PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program at Norwalk Hospital
The ASHP-accredited PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program at Norwalk Hospital builds upon Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education to prepare pharmacists for advanced clinical practice. Our mission is to develop confident, compassionate, and highly skilled clinicians who deliver exceptional, evidence-based medication care across diverse patient populations. Graduates of our program are well-equipped for board certification and PGY-2 residency training.
Program Overview
This 12-month post-graduate training experience offers a personalized and comprehensive approach to professional growth. Each resident collaborates with program leadership to design a curriculum that aligns with their interests and career goals.
Through clinical, operational, and administrative experiences, residents gain a deep understanding of the medication-use process and become integral members of the multidisciplinary care team. Our program emphasizes:
- Clinical Excellence: Direct patient care across a wide range of disease states and practice settings
- Professional Development: Mentorship in teaching, research, and leadership
- Collaborative Learning: Active participation in interprofessional rounds and committees
- Individualized Growth: Tailored experiences that foster confidence and independence
Why Choose Norwalk Hospital?
Norwalk Hospital offers a supportive environment where residents are challenged to think critically, lead effectively, and innovate in patient-centered care. Our preceptors are dedicated educators and clinical experts who guide residents through a transformative year of learning and professional discovery. As an equal opportunity employer, Norwalk Hospital maintains an inclusive and respectful environment where all residents can thrive.
Residents
Current Residents
Name: Cynthia Gallo
Hometown: Long Island, New York
Pharmacy School: Binghamton School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Professional Interests:My professional interests include oncology, ambulatory care, academia and mentoring the next generation of pharmacists.
Personal Interests: Outside of pharmacy, I love to cook and watch my favorite show, Cutthroat Kitchen. I enjoy spending time with my cats Prince and Garfield and love the Garfield Comic Strip.
Why Norwalk Hospital? During my interview, I knew that this residency program would provide a positive learning environment with all the support I may need. I enjoyed my interview and honestly had fun. I know Norwalk Hospital will best prepare me for a PGY-2 in either oncology or ambulatory care and that I can present the best version of myself to this program.
Advice to students interested in applying to a residency: My best advice is to not give up on your residency journey, if it’s truly something you want to pursue. After not matching in Phase I, I took time to reflect on why residency was important to me, and that helped me better communicate my goals and passion as an applicant. Sometimes setbacks provide the opportunity for growth and self-reflection that ultimately makes you stronger. It’s critical to continue pursuing what you truly want, even if it doesn’t happen on the first attempt. Looking back, I know I ended up exactly where I was meant to be, and I’m grateful I didn’t give up on myself.
Name: Miles Travis
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Pharmacy School: University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Professional Interests: My professional interests include critical care, emergency medicine, and infectious disease.
Personal Interests: Outside of pharmacy, I enjoy going to the gym, hiking, and skiing in winters. In addition to that, I like watching and reviewing movies and exploring new restaurants around town.
Why Norwalk Hospital? Norwalk Hospital has a welcoming and supportive environment that has a diverse range of experiences that will help residents grow into well-rounded pharmacist wherever they decide to go with their career.
Advice to students interested in applying to a residency: Being yourself during interviews is one of the strongest advantages you have; programs can tell when someone is genuine, confident, and grounded in who they are. Authenticity makes you memorable in a way rehearsed answers won’t do. At the same time, getting a head start on your CV and letter of intent gives you the space to refine your story, highlight your strengths, and present the best version of yourself without rushing. Starting early lets your authenticity shine through with clarity and confidence.
Previous Residents
Class of 2025-26:
Dr. Habsa Khanam, PharmD
Where are they now: Clinical Pharmacist Norwalk Hospital
Dr. Emily Trongone, PharmD
Where are they now: Clinical Pharmacist Norwalk Hospital
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
Norwalk Hospital PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program Benefits
Compensation Package
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- Competitive stipend of $60,000
- Medical, dental, vision insurance
- Educational reimbursements (certifications and continuing education)
- 34 PTO days
Professional Development
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- Career Mentorship Program
- Travel reimbursement for conferences (covering registration, flights, mileage, hotel, and daily meals up to $100/day)
- ASHP Midyear
- CSHP Catch the Wave
- New England Regional Conference
- Early commit opportunities for any Northwell Health PGY2 program
Miscellaneous Benefits
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- Free parking
- Personal laptop
- Library resources
- Access Pharmacy, ClinicalKey, FirstLine, JAMA, Micromedex, PubMed, RefWorks, UpToDate
- Access to gym facilities
- Employee wellness benefits
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, CSHP Catch the wave and to New England Residency conference. Additional conference participation may be available depending on resident interest and availability.
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 within 90 days of the program start. However, we highly encourage out residents to sit for their exams prior to the start of the program.
When is the application deadline?
1/10/2027 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])
How are residents evaluated?
Residents are evaluated through a combination of PharmAcademic and direct preceptor feedback. Many rotations incorporate regular check-ins to provide ongoing, week-by-week insight into resident progress, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. In addition, residents receive formal formative evaluations within PharmAcademic throughout each learning experience.
What technologies are used within the pharmacy department?
Central pharmacy utilizes a variety of technologies to support efficient and safe medication distribution:
- Cerner: Norwalk Hospital’s electronic medical record platform
- XR2: An automated medication dispensing system/robot that stores and dispenses medications, helping streamline workflow and reduce dispensing errors.
- MedEx TraySafe: An automated, image-based, cloud-connected system used to manage, replenish, and track hospital code carts (crash carts), ensuring accuracy and readiness for emergencies.
- BD Pyxis™ PharmacyKeeper™ Verification: A cloud-based IV workflow management system that enhances pharmacy safety and efficiency through barcode scanning, photo documentation, and optional gravimetric (weight-based) verification of compounded sterile preparations.
- Carousel: An automated storage and retrieval system that improves inventory management and allows for faster, more efficient medication picking