Founded in 1926, Winter Haven Hospital (WHH) has an outstanding reputation for superior, patient-centered care. The PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency Program is based at Winter Haven Hospital’s main campus, with opportunities to gain experience throughout the BayCare Health System.

The Department of Pharmacy is responsible for the pharmaceutical care services for approximately 468 acute care beds with an average daily census of over 300 patients.  It consists of over 50 team members, including 23 clinical pharmacists, 27 pharmacy technicians, along with administrative and support personnel.  Additionally, the department leads several quality improvement programs, such as the Medication Use Safety Teams, Adverse Drug Reaction reporting, Medication Use Evaluations, Automatic Therapeutic Interchange, and other medication use activities.

Clinical pharmacists at Winter Haven Hospital are actively involved in medication order review, therapeutic monitoring, patient care planning and management, student and resident preceptorship, and interactive relationships as part of the health care team. Pharmacy technicians provide an integral component of the drug distribution process through the use of an automated, point-of-use dispensing system.

Winter Haven Hospital PGY1 Pharmacy Residency

Our ASHP-accredited residency program offers a comprehensive experience through a variety of training opportunities. The program builds on the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum to contribute to the development of clinical pharmacists responsible for pharmaceutical care of patients with a wide range of conditions.

Program Summary:
This adult PGY1 program is designed to provide 12 full, consecutive months of training at Winter Haven Hospital. The resident will collaborate with the medical staff to assure rational prescribing of medications, work with patients to enhance their knowledge of the medications they receive, and partner with nursing to improve the overall safety of medication use. Most of the residency can be adapted to the resident’s specific areas of interest.

All residents are required to complete learning experiences in core subject areas considered essential to pharmacy practice. A broad range of elective learning experiences are available that allow the resident to be flexible in pursuing individual goals.

As a teaching hospital, PGY1 residents interact regularly with medical residents from the Florida State University College of Medicine Family Medicine Residency Program.

Additional learning experiences include:

  • the development and completion of a research project
  • medication use evaluation (MUE)
  • Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) drug monograph
  • development of oral and written communication skills
  • participation in various departmental and hospital committees
  • experiences in hospital administration
  • rounding with FSU COM Family Medicine residents
  • the ability to practice pharmacy in various areas throughout the health-care system.

The PGY1 residency program core rotations include:

  • Cardiology
  • Critical Care
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Infectious Disease
  • Internal Medicine
  • Orientation
  • Practice Management/Therapeutic Policy

Required longitudinal rotations:

  • Heart Function/Ambulatory Clinic
  • Longitudinal Activities and Staffing
  • Longitudinal Research

Elective rotations may include:

  • Advanced Rotations
  • Ambulatory Care
  • Hospitalist
  • Informatics
  • Oncology
  • Transitions of Care

Program Benefits:

  • Competitive Salary
  • Medical Plan with prescription drug coverage
  • Dental and Vision Plans
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Opportunity to Contribute Pre-tax Dollars to a 401 (k) Plan
  • Life Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability Coverage, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage
  • Professional Travel Reimbursement
  • Team Member Services: Team members receive a discount rate on a variety of events, programs, and tickets to area attractions

Requirements for Acceptance:

  • The applicant must participate in the MATCH process
  • Online application through PhORCAS
    • Letter of intent
    • Current Curriculum Vitae
    • Three letters of recommendation
    • Official transcript from all colleges of pharmacy attended
    • The applicant must possess a Pharm.D. degree from an ACPE-accredited college of pharmacy
  • The applicant must have active Florida Pharmacist License within 90 days of the residency start date
  • The applicant must participate in an interview

Application Process:
Residency candidates should submit all requirements for acceptance through the PhORCAS website.  Once submitted, applications will be reviewed and candidates will be selected for an on-site or virtual interview.  After the interviews are completed, a rank list will be submitted to ASHP via the National Matching Service.  The ASHP Resident Matching Program will provide the program with the matched candidates.

Deadlines:
PhORCAS application deadline:  January 10

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Program Leader

Jovino Hernandez, PharmD, BCPS

Jovino received his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Florida. He completed training at Winter Haven Hospital. Jovino is the Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator for Winter Haven Hospital and Winter Haven Women’s Hospital.

 

Questions?
Jovino.hernandez@baycare.org
Availability M-F 7am-3:30pm

Email

Program Coordinator

Somer Slappey, PharmD, MS, BCPS, BCCCP

Somer Slappey completed a Doctorate in Pharmacy at the University of Florida in 2015.  Upon graduation, Somer completed a PGY1 and a PGY2 in emergency medicine at Lakeland Regional Health.  She currently practices in the intensive care unit and the emergency department at Winter Haven Hospital.  Somer is board-certified in pharmacotherapy as well as in critical care.  Her interests include teaching, critical care, emergency medicine, and prehospital medicine. Somer has completed a Master of Science in Clinical Toxicology in 2021 through the University of Florida and is currently enrolled in the Ohio State University’s Master of Science in Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership program.

2022-2023 Residency Class

Arlet Bacallao
PGY1 - Winter Haven Hospital

Why did I choose to complete a residency?
When I started pharmacy school, I wanted to experience different fields of pharmacy to help me decide what I wanted to do after graduation. It was during IPPEs and APPEs rotations, that I realized I wanted to become a clinical pharmacist and be part of the interprofessional team caring for patients in an institutional setting. Therefore, I choose to complete a residency to continue my pharmacy education and training in a patient-centered institution, while acquiring substantial knowledge required for skillful problem solving. Residency provides a structured and longitudinal practice experience with multiple opportunities of self-reflection and feedback on performance, which will assist me on achieving future career goals. Completing a PGY-1 is also the first step of my career journey to further specialize in oncology, which is one of my field of interest.

Why did I choose Winter Haven Hospital at BayCare?
The pharmacy residency program at Winter Haven Hospital offers a wide variety of core rotations that will strengthen my clinical knowledge and skills to become a well-rounded candidate for a PGY-2 program or to enter the workforce as a strong and confident clinical pharmacist. My desire to apply to the program grew when I met the RPD and a current resident at my school’s residency showcase, where they both enthusiastically expressed the program’s merits and values. They expressed the preceptor’s commitment to the profession and to educating learners in a challenging, but supportive environment. I also had the opportunity to complete an APPE rotation at another BayCare hospital, where I experienced the strong reputation, compassionate care, and welcoming culture the system has to offer. It was during my interview at Winter Haven Hospital where I experienced the caring and supportive family-like environment, when I finally solidified my decision that this was the hospital I wanted to complete my residency training.

Macy Boren
PGY1 - Winter Haven Hospital

Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I chose to complete a residency in order to build upon the knowledge I gained during my didactic and experiential learning experiences during pharmacy school. A PGY1 residency will provide me with additional training and opportunities to apply my knowledge and skills to provide excellent patient care. During my residency, I hope to overcome the challenges I face and grow into a more confident, independent, and well-rounded clinical pharmacist.

Why did I choose Winter Haven Hospital at BayCare?
I chose Winter Haven Hospital because of my prior positive experiences with the pharmacy team and the opportunities the pharmacy residency program offers. As a pharmacy student, I worked as a pharmacy intern at Winter Haven Hospital, and then I completed several of my APPE rotations there as well. During this time, I was also able to observe how the previous residents were well-supported and valued as part of the pharmacy team. I also enjoyed working with preceptors who challenged me, encouraged me, and were invested in my learning experience. For these reasons, as well as the residency program’s variety of rotations and resources, I knew I wanted to continue my professional growth at Winter Haven Hospital.

Nathalie Roumi
PGY1 - Winter Haven Hospital

Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I decided to pursue a PGY-1 pharmacy residency because of my strong interest in emergency medicine and critical care. I am passionate about working in a fast-paced environment and providing optimal patient care in critical situations. A pharmacy residency will allow me to further develop my clinical knowledge, skills, and expertise in these fields, ultimately preparing me for a successful career as a well-rounded clinical pharmacist.

Why did I choose Winter Haven Hospital at BayCare?
Winter Haven BayCare stood out to me as the perfect choice for my PGY-1 pharmacy residency due to its comprehensive offerings that align perfectly with my goals. The variety of rotation opportunities caters to my interests and aspirations as a clinical pharmacist. Additionally, the program’s exceptional culture and supportive environment, fostered by the RPD and management, create a nurturing and empowering atmosphere for growth. The commitment to mentorship, collaboration, and the dedication of experienced pharmacists makes Winter Haven BayCare the ideal place to thrive as a resident and develop into a confident clinical pharmacist.

Nefertari Charles
PGY1 - Winter Haven Hospital

Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I chose to complete a residency because I have a goal to provide high level, specific, and evidence-based patient care to every patient I encounter. I aim to further my clinical judgment skills through first-hand experience in different acute care settings. And with helpful feedback on my performance as a new clinician, I can grow in my confidence. Residency provides a way for me to achieve my career goals.

Why did I choose Winter Haven Hospital at BayCare?
Initially, I was interested in Winter Haven Hospital at BayCare because of the great selection of rotational experiences that they provide and great reviews from previous students. Upon our meeting, I encountered an incredibly passionate, close-knit pharmacy team that is dedicated to the profession and each other. I was glad to see how well the pharmacist spoke of their management and how well the management raved about their pharmacists. I felt that this place would be the perfect “Pharmily” to support me during this challenging but rewarding time.

April Courrege - Class of 2020

Tu Phan - Class of 2020

Kortney Kelly - Class of 2020

Jessica Truong - Class of 2020

Caren Azurin - Class of 2021

Holly Widell - Class of 2021

Michele Frankenberg - Class of 2021

Tatyana Severe - Class of 2021

Alex Tran - Class of 2022

Caitlyn Smith - Class of 2022

Elizabeth Baltazar - Class of 2022

Ian Maltz - Class of 2022

Andy Dao - Class of 2023

Jessica Wohlert - Class of 2023

Maithi Tran - Class of 2023

Omani McLish - Class of 2023

Felix Sanchez - Class of 2019

James Alcorn - Class of 2018

Jessica Vo - Class of 2018

Lisa Kerridge - Class of 2019

Luke Pompos - Class of 2019

Mahta Mahmoudieh - Class of 2018

Rebecca Sankhi - Class of 2019

Sandra Martin - Class of 2017

Theresa Trindade - Class of 2017

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About Us

We strive to provide excellence in pharmacy training at all of our sites and offer a wide variety of training opportunities that prepare our graduates to excel at the next level of their career.

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About Central Florida

Winter Haven Hospital lies at the center of Central Florida. Nearly equal distance from Tampa Bay and the space coast, our location provides quick access to a variety of theme parks, beaches and other unique experiences.

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