PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program at Norwalk Hospital
The purpose of the PGY1 Residency Program at Nuvance Health – Norwalk Hospital is to build on the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education and outcomes to contribute to the development of clinical pharmacists responsible for medication-related care of patients with a wide range of conditions, eligible for board certification, and eligible for PGY2 pharmacy residency training.
This is a 12-month post-graduate training program aimed at cultivating and bringing forth highly skilled pharmaceutical care providers. Training is built in collaboration with the resident based on his/her interests combining required and elective learning experiences. The resident will be an integral part of the medication use process. The residency will serve to help the resident develop an in-depth understanding of the clinical, distributive, and administrative aspects of pharmacy practice. Through a variety of learning experiences, each resident will gain confidence to effectively function as a member of a multi-disciplinary team. The program will also serve to develop and refine the resident’s writing, presentation, teaching, research, and leadership skills.
Preceptors
Dr. Timothy Conboy, PharmD, BCPS – Pharmacy Informatics
Dr. Krista Katers, PharmD, BCPS – Health Systems Clinical Services
Dr. Danielle Pritchard, PharmD – Medication Safety
Dr. Mychal Dworet, PharmD, BCPS – Orientation, Critical Care
Dr. Cindy Zheng, PharmD, – Orientation, Critical Care
Dr. Amina Ramic, PharmD – General Medicine
Dr. Ellen Konpsore, RPh, MBA – Oncology
Dr. Rachel Sieber, PharmD – Oncology
Dr. Anne Lin, PharmD, BCPS – Emergency Medicine
Dr. Christine Liberto, PharmD, MBA, BCSCP –USP 797/800
Dr. Patryk Stryjewski, PharmD – USP 797/800
Dr. Samuel Strong, PharmD – USP 797/800
Dr. Rhett Sparkman, PharmD- Pharmacy Operations Management
Dr. Mohammed M. Uddin, PharmD, BC-ADM – Ambulatory Care (Primary Clinic)
Dr. Keri Montross, PharmD – Ambulatory Care (Primary Clinic)
Dr. Kelcey Noble, BS, PharmD, BCIDP – Infectious Diseases
Dr. Daniel Pusztai, PharmD – Infectious Diseases
Dr. Christopher Batista, PharmD – General Medicine
Dr. Nowshin Islam, PharmD, BCPS – Learning & Teaching
Residents
Current Residents
Raeann Solanga
Valerieraeann.salonga@nuvancehealth.org
Name: Raeann Salonga
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Pharmacy School: University of California, San Francisco School of Pharmacy
Professional Interests: My professional interests include critical care and pharmacy informatics.
Personal Interests: Outside of pharmacy, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, finding new places to eat, watching series/movies, hiking, and exploring new places.
Why Norwalk Hospital? Norwalk Hospital’s Pharmacy Residency program provides a well-rounded experience that allows me to delve into my current interests in acute care while also exploring other areas of pharmacy. My interview experience with the pharmacy team members solidified my desire to work with such a dedicated and supportive team during my residency training.
Advice to students interested in applying to a residency: Keep a running list of your interventions and formative experiences during your APPE rotations. Make the most of your rotations by being more proactive to gain confidence and experience when presenting patients and answering questions. When applying to potential programs, try to be more open-minded, expand your options, and get to know the pharmacy team during interviews. Residency can be a challenge – you want to ensure the program is a great fit for you
Simrat Aulakh
Name: Simrat Kaur Aulakh
Hometown: Visalia, California
Pharmacy School: California Northstate University
Professional Interests: My professional interests include ambulatory care and infectious disease.
Personal Interests: Beyond Pharmacy, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, the great outdoors, traveling, and a hot cup of tea.
Why Norwalk Hospital:Norwalk Hospital’s Residency Program offersa personalized year of growth that will shape me into the clinical pharmacist I strive to be.Interviewing with the staff gave me a sense of ease in regards to theprogramssupport through this difficult yet rewarding journey.
Advice to students interested in applying to a residency: Don’t let small hiccups impede your interest in pharmacy residency. Bite the bullet and apply, what’s the worst that can happen.
General Program Benefits
• Competitive Stipend
• Travel Reimbursement for professional meetings
• BLS and ACLS Certifications
• Paid Time Off
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Free Parking
• Access to gym
FAQ
Is the program accredited?
Yes, our PGY1 Residency Program is ASHP accredited
How many positions are there?
There are 2 PGY1 positions.
What is the stipend?
$50,000
How is the resident’s schedule determined?
The resident’s schedule is built in discussion with the RPD. The finalized schedule is based on program requirements as well as the resident’s interests and goals.
Will the resident’s participate in multi-disciplinary rounds?
Yes, you will participate in various multidisciplinary rounds such as ICU, internal medicine, and infectious disease.
Do residents participate in medical emergencies such as code blues?
Yes, residents are required to become ACLS/BLS certified. After certification, residents will participate in hospital codes.
Does Norwalk Hospital support travel to conferences?
Yes, residents will be reimbursed for travel to ASHP Midyear and to Eastern States Residency conference.
When do resident’s need to be licensed by?
Residents are required to sit for both the NAPLEX and CTMPJE by July 15. However, we highly encourage out residents to sit for their exams prior to the start of the program.
When is the application deadline?
1/8/2024 at 11:59 PM EST
Is an interview required?
Yes, interviews are required. Interviews consist of opportunities to meet and interact with the program director, preceptors, and current residents.