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:
- 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
- Cardiology
- Hospitalist
- Informatics
- Oncology
- Psychiatry
- 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

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

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.
Questions?
Somer.Slappey@baycare.org
-
Amanda Leader, PharmD, BCPS
Emergency Medicine
Emergency Medicine -
Derek Dixon, PharmD, BCPS, CPh
Critical Care, Internal Medicine
Critical Care, Internal Medicine -
Erika Rugay-Buchanan, PharmD, BCOP
Oncology
Oncology -
Jessica Truong, PharmD
Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine
Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine -
Jovino Hernandez, PharmD, BCPS
Administrative/Therapeutic Policy, Longitudinal Activities and Staffing
Administrative/Therapeutic Policy, Longitudinal Activities and Staffing -
Karen Siegel, PharmD
Critical Care
Critical Care -
Karin Thatcher, PharmD, BCPS
Longitudinal Research Project Experience, Internal MedicineKarin Thatcher, PharmD, BCPS
Longitudinal Research Project Experience, Internal Medicine -
Keith Hamm, PharmD, BCPS
Orientation
Orientation -
Kortney Dufour, PharmD, BCPS
Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine -
Lacey Charbonneau, PharmD, BCGP
Transitions of Care, Longitudinal Activities
Transitions of Care, Longitudinal Activities -
Laura Johnson, PharmD, BCPS
Internal Medicine, Cardiology
Internal Medicine, Cardiology -
Lisa Kerridge, PharmD, BCPS
Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine
Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine -
Natoya Muirhead, PharmD, BCOP
Oncology
Oncology -
Nishi Ramcharitar, PharmD, MSHI
Pharmacy Informatics
Pharmacy Informatics -
Shadi Atallah, PharmD, BCPS
Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine -
Sharjeel Khan, PharmD
Management
Management -
Somer Slappey, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, Longitudinal Presentations
Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, Longitudinal Presentations -
Steven Nelson, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP
Infectious Disease
Infectious Disease -
Tyler Spink, PharmD, BCPS
Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine
2022-2023 Residency Class


Omani McLish
PGY1 – Winter Haven Hospital, acute care
Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I chose to complete a residency to expand my clinical knowledge base and explore the variety of opportunities hospital pharmacists have on impacting patient care. The goal of working within the interdisciplinary team to better patient outcomes is something that motivated me during pharmacy school, and residency brings me one step closer to achieving that goal. The ability to collaborate and learn from so many brilliant pharmacists and healthcare providers will serve me well in my growth as a clinician. I am excited to delve into the multitude of rotations, developing as I gain exposure to each practice area. I have always had a desire to better the lives of those who are the most ill, especially those who are suffering from cancer. Ultimately, upon completion of my residency, I hope to pursue a PGY-2 in oncology and become an oncology pharmacist. I am certain that completing a residency will equip me with the knowledge and skills to be a proficient member of the healthcare team.
Why did I choose Winter Haven Hospital at BayCare?
One of the biggest reasons I chose to come to Winter Haven Hospital was the welcoming environment and relationships that the members of the pharmacy department and the hospital staff share. Even from a brief interaction, you can feel the caring and tight knit community atmosphere that is fostered at this institution. During my fourth year of pharmacy school, I would often talk with many of my friends who were currently completing residency. I would ask them about their daily experiences and discuss what they enjoyed and wished they could improve about their respective programs. One of my friends who was a former resident at Winter Haven Hospital, could not help but rave about the pharmacists she worked with and how the program facilitated her growth as a clinician. Upon interviewing with this program, I could see her words were spot on. Winter Haven Hospital blends cutting edge patient care with a culture that encourages training and growth. They provide ample opportunities for residents to flourish as clinicians, providing exposure to a variety of fields while having preceptors and clinicians that are eager to educate and train. I am confident that I have found a program that will be instrumental in my development as a newly graduated pharmacist.
Omani McLish| PGY1 – Winter Haven Hospital, acute care

Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I chose to complete a residency to expand my clinical knowledge base and explore the variety of opportunities hospital pharmacists have on impacting patient care. The goal of working within the interdisciplinary team to better patient outcomes is something that motivated me during pharmacy school, and residency brings me one step closer to achieving that goal. The ability to collaborate and learn from so many brilliant pharmacists and healthcare providers will serve me well in my growth as a clinician. I am excited to delve into the multitude of rotations, developing as I gain exposure to each practice area. I have always had a desire to better the lives of those who are the most ill, especially those who are suffering from cancer. Ultimately, upon completion of my residency, I hope to pursue a PGY-2 in oncology and become an oncology pharmacist. I am certain that completing a residency will equip me with the knowledge and skills to be a proficient member of the healthcare team.
Why did I choose Winter Haven Hospital at BayCare?
One of the biggest reasons I chose to come to Winter Haven Hospital was the welcoming environment and relationships that the members of the pharmacy department and the hospital staff share. Even from a brief interaction, you can feel the caring and tight knit community atmosphere that is fostered at this institution. During my fourth year of pharmacy school, I would often talk with many of my friends who were currently completing residency. I would ask them about their daily experiences and discuss what they enjoyed and wished they could improve about their respective programs. One of my friends who was a former resident at Winter Haven Hospital, could not help but rave about the pharmacists she worked with and how the program facilitated her growth as a clinician. Upon interviewing with this program, I could see her words were spot on. Winter Haven Hospital blends cutting edge patient care with a culture that encourages training and growth. They provide ample opportunities for residents to flourish as clinicians, providing exposure to a variety of fields while having preceptors and clinicians that are eager to educate and train. I am confident that I have found a program that will be instrumental in my development as a newly graduated pharmacist.

Jessica Wohlert
PGY1 – Winter Haven Hospital, acute care
Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I chose to complete a residency because I wanted to continue to push myself to refine my clinical skills within the framework of mentorship from practicing pharmacists so that I can enter into practice as a clinical pharmacist and provide the best possible care for my patients.
Why did I choose Winter Haven Hospital at BayCare?
I chose BayCare’s Winter Haven Hospital for my residency after having had the pleasure to complete several advanced pharmacy practice rotations at this hospital during my last year of pharmacy school. I was able to experience so much personal and professional growth while working alongside pharmacists within the department, as well as other healthcare professionals, as we all worked together to care for our patients. By the end of that time, I truly felt like part of the team, and I couldn’t see myself completing a residency anywhere else.
Jessica Wohlert| PGY1 – Winter Haven Hospital, acute care

Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I chose to complete a residency because I wanted to continue to push myself to refine my clinical skills within the framework of mentorship from practicing pharmacists so that I can enter into practice as a clinical pharmacist and provide the best possible care for my patients.
Why did I choose Winter Haven Hospital at BayCare?
I chose BayCare’s Winter Haven Hospital for my residency after having had the pleasure to complete several advanced pharmacy practice rotations at this hospital during my last year of pharmacy school. I was able to experience so much personal and professional growth while working alongside pharmacists within the department, as well as other healthcare professionals, as we all worked together to care for our patients. By the end of that time, I truly felt like part of the team, and I couldn’t see myself completing a residency anywhere else.

Maithi Tran
PGY1 – Winter Haven Hospital, acute care
Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I chose to do a residency to strengthen my clinical knowledge and receive additional hands-on experience in various settings such as the emergency department and ICU to provide the best possible care for my patients. Experiencing a variety of different pharmacy services will help me become the independent, confident, and well-rounded clinical pharmacist I desire to be.
Why did I choose Winter Haven Hospital at BayCare?
I chose to do my residency at Winter Haven Hospital at BayCare because of various reasons. The main reasons were the RPD and Pharmacy Coordinator who were a breath of fresh air during ASHP Midyear. The short 10-minute conversation alone solidified my decision that they are the mentors who take my learning experience seriously. Additionally, Winter Haven Hospital offers a wide variety of clinical areas with plethora of resources that will facilitate me to grow into a well-rounded clinical pharmacist. Upon meeting their preceptors and past residents who demonstrated a healthy and diverse culture, I was convinced that this team, pharmacy program, and facility is the best fit for my professional growth.
Maithi Tran| PGY1 – Winter Haven Hospital, acute care

Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I chose to do a residency to strengthen my clinical knowledge and receive additional hands-on experience in various settings such as the emergency department and ICU to provide the best possible care for my patients. Experiencing a variety of different pharmacy services will help me become the independent, confident, and well-rounded clinical pharmacist I desire to be.
Why did I choose Winter Haven Hospital at BayCare?
I chose to do my residency at Winter Haven Hospital at BayCare because of various reasons. The main reasons were the RPD and Pharmacy Coordinator who were a breath of fresh air during ASHP Midyear. The short 10-minute conversation alone solidified my decision that they are the mentors who take my learning experience seriously. Additionally, Winter Haven Hospital offers a wide variety of clinical areas with plethora of resources that will facilitate me to grow into a well-rounded clinical pharmacist. Upon meeting their preceptors and past residents who demonstrated a healthy and diverse culture, I was convinced that this team, pharmacy program, and facility is the best fit for my professional growth.

Andy Dao
PGY1 – Winter Haven Hospital, acute care
Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I chose to complete a residency because my goal is to become a well-rounded pharmacist that my peers and patients can depend on to provide individualized patient care. Being a PGY-1 resident also provides me with opportunities to stay up-to-date with the best standards of care and be a part of changes that will impact the future of pharmacy.
Why did I choose Winter Haven Hospital at BayCare?
I chose Winter Haven Hospital because of their innovative and supportive culture. The pharmacy department at Winter Haven Hospital has established a collaborative relationship with other health departments and continuously makes efforts in optimizing patient care. From my interview, I saw that the staff at Winter Haven Hospital treated each other like family, and I knew that by coming here I would be welcomed with open arms to a positive learning environment. All in all, Winter Haven Hospital provides everything any PGY-1 resident would need to be successful.
Andy Dao| PGY1 – Winter Haven Hospital, acute care

Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I chose to complete a residency because my goal is to become a well-rounded pharmacist that my peers and patients can depend on to provide individualized patient care. Being a PGY-1 resident also provides me with opportunities to stay up-to-date with the best standards of care and be a part of changes that will impact the future of pharmacy.
Why did I choose Winter Haven Hospital at BayCare?
I chose Winter Haven Hospital because of their innovative and supportive culture. The pharmacy department at Winter Haven Hospital has established a collaborative relationship with other health departments and continuously makes efforts in optimizing patient care. From my interview, I saw that the staff at Winter Haven Hospital treated each other like family, and I knew that by coming here I would be welcomed with open arms to a positive learning environment. All in all, Winter Haven Hospital provides everything any PGY-1 resident would need to be successful.
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
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.
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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