St. Anthony’s Hospital Pharmacy Residency

Arun Abraham
PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at St. Anthony's Hospital

Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I chose to pursue a residency because I wanted to serve as a clinician that provides quality care to my patients similar to those who helped my family in the past. My experiences during my APPE rotations only confirmed my passion and allowed me to gain a deeper appreciation for clinical pharmacy. I witnessed firsthand the impact clinical pharmacists have in healthcare. As patient care always progresses, the role of a pharmacist becomes more important. A residency program provides me the opportunity to develop my critical thinking, leadership, and clinical knowledge to keep up with advancement of patient-centered care. It allows me to take the next step toward my goal to help make a positive impact to those in need.

Why did I choose St. Anthony’s Hospital at BayCare?
I was fortunate enough to have my first APPE rotation at a BayCare facility. I gained a greater respect for the BayCare system as a whole and how highly they prioritized patient care. It solidified my decision to pursue a residency program within BayCare. St. Anthony’s embodies the ideals of a residency that matched my goals. After speaking with the past residents and current preceptors, it was clear that the program is dedicated to the development of its residents by fostering an environment with the necessary knowledge and experience to become the standard quality of a clinical pharmacist.

Fotaq Merkaj
PGY1 Pharmacy Resident at St. Anthony's Hospital

Why did I choose to complete a residency?
At the start of my pharmacy school career, my intentions were like many other pharmacy students who have a long history of retail experience. I was eager to learn and retain everything I could, graduate, and start my career as a retail pharmacist. These intentions, as they do for many students, changed quickly. I developed a strong interest in clinical pharmacy throughout pharmacy school and my clinical rotations. It became clear to me that I wanted to get the most out of my degree after graduation and a residency program was my method of doing so.

Why did I choose St. Anthony’s Hospital at BayCare?
Growing up in the Tampa Bay area and hearing about BayCare’s strong reputation for patient care led me to investigate the residency programs they offered. I came across St. Anthony’s program, which I was already familiar with. St. Anthony’s Hospital was my first exposure to clinical pharmacy during my 2^nd year of pharmacy school and it was one of the most rewarding rotations I completed. Their residency program offered core rotations that I was most interested in and had unique elective opportunities, as well. After speaking with the previous residents and hearing their excitement about the program, I knew that St. Anthony’s at BayCare would be a great fit for me.

Haithuy Pham
PGY1 Pharmacy Resident at St. Ahthony's Hospital

Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I chose to pursue postgraduate training to accelerate my patient-centered care, clinical judgement, and problem-solving skills beyond that of an entry-level pharmacist. Residencies provide ample of opportunities for new pharmacists to overcome their weaknesses, while uncovering their hidden talents or passion for certain specialties. In addition to clinical development, personal growth is just as important to me. Residencies are designed to build confidence, leadership, and innovation. My goals are to embody these qualities and find a specialty at the end of postgraduate training.

Why did I choose St. Anthony’s Hospital at BayCare?
From my very first interaction I could tell that the pharmacy team at St. Anthony’s Hospital genuinely cared for their residents. During my interview process I truly felt welcomed and at home among the team members. The preceptors displayed professionalism and enthusiasm in helping their residents navigate through their residency journey. I chose St. Anthony’s Hospital because I wanted to be a part of their altruistic culture and learn from some of the best pharmacists. I believe that I can achieve my professional and personal goals with the help and support of this team by my side.