to become a well-rounded pharmacist who can succeed in a variety of settings.

As I began my search of residency programs to apply to, the Cape Fear Valley /SR-AHEC program stood out for the many opportunities it offered residents to gain a wide variety of experiences. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center offers a large array of inpatient and ambulatory care rotations.

At the start of my residency I knew I wanted a challenging program that would push me beyond my comfort zone and allow me to grow as a new pharmacist. This program has met that and so much more. I'm so grateful to have found a program that incorporated everything I was looking for: a variety of experiences, the chance to be part of an interdisciplinary team, teaching and precepting experiences, and an overall great place to practice pharmacy. Throughout both inpatient and ambulatory care rotations, the pharmacy and medical residents share the responsibility of caring for their patients. This unique collaboration between disciplines has given me the opportunity to be an integral part of the patient care team.

One of my favorite experiences as a resident was getting to precept and create my own ambulatory care rotation for pharmacy students. I was excited to put into practice the tools I learned from the teaching certificate program. I really feel like I have grown so much as a teacher and a preceptor because of the training I received here.

Dr. Miller, the residency program director, and staff I have met here could not have been more kind or helpful, and they had a genuine desire to see me succeed. Now as I move forward in my career, I feel more confident in my ability as a clinical pharmacist because I was able to practice alongside experts in the diverse areas that pharmacy has to offer.

2013-2014

Brad Hughes, PharmD

Research Project: Impact of Pharmacist Initiated Antimicrobial Communication at Day 5 of Therapy
First Position after Residency: Staff Pharmacist, Cape Fear Valley Health, Fayetteville, N.C.

The Residency program at Cape Fear Valley/SR-AHEC provided me with invaluable experiences and opportunities to grow and succeed as a clinical pharmacist. I spent my residency training focused on the inpatient hospital setting and teaching. Throughout my time as a resident, the program allowed me to accomplish my professional goals through exceptional clinical rotations, teaching opportunities for pharmacists as well as other healthcare professionals, and precepting multiple pharmacy students.

The residency program is very unique in such a way that you're starting a residency with first year medical residents and you are encouraged to develop interpersonal relationships in multidisciplinary environments. In addition, you are able to provide the continuity of patient care in both inpatient and ambulatory care settings.

Looking back, the most memorable moment from this residency program for me was when a patient remembered me as a part of his or her treatment team from several months ago in the hospital. When I realized that I made a difference in that patient's life, my title didn't matter, it was about having an impact on that person's life that truly mattered.

Although the residency program is supposed to be challenging, I realized the value of endless guidance and support from our residency program director, Dr. Susan Miller, and many preceptors and mentors throughout the entire year. Dr. Miller has the best interest of residents' personal and professional success at heart and she still keeps in touch with every past resident.

Overall, this residency was a wonderful learning experience. I firmly believe that I now have the skill set and confidence to perform as a clinical pharmacist. After the completion of my residency, I was offered a position with Cape Fear Valley Health System and am excited to start my new career.

Autumn Mittleider, PharmD

Research Project: Impact of a Pharmacist in the Care of Hospitalized Patients with COPD
First Position after Residency: Clinical Pharmacist, Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Liberty, N.C.

The PGY1 pharmacy residency program at Cape Fear Valley/SR-AHEC has many great qualities, including the flexibility to cater to your interests- even if they're changing. The program is very focused on you as a new pharmacist and on giving you what you want out of your residency experience. Throughout the year, you develop skills that will allow you to excel in any type of pharmacist role you choose to pursue. I truly feel that the possibilities are endless here because if there's not an experience offered that fits your interests, they will make one for you. The best piece of advice I would give a future resident is to follow your interests and make the residency what you want it to be.

As a resident, you have many opportunities for teaching and precepting. I knew coming out of pharmacy school that I wanted to be a preceptor and I was looking for a residency program that would help me develop those skills. The teaching certificate, teaching opportunities at University of North Carolina, and precepting opportunities helped me accomplish these. I was the preceptor for pharmacy students during my drug information, internal medicine, and ambulatory care rotations. I have grown so much as a teacher and a preceptor thanks to this program.

The most rewarding part of my time spent as a resident at Cape Fear Valley/SR-AHEC was being able to see my recommendations impact patient care. It is so fulfilling to see physicians following your recommendations and to have them accept you as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team. It's incredible to work with patients and hear them say that you've made an impact on their lives.

Dr. Miller, the residency program director, is amazing at what she does and is there to support you 100 percent. She is an excellent role model and truly desires us, as residents, to succeed. As a result of my residency experience, my confidence as a pharmacist has grown tremendously. When I make a recommendation, I feel confident that I'm making the best decision for my patients. This residency has given me the tools, as a pharmacist, to handle anything that comes my way. I'm excited to continue on as a Clinical Pharmacist at Womack Army Medical Center.

2012-2013

Dustin Bryan, PharmD

Research Project: Impact of a Clinical Pharmacist at a Long-Term Acute Care Hospital
First Position after Residency: Staff Pharmacist, Cape Fear Valley Health, Fayetteville, N.C.

When the interview process began, my situation was a bit unique, to say the least. It wasn't until internal medicine during my 4th year of pharmacy school that I even realized completing a PGY1 residency was the right decision for me. As an independent community pharmacy intern for the previous five years it was staggering for me when I came to the realization of my passion. I wanted a challenge. I wanted to be a vital part of the healthcare team. I wanted to become an inpatient clinical pharmacist. After completing the on-site interview at Cape Fear Valley/SR-AHEC there was no uncertainty as to where I needed begin my career.

To be honest with you, there were initial concerns. Upon completing orientation, I realized how intense this program was, but being one of the better programs in the state that was to be expected. I immediately developed a close interpersonal relationship with the RPD, Dr. Susan Miller. She is an extremely passionate and driven director who has her residents' best interest in mind at all times. Dr. Miller was very receptive to my input throughout the year, but she also served as my mentor by teaching and also allowing autonomy once earned.

This program is very unique. You begin simultaneously with first year medical residents which encourages the development of a strong multidisciplinary team. It's impossible to quantify just how much I have learned this past year. The pharmacy knowledge is obvious, but I have grown in so many other ways. I am now confident as a lecturer, preceptor and researcher. I have become just what I strived for, a clinical pharmacist. I have recently signed with Cape Fear Valley Health and I look forward to working there next year.

Lisa Steuck, PharmD

Research Project: A Business Plan for the Expansion of a Nurse Practitioner Run Diabetes Clinic
First Position after Residency: Pharmacist, VA Medical Center, Fayetteville, N.C.

This residency has provided me with many opportunities and has opened my eyes to different areas of interest which I would not have pursued if not for the residency program. The program offers a teaching certificate, and prior to starting, I had absolutely no interest in teaching; however, as the year progressed and I had the opportunity to precept students, teach at University of North Carolina, and provide education to medical staff, I found myself developing a strong passion for teaching and precepting. As a result, I would like to pursue a faculty position in the future. As a resident, I had many projects throughout the year, including teaching/educating/precepting, a research project involving the development of a business plan, a grand rounds presentation on phantom limb syndrome, and community activities, such as the CARE Clinic (which I will continue after completion of the residency). One of my favorite projects was a journal club where it was discussed what time of day is best for administering antihypertensive medications. It was a very interactive presentation, and I was able to extrapolate information from the article and apply it to patients, such as the number needed to treat.

With all of the projects needing to be completed, the support system of Cape Fear Valley/SR-AHEC became extremely crucial. It sometimes felt like preceptors would know just the right time to text me to give me that extra boost of motivation, and I have become very close friends with all of the medical residents. Cape Fear Valley/SR-AHEC is a strong proponent of multidisciplinary interaction, and I enjoyed being able to work beside such great people. The program is also very flexible. About halfway through the residency, my interests started to change, and I was able to switch some of my rotations to better fit the new direction I was heading. The residents really have a voice here and their opinions matter. Overall, the residency provided many challenges and moments of triumph, and at times I found myself thinking, ‘If I only had three more hours to complete that project, it would have been banging.' If I were to rewind one year and be in the process of residency interviews and the match, I would absolutely do this residency again. It has been an invaluable experience, and I would recommend this program to anyone looking at completing a pharmacy residency.

2011-2012

Dawn Batisse, PharmD

Research Project: Evaluation of Need and Desire Among New Pharmacy Practitioners for Motivational Interviewing to be Incorporated into Pharmacy Education Curricula
First Position after Residency: : Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Wingate School of Pharmacy, Wingate, N.C.

I was drawn to the Cape Fear Cape Fear Valley/SR-AHEC pharmacy residency program because it was more strenuous than the other residency programs I researched. I believed the Cape Fear Valley/SR-AHEC residency program would offer many challenges that would help me develop into a strong clinician and educator.

During my year at Cape Fear Valley/SR-AHEC, I learned to excel and go above and beyond my duties at work. I was always supported when I had new ideas that would impact patient care. In my career as a pharmacist, I believe the mentality to go above and beyond what is required will help me provide the best care for the patients I interacts with.

My most memorable experience during residency was during one of my internal medicine rotations. I had the opportunity to counsel a patient who had presented to the hospital several times in the recent past due to asthma exacerbations. I asked the patient if she could afford the asthma medications that were prescribed, and I worked with the patient to teach her how to properly use her inhalers. Upon being discharged from the hospital, the patient came to speak with me because she had just left her physician's office and had many questions about her medications. The patient had been so impressed with the attention and advice that I had given her in the hospital that she asked for me by name to get more help.

It is difficult to leave a good place with good people. I will miss working with my co-resident, Johanne, as well as the many different preceptors I had the opportunity to work with this past year. However, at the same time, I am excited about what the future holds. I accepted a position as a professor at Wingate University School of Pharmacy. I will be working primarily at an ambulatory care clinic and teaching students that come to my site for rotations.

Johanne Bennett, PharmD

Research Project: The Effect of the Transition of Care Clinic Interdisciplinary Team Intervention on Quality of Heart Failure Transition of Care
First Position after Residency: Staff Pharmacist, Cape Fear Valley Health, Fayetteville, N.C.

I was drawn to the Cape Fear Valley/SR-AHEC pharmacy residency because of the opportunity to complete inpatient and outpatient learning experiences. The residency offered many rotations across a wide spectrum of pharmacy practice. Also, the residency offered the chance to obtain a teaching certificate which interested me because of my desire to become a pharmacy student preceptor. Lastly, community involvement with the CARE Clinic and Better Health was exciting to me and this was something that I desired as part of my residency training.

I felt I improved vastly in the area of patient counseling over the residency year. I did not have a great opportunity to counsel patients during my pharmacy school curriculum and was nervous about counseling patients at the CARE Clinic. Throughout my residency, I had the opportunity to counsel many patients with a wide variety of disease states, and now I feel very comfortable and confident when interacting with patients about their medications.

My best memory from this past year was when I had the opportunity to attend a weeklong Diabetes Camp as medical staff. The campers were children with Type 1 diabetes. Prior to camp, I knew quite a bit about diabetes, but when I had to account for carbohydrates, exercise, and other factors with the campers I realized that there was much more to learn about diabetes. I loved the camp because of the opportunity to grow and develop as a practitioner. I learned how to use insulin pumps at camp through interaction with campers wearing pumps. I also learned the importance of asking questions of the other pharmacists and physicians serving as camp clinicians.

Although this has been one of the most difficult years of my life, I know I grew and developed greatly as a pharmacist. I have a great sense of pride in the things that I accomplished this past year, but sad to be leaving some of the great friendships and colleagues that I have worked with behind.

2010-2011

Megan Glanville, PharmD

Research Project: Utility of Re-dispensing of Medications Donated by Patients and Their Families
First Position after Residency: Staff Pharmacist, Cape Fear Valley Health, Fayetteville, N.C.

Completing my PGY1 residency at Cape Fear Valley/SR-AHEC was an excellent choice for me. The faculty, staff, and residents immediately welcomed me and involved me in all activities both professionally and casually.

One of my favorite experiences was developing a close working relationship with the medical residents. Together we initiated new clinic services integrating our practices. We improved patient care by implementing pre-visit planning in which patients would meet with a pharmacy resident prior to their physician's appointment allowing the patient extra time to review medications and obtain lab work to in advance.

Another experience I was proud to be involved in was my pharmacy residency project. I built a research project from start to finish within the course of the year. It is exciting to say that with the help of the Cumberland County Medication Assistance Program we collected over $70,000 worth of unused medications and have re-dispensed about $20,000 worth of those medications. Not only does this prevent waste but it also improves the health for patients who may otherwise be unable to afford necessary medications.

These are only two examples of many experiences that challenged me to grow as a pharmacist in the past year. With the knowledge I have gained in both in-patient care and ambulatory care I am excited to move forward in my career. This region and the people in it have become home to me and I am looking forward to joining the Cape Fear Valley pharmacy team as I transition beyond my residency.

Nick Nelson, PharmD

Research Project: A Retrospective Evaluation of an Electronic Warfarin Dosing Algorithm at Predicting Initial Weekly Doses in Patients Initiated on Warfarin Therapy
First Position after Residency: Staff Pharmacist, Cape Fear Valley Health, Fayetteville, N.C.

I immediately knew the PGY1 program at Cape Fear Valley/SR-AHEC was a perfect fit for me. I got this feeling during the interview day and it continued throughout the entire year. This program allowed me to explore my interests and complete the goals I had set for myself. During my interview I expressed an interest in pharmacogenomics to Dr. Miller and by the end of the interview day she confirmed that she could set up this sort of rotation for me at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Besides this customized elective rotation, my residency project also dealt with pharmacogenomics. It allowed me the unique experience of working directly with the individuals at Chapel Hill who aided in developing the warfarin dosing iPhone application. While all of my rotations were beneficial to my education, my nephrology elective was my favorite. Within this four-week rotation I developed and implemented a vancomycin dosing protocol for hemodialysis patients which is now being utilized for Long-Term Acute Care patients at Highsmith-Rainey Specialty Hospital. Throughout the residency, I built strong multidisciplinary relationships with the AHEC family medicine residents. This relationship was strengthened while attending a white-water rafting retreat. I had a great time getting to know the residents on a personal level while charging down the river, scaling a rock wall, and developing team skills as we devised a budget for a fictional circus. I even earned myself the nickname, "Savior" by rescuing one of the medical residents after she fell out of the raft. I could not have asked for a better year; the people, the projects, the rotations, all provided me with the skills to move on to the next phase of my career. If you are looking for a program that provides a diverse experience that will challenge you to become a better clinician each day, then Cape Fear Valley/SR-AHEC is the perfect match.

2009-2010

Susan Basheer, PharmD

Research Project: Prospective Evaluation of Two Vancomycin Dosing Strategies in Achieving Targeted Steady-State Trough Serum Concentrations
First Position after Residency: Transition of Care Pharmacist, Cape Fear Valley Health, Fayetteville, N.C.

During my time at the Cape Fear Valley/SR-AHEC PGY1 residency program, I developed the ability to effectively create interdisciplinary relationships with other health professionals and became an appreciated clinical asset to the hospital as well as, a valued preceptor for pharmacy students. To future residents I offer this advice, you are here to learn. Try to stay organized, do your best, and ask for help when needed. Realize that everyone is here to help you and do not be too critical on yourself. Take the time to get to know the other (medical) residents and other pharmacists because it will make work more fun and enjoyable! My rotations proved to be very valuable. The program granted me many opportunities to pursue my interest and supported my quest to aide in the Haiti catastrophe. My experience allowed me to improve my time management skills, become a more confident and competent clinician, and feel empowered to take charge in any situation.

Swati Parikh, PharmD

Research Project: U-500 Insulin - An Analysis of Diabetes Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction
First Position after Residency: Pharmacist, Carolina Collaborative Community Care, Fayetteville, N.C.

I am a much stronger pharmacist because of the experiences I had over the past year in the Cape Fear Valley/SR-AHEC residency program. I feel more comfortable in my role as a pharmacist after completing this residency. During my residency I was able to work closely with medical residents, teach pharmacy and medical students, and work in a wide variety of practice settings. Prior to the residency, I was nervous about working in a hospital, as I did not have much experience in this environment, but I now feel at ease practicing in this setting. During my internal medicine, cardiology, critical care, and other rotations, I gained the skills necessary to work effectively and provide value in a health system. I was also privileged participate in many experiences such at attending HIV clinics with specialists. Of all the exciting things I did during this last year, working with students during the University of North Carolina Care Labs would be hard to top. The students taught me a lot about being a life-long learner and how rewarding it is to contribute to the learning of others. Now that I have graduated from the program, I am ready to begin my career as a clinical pharmacist. I excited to know that I will be an asset to inpatient and ambulatory care teams.

2008-2009

Justin Daniel, PharmD

Research Project: The Impact of a Clinical Pharmacist Rounding with a Hospitalists' Service
First Position after Residency: Pharmacist/Owner, Old Main Drug, Pembroke, N.C.

As I look back on the year I spent as the Cape Fear Valley/SR-AHEC pharmacy resident, I am amazed at the opportunities afforded to me, the learning experiences I participated in, and the friendships forged with the physicians, nurses, and fellow pharmacists.

As the Cape Fear Valley/SR-AHEC pharmacy resident I had multiple opportunities to teach, lead, and learn. Through the residency program my skills as a clinical professional were honed. I was taught discipline and perseverance. My communication skills, problem solving skills, time management skills, as well as many more, were vastly improved upon. These skills have helped me further my career and make me a better practitioner. I am currently an owner of a retail pharmacy and I can safely say that without the life experiences that were given to me through the Cape Fear Valley/SR-AHEC residency program I would not have been capable of handling the many responsibilities of pharmacy ownership. The Cape Fear Valley residency program gave me a unique perspective of clinical pharmacy which I have attempted to apply in the retail setting.

The program gave me the opportunity to teach in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Pharmacy's pharmaceutical care lab as a clinical instructor. I also spent time at Duke Medical Center working in the investigational drug pharmacy learning about the processes involved with drugs in clinical trials. I also staffed an indigent clinic monthly as a service aspect of my residency, participated in several local brown bag events, and spoke at a health career fair for the local high schools. All of these experiences taught me the importance of giving back to the profession. I currently host students for local high school health career classes and precept students for the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy and Campbell University School of Pharmacy. My pharmacy donates thousands of dollars' worth of medications annually to disaster relief medical missions and to local indigents. We are currently working towards starting our own community residency program which will afford us the opportunity to give back even more.

The Cape Fear Valley/SR-AHEC residency program was a positive life changing experience for me. I highly encourage anyone who is considering a residency to look closely at the Cape Fear Valley/SR-AHEC pharmacy residency program.

2007-2008

Jennifer Canady Nazarchyk, PharmD

Research Project: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Duty Hour Compliance and Awareness of Post-Graduate Year One Pharmacy Residents
First Position after Residency: Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, VA Medical Center, Fayetteville, N.C.

I have very positive thoughts as I reflect upon my experience as the first Cape Fear Valley/SR-AHEC pharmacy resident!

Due to the program's affiliation with the family medicine residency program at SR-AHEC, there is an opportunity to interact closely with the medical residents during inpatient and Ambulatory Care rotations. This residency program allows for the pharmacy resident to be involved in the continuity of care, as patients seen during the internal medicine rotation at Cape Fear Valley Health are seen in the SR-AHEC Family Medicine Clinic for outpatient care.

This residency has a balance between inpatient and Ambulatory Care experiences. Learning in this type of environment provides the opportunity to manage patients who present with a wide variety of disease states, including chronic, acute, and critically ill conditions. Moreover, this residency was customized to my area of interest, allowing me to select many electives in Ambulatory Care.

The attending physicians and medical residents are receptive and appreciative to the input provided by the pharmacy team. They frequently rely on us to develop sound pharmacotherapeutic plans and perform essential patient education.

Although the year of residency was a hectic time, the experience and confidence I gained from this program is priceless. I have no regrets about choosing this residency program and would highly recommend the program to other interested individuals. The Cape Fear Valley/SR-AHEC PGY1 residency program is a well-rounded program that fostered my professional development. I wish the program and future residents the same continued success.