Baycare Residents

Leilani Colon
PGY1 - St. Joseph's Hospital

Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I chose to pursue a pharmacy residency to further develop my clinical knowledge, strengthen my critical thinking skills, and become a more well-rounded pharmacist. While my experiences provided a strong foundation, I recognized that residency would help me build the confidence and clinical foundation needed to provide the highest level of patient care. This opportunity allows me to learn from experienced mentors, gain exposure to complex patient cases across a variety of practice areas, and refine the skills necessary to make meaningful contributions to both patient outcomes and interdisciplinary healthcare teams.

Why did I choose St. Joseph’s Hospital at BayCare?
My decision to pursue residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital was shaped by my experiences as both an APPE student and pharmacy intern within the organization. During that time, I experienced firsthand the supportive and collaborative culture within the pharmacy department and saw how invested the pharmacists were in teaching, mentorship, and patient care. Those experiences made me realize how much I could continue to grow in this environment. In addition, the variety of clinical services and specialty areas available at St. Joseph’s Hospital will allow me to broaden my skills and gain a well-rounded residency training experience. Because of the foundation I have built here, I believe this is the ideal place to continue my development as a clinical pharmacist

Natalie Sheets
PGY1 - St. Joseph's Hospital

Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I chose to pursue a pharmacy residency because I wanted to continue challenging myself and expand my clinical knowledge through diverse, hands-on patient care experiences. Residency training provides me the opportunity to further develop my clinical skills, strengthen my clinical decision-making abilities, and grow into a confident healthcare professional. I want to provide the highest quality of care to my patients, and residency offers the training and mentorship needed to achieve that. Additionally, opportunities to engage in research, attend professional conferences, and deliver presentations will help me become a well-rounded pharmacist and prepare me for my future.

Why did I choose St. Joseph’s Hospital at BayCare?
I chose St. Joseph’s Hospital because of the supportive culture I experienced during my interview. It was clear that the preceptors are genuinely invested in helping residents grow both clinically and professionally through strong mentorship and guidance. I was also drawn to the diverse range of clinical experiences and opportunities the program offers, allowing residents to tailor their rotations to their interests and career goals. I am confident that St. Joseph’s will help me become a versatile pharmacist and provide me with the skills needed to achieve my professional goals.

Chelsea Clark
PGY1 - St. Joseph's Hospital North

Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I chose to pursue a residency to continue developing my foundational pharmaceutical knowledge within a challenging environment. I knew that a residency would equip me with the critical skills necessary to become a well-rounded clinical pharmacist who provides high-quality care to patients and the community. Additionally, I was interested in the opportunity to explore inpatient specialties, including oncology and cardiology.

Why did I choose St. Joseph’s Hospital North at BayCare?
I chose to stay at St. Joseph’s North because of the exceptional mentorship and supportive culture I experienced here as an intern. There is something truly special about this pharmacy team. I am confident that my residency training here will provide a rigorous environment that both challenges me and reinforces the BayCare values I have adopted over the last few years. I look forward to continuing to learn from bright and enthusiastic colleagues and mentors who are genuinely committed to my professional development and the wellbeing of the community.

Gene Banawan
PGY1 - Winter Haven Hospital

Why did I choose to complete a residency?
Residency training will provide the structured environment necessary for me to grow into a confident and efficient clinical pharmacist. It will further strengthen my clinical knowledge and decision-making skills, enabling me to consistently provide safe, evidence-based, and patient-centered care. I am confident that this institution will give me the opportunity to learn from experienced mentors who will challenge and support my professional growth, helping me build confidence in my clinical judgment and develop into a trusted medication expert.

Why did I choose Winter Haven Hospital at BayCare?
Winter Haven Hospital stood out the most during my residency interviews. The pharmacists spoke with genuine enthusiasm about the strong foundation of the residency program and the exceptional culture they have built over the years. Their confidence in the program was evident in every interaction I had with the team. The supportive, collaborative, and welcoming environment I experienced when joining the team reinforced my belief that Winter Haven Hospital is the ideal place for me to grow into a dependable, compassionate, and well-rounded pharmacist.

Colin Kehus
PGY2 – Health System Pharmacy Administration

Why did I choose to complete a residency?
One of the main reasons I chose to pursue a residency program was the opportunity to learn and gain experience in a variety of practice settings. I specifically selected a Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership residency to further develop my clinical skills, gain experience as a clinician, and use those experiences to grow as a leader and administrator within pharmacy and healthcare systems.

Why did I choose St. Joseph’s Hospital at BayCare?
I chose St. Joseph’s Hospital for my residency because of the wide range of experiences and opportunities it offers. With its main hospital and Women’s and Children’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s provides access to diverse healthcare settings and a wide variety of clinical experiences. What also stood out to me was the support and dedication by the preceptors and pharmacy department during the interview process. It was clear that they were invested in the success of their residents and willing to tailor the program to my individual interests as they evolved. With that kind of support and commitment, I felt that St. Joseph’s was the right fit for me and would provide me the foundation I need to achieve my professional goals.