PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program at Norwalk Hospital
The purpose of the PGY-1 Residency Program at Norwalk Hospital is to build on 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 for PGY-2 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 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 and become an integral part of the medication use process. 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, MSHI – Pharmacy Informatics
Dr. Krista Katers, PharmD, BCPS – Pharmacy Practice Management
Keith Shuster, RPh, MBA-Pharmacy Practice Management
Dr. Rhett Sparkman, PharmD- Pharmacy Operations Management
Dr. Josh Barlow, PharmD,- Stewardship, Critical Care
Dr. Danielle Pritchard, PharmD – Medication Safety
Dr. Mychal Dworet, PharmD, BCPS – Orientation, Emergency Medicine
Dr. Ellen Konpsore, RPh, MBA – Oncology, USP 797/800
Dr. Ellen Konpsore, RPh, MBA – Oncology
Dr. Rachel Sieber, PharmD, BCOP – Oncology
Dr. Patryk Stryjewski, PharmD – USP 797/800
Dr. Samuel Strong, PharmD , BCSCP – USP 797/800
Dr. Rhett Sparkman, PharmD- Pharmacy Operations Management
Dr. Jessica Lewis, PharmD,– Ambulatory Care (Primary Clinic)
Dr. Keri Montross, PharmD – Ambulatory Care (Primary Clinic)
Dr. Kelcey Noble, BS, PharmD, BCIDP –Antimicrobial Stewardship
Dr. Shaine Ninan, PharmD – Antimicrobial Stewardship
Dr. Nowshin Islam, PharmD, BCPS – Learning & Teaching
Dr. Mark Baker, PharmD – General Medicine
Dr. Abby Flynn, PharmD-Staffing
Dr. Faseeh Farooq, PharmD-Staffing
Dr. Jennifer Wong, PharmD- Staffing
Residents
Current Residents
Name: Habsa Khanam
Hometown: Fairfield, Connecticut
Pharmacy School: University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy
Professional Interests: My professional interests include ambulatory care, general medicine, and infectious disease.
Personal Interests: Outside of pharmacy, I enjoy reading, particularly thrillers. I also love spending time with my friends and family, especially exploring new cafes around town. Trying unique drinks (even if they’re not always great, it’s about the experience) and antiquing define my ideal day. In addition, I love crocheting and hiking.
Why Norwalk Hospital? Norwalk Hospital provides a comprehensive and diverse range of experiences, which allows for a well-rounded residency experience. The training is rigorous yet supportive, with a clear focus on catering towards each individual resident and preparing them for success in their careers. Beyond that, the staff truly set Norwalk Hospital apart. From the moment I stepped into the hospital, I felt welcomed and valued as part of the team.
Advice to students interested in applying to a residency: You blink and a year flies by! This goes for during your APPE rotations and in residency. Make the most of your APPE rotations, every experience and every preceptor you encounter will offer insights that will be invaluable in shaping your future career.
The residency application and interview process can be daunting, but mentors and previous applicants are always there to offer support. It’s okay not to have all the answers and okay to admit when you don’t know something; just remember to be yourself. Lastly, it’s never too late to consider residency. Don’t let the fear of the unknown hold you back; if you can’t beat the fear, do it scared! The right opportunity will present itself when the time is right, and every step, whether in residency or elsewhere, is an opportunity for growth.
Name: Emily Trongone
Hometown: Pembroke, MA
Pharmacy School: University of Rhode Island
Professional Interests: My professional interests include internal medicine, informatics and oncology
Personal Interests: Outside of pharmacy I enjoy weightlifting, listening to audiobooks, watching sunrises and baking.
Why Norwalk Hospital? Norwalk Hospital’s residency program drew me in with the supportive and welcoming environment of the pharmacy team, along with their clear commitment to helping residents succeed—no matter what each individual’s goals may be. Additionally, as a community teaching hospital, Norwalk offers the unique advantage of a close-knit, community-based setting while still providing the collaborative and dynamic learning environment of an academic institution.
Advice to students interested in applying to a residency: My best piece of advice is to just be yourself. This advice might sound cliche, but it was some of the best advice I got, particularly as I started to get nervous about talking to programs and preparing for interviews. We are excited to meet and talk with you and if you just be yourself, trust that everything will work out how it is supposed to!
Previous Residents
Class of 2024-25:
Dr. Marina Duszak, PharmD
Where are they now: Clinical Pharmacist Boston Childrens Hospital
Dr. Alyssa Christopulos, PharmD
Where are they now: Clinical Pharmacist Norwalk Hospital
Dr. Simrat Aulakh, PharmD
Where are they now: Clinical Pharmacist Yale New Haven Hospital
Class of 2023-24:
Dr. Raeann Salonga, PharmD
Where they are now: Informatics Pharmacist Vizient, Inc
Class of 2022-23:
Dr. Josh Barlow, PharmD
Where they are now: Clinical Pharmacist Specialist Norwalk Hospital
Dr. Micheal Gualano, PharmD
Where they are now: Clinical Pharmacist Greenwich Hospital
Class of 2021-22:
Dr. Cindy Zheng, PharmD
Where they are now: Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Pediatric Project Management Cohens Children’s Medical Center
Dr. Rachel Sieber, PharmD
Where they are now: Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Oncology, Norwalk Hospital
Class of 2020-21
Dr. Jennifer Ann Agosto, PharmD
Where are they now: Clinical Pharmacist; Harold Leever Reginal Cancer Center
Dr. Eric Kwartang, PharmD
Where are they now: Oncology Pharmacist; Stamford Health
Class of 2019-20:
Dr. Nafiseh Banaha , PharmD
Where are they now: Clinical Pharmacist, Kaiser Permanente Hospital
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?
$60,000
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, general medicine, and infectious disease.
Do residents participate in medical emergencies such as code blues?
Yes, residents are required to become ACLS/BLS certified and have the option to become PALS certified. After certification, residents will participate in hospital codes.
Does Norwalk Hospital support travel to conferences?
Yes, residents will be reimbursed for all travel expenses to ASHP Midyear and to New England 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 with licensure needed by September 30th. However, we highly encourage out residents to sit for their exams prior to the start of the program.
When is the application deadline?
1/7/2026 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.
What are the staffing requirements?
Staffing is every third weekend plus evening staffing [4-8pm] once a week during the longitudinal pharmacy practice management rotation plus 2 holidays [1 major, 1 minor])