Reaching out to our current residents is a great way to gain information about each particular BayCare residency program. For our featured residents, you will discover some background information regarding why our residents decided to pursue residency training as well as how they became interested in their current practice sites and programs.
Listed below are our current pharmacy residents along with their contact information from each BayCare Pharmacy Residency site. Please contact residents with any questions you may have about the program.
2025- 2026 Residency Class
Noshin Mahmud
Annie Alexis
Colin Kehus
Victoria Isgett
Jessica Simmons
Roselee Loiz
Bethanie Budlong
Kaitlyn Kauff
Shelby Brooks
Isis Rollins
Jacob Smith
Ilyarosa Perez Palacios
Christa Epperson
Joshua Ehlers
Lindsey Council
Medina Ibisevic
Ashley Harriott
Matthew Kurisunkal
Jessica Schneid
Christian Viola
Jena Schanze
Merna Sawaris
Paola Hernandez Velez
Liza Harpley
Sarah Seward
Rachael Weingarten
Featured Residents
Ilyarosa Perez Palacios
PGY1 - Morton Plant Hospital
Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I chose to complete a PGY-1 residency because I wanted to become a well-rounded clinical pharmacist. During my APPEs, I realized that I wanted to further develop my clinical skills by working closely with complex patients in an acute care setting. Direct patient care has always been one of the most important aspects of pharmacy practice that I am passionate about, and having the ability to complete a residency would provide me with the hands-on experience and advanced training needed to transition into a clinical role in the future.
Why did I choose Morton Plant Hospital at BayCare?
I chose Morton Plant Hospital to complete my PGY-1 residency because one of my most impactful clinical rotations as a student took place here, and throughout that experience I realized this is where I wanted to continue my training as I transitioned into residency. The culture and support that was shown throughout the interview process, along with having a wide selection of rotations in areas in critical care and cardiology, showed a comprehensive program that would be the best environment for me to grow into a well-rounded clinical pharmacist.
Ilyarosa Perez Palacios| PGY1 - Morton Plant Hospital
Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I chose to complete a PGY-1 residency because I wanted to become a well-rounded clinical pharmacist. During my APPEs, I realized that I wanted to further develop my clinical skills by working closely with complex patients in an acute care setting. Direct patient care has always been one of the most important aspects of pharmacy practice that I am passionate about, and having the ability to complete a residency would provide me with the hands-on experience and advanced training needed to transition into a clinical role in the future.
Why did I choose Morton Plant Hospital at BayCare?
I chose Morton Plant Hospital to complete my PGY-1 residency because one of my most impactful clinical rotations as a student took place here, and throughout that experience I realized this is where I wanted to continue my training as I transitioned into residency. The culture and support that was shown throughout the interview process, along with having a wide selection of rotations in areas in critical care and cardiology, showed a comprehensive program that would be the best environment for me to grow into a well-rounded clinical pharmacist.
Christa Epperson
PGY1 - South Florida Baptist Hospital
Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I chose to complete a pharmacy residency because I want to continue building on the clinical knowledge and patient care experience I’ve gained throughout pharmacy school. I’ve always been eager to keep learning and improving, and I know residency will push me to grow both professionally and personally. I enjoy working as part of a healthcare team, and I’m drawn to the fast-paced and focused environment of clinical pharmacy. Completing a residency will help me become a more confident and well-rounded pharmacist.
Why did I choose South Florida Baptist Hospital at BayCare?
I chose SFBH because I had a rotation here during my 4th year of pharmacy school and had a really great experience. The pharmacy team was welcoming, supportive, and truly excited to teach, which made me feel like I could thrive here. Being the only resident also appealed to me because I knew it would give me a more individualized experience and allow me to receive more personalized training. I felt like this site would give me the chance to grow in a way that really aligns with my goals, and I’m excited to be part of a place where I already feel comfortable and valued.
Christa Epperson| PGY1 - South Florida Baptist Hospital
Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I chose to complete a pharmacy residency because I want to continue building on the clinical knowledge and patient care experience I’ve gained throughout pharmacy school. I’ve always been eager to keep learning and improving, and I know residency will push me to grow both professionally and personally. I enjoy working as part of a healthcare team, and I’m drawn to the fast-paced and focused environment of clinical pharmacy. Completing a residency will help me become a more confident and well-rounded pharmacist.
Why did I choose South Florida Baptist Hospital at BayCare?
I chose SFBH because I had a rotation here during my 4th year of pharmacy school and had a really great experience. The pharmacy team was welcoming, supportive, and truly excited to teach, which made me feel like I could thrive here. Being the only resident also appealed to me because I knew it would give me a more individualized experience and allow me to receive more personalized training. I felt like this site would give me the chance to grow in a way that really aligns with my goals, and I’m excited to be part of a place where I already feel comfortable and valued.
Christian Viola
PGY1 - St. Joseph's Hospital
Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I chose to pursue a pharmacy residency, with a focus on emergency medicine, because I thrive in high-acuity, fast-paced environments where critical thinking, rapid decision-making, and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential. I recognized that a residency would give me the immersive, hands-on experience necessary to refine my clinical judgment, enhance my ability to collaborate within interdisciplinary teams, and manage complex patient cases.
Why did I choose St. Joseph’s Hospital at BayCare?
I chose to pursue a PGY-1 Residency at Saint Joseph’s Hospital because of the strong clinical training, diverse patient population, and, most importantly, the exceptional experience I had during my APPE rotations there. I completed three rotations at Saint Joe’s, and each one reinforced how well-organized and clinically focused the pharmacy department is. From day one, I was welcomed as part of the team—preceptors were supportive, approachable, and genuinely invested in helping me grow.
Christian Viola| PGY1 - St. Joseph's Hospital
Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I chose to pursue a pharmacy residency, with a focus on emergency medicine, because I thrive in high-acuity, fast-paced environments where critical thinking, rapid decision-making, and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential. I recognized that a residency would give me the immersive, hands-on experience necessary to refine my clinical judgment, enhance my ability to collaborate within interdisciplinary teams, and manage complex patient cases.
Why did I choose St. Joseph’s Hospital at BayCare?
I chose to pursue a PGY-1 Residency at Saint Joseph’s Hospital because of the strong clinical training, diverse patient population, and, most importantly, the exceptional experience I had during my APPE rotations there. I completed three rotations at Saint Joe’s, and each one reinforced how well-organized and clinically focused the pharmacy department is. From day one, I was welcomed as part of the team—preceptors were supportive, approachable, and genuinely invested in helping me grow.
Liza Harpley
PGY1 - St. Joseph's Hospital South
Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I chose to pursue a PGY1 pharmacy residency to continue building a strong foundation in clinical practice and grow into a confident, well-rounded pharmacist. Throughout pharmacy school, I found a passion for direct patient care and making evidence-based recommendations as part of a healthcare team. A residency gives me the opportunity to further develop my clinical judgment, sharpen my communication skills, and strengthen my ability to care for diverse patient populations. I’m excited to learn from experienced pharmacists and grow through hands-on experiences that will shape my future practice.
Why did I choose St. Joseph’s Hospital South at BayCare?
I was drawn to St. Joseph’s Hospital South at BayCare because of the supportive learning environment and strong sense of community. During the interview, I saw how invested the preceptors were in helping residents succeed both personally and professionally. The program offers diverse learning opportunities and individualized guidance to meet each resident’s goals. I knew this would be a place where I could thrive, grow in confidence, and contribute to a team that values compassionate, high-quality patient care.
Liza Harpley| PGY1 - St. Joseph's Hospital South
Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I chose to pursue a PGY1 pharmacy residency to continue building a strong foundation in clinical practice and grow into a confident, well-rounded pharmacist. Throughout pharmacy school, I found a passion for direct patient care and making evidence-based recommendations as part of a healthcare team. A residency gives me the opportunity to further develop my clinical judgment, sharpen my communication skills, and strengthen my ability to care for diverse patient populations. I’m excited to learn from experienced pharmacists and grow through hands-on experiences that will shape my future practice.
Why did I choose St. Joseph’s Hospital South at BayCare?
I was drawn to St. Joseph’s Hospital South at BayCare because of the supportive learning environment and strong sense of community. During the interview, I saw how invested the preceptors were in helping residents succeed both personally and professionally. The program offers diverse learning opportunities and individualized guidance to meet each resident’s goals. I knew this would be a place where I could thrive, grow in confidence, and contribute to a team that values compassionate, high-quality patient care.
Amy Smith
PGY2 (Amb Care) - Turley Family Medical Center
Why did I choose to complete a PGY2 residency?
I chose to complete a PGY2 residency in ambulatory care because I am looking to grow my confidence in clinical decision making and have further experience to prepare me for independent practice. I really value the feedback and training I gained from preceptors throughout my PGY1 experience and look forward to working with more pharmacists to diversify my practice skills. I am also interested in future leadership, teaching, and precepting roles and feel that the opportunities offered in a PGY2 will help prepare me for these positions. I had the opportunity to staff in an IM Residency clinic throughout my first year, but I am looking to gain more focused longitudinal experience in both family medicine and the ambulatory care space as a whole.
Why did I choose Turley Family Medical Center at BayCare?
I chose Turley initially for the wealth of opportunities offered in different areas of practice that I have not had as much experience in. I loved the variety of specialties offered within one health center that can help provide the best patient centered care, as well as a space for interprofessional collaboration. During my interview, I felt so valued by the team already and knew that this was a group of mentors who would pour knowledge into me and consistently support me. I appreciated the team spending time getting to know me as an individual while also showing interest in what I could bring to the team. It really was a “when you know, you know” feeling and I was fully confident that this was the residency program for me.
Amy Smith| PGY2 (Amb Care) - Turley Family Medical Center
Why did I choose to complete a PGY2 residency?
I chose to complete a PGY2 residency in ambulatory care because I am looking to grow my confidence in clinical decision making and have further experience to prepare me for independent practice. I really value the feedback and training I gained from preceptors throughout my PGY1 experience and look forward to working with more pharmacists to diversify my practice skills. I am also interested in future leadership, teaching, and precepting roles and feel that the opportunities offered in a PGY2 will help prepare me for these positions. I had the opportunity to staff in an IM Residency clinic throughout my first year, but I am looking to gain more focused longitudinal experience in both family medicine and the ambulatory care space as a whole.
Why did I choose Turley Family Medical Center at BayCare?
I chose Turley initially for the wealth of opportunities offered in different areas of practice that I have not had as much experience in. I loved the variety of specialties offered within one health center that can help provide the best patient centered care, as well as a space for interprofessional collaboration. During my interview, I felt so valued by the team already and knew that this was a group of mentors who would pour knowledge into me and consistently support me. I appreciated the team spending time getting to know me as an individual while also showing interest in what I could bring to the team. It really was a “when you know, you know” feeling and I was fully confident that this was the residency program for me.
The BayCare Residency Culture
Learn More About Us
Latest Tweets
BayCare Pharmacy Residency Program © Copyright 2020