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:
- Cardiology
- 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 Presentations
- Longitudinal Research
- Longitudinal Resident Well Being
Elective rotations may include:
- Advanced Rotations
- Ambulatory Care
- Central Pharmacy
- Hospitalist
- Medical Resident Rounding
- Oncology
- 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
Research Coordinator
Karin Thatcher, PharmD, BCPS
Karin received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Florida College of Pharmacy. She went on to complete a PGY1 residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa. She currently works as a clinical pharmacist at Winter Haven Hospital where her primary practice areas include oncology and internal medicine. She also serves as a preceptor for pharmacy students and residents and is board-certified in pharmacotherapy. In her role as Research Coordinator, Karin helps guide residents through the research process from writing a proposal and obtaining IRB approval to performing statistical analyses and presenting final results.
Questions?
Karin.Thatcher@baycare.org
Chief Wellness Officer
April Courrege, PharmD, BCPS
April completed her Doctorate in Pharmacy at the University of South Florida Teneja College of Pharmacy in 2019. She completed her PGY-1 residency at Winter Haven Hospital in 2020. She is currently the Chief Wellness Officer of the Winter Haven Hospital PGY-1 residency program. As Chief Wellness Officer, April offers residents a unique source of support during the residency journey. She ensures residents’ concerns are heard, stress levels are kept to the minimum, and implements activities to promote self-care while making time for fun. Her interests are Internal Medicine and pharmacy operations. She is also a founding member of the Professional Party Planning Pharmacists – her greatest achievement.
Questions?
April.Courrege@baycare.org
2024-2025 Residency Class
Zachary Butterworth
PGY1 - Winter Haven Hospital
Why did I choose to complete a residency?
As a result of my IPPE and APPE rotations over the course of pharmacy school, I gained a greater appreciation for what a clinical pharmacist does in the inpatient setting and how much of an asset they can be to the healthcare team. As a result, I realized a pharmacy residency would help in reinforcing, as well as expanding, on knowledge gained over the course of my schooling; as well as provide me the skill set and confidence in making medication recommendations in a structured and supportive learning environment. As such, I feel that a pharmacy residency will help me in accomplishing my long-term career goals.
Why did I choose Winter Haven Hospital at BayCare?
The residency program at Winter Haven hospital stood out to me as a great opportunity for several reasons. This included the numerous and varied rotation options that are offered, both as core rotations and elective rotations. Additionally, I found everyone to be very friendly and welcoming when I interviewed with them, which was in keeping with all the great thing I had heard about the program. To add to this, I found everyone I met was passionate about what they do, and the pharmacy as a whole had a strong sense of collegiality. As a result, these qualities left a good impression on me about the residency program and what I hope to be a great and productive year!
Zachary Butterworth| PGY1 - Winter Haven Hospital
Why did I choose to complete a residency?
As a result of my IPPE and APPE rotations over the course of pharmacy school, I gained a greater appreciation for what a clinical pharmacist does in the inpatient setting and how much of an asset they can be to the healthcare team. As a result, I realized a pharmacy residency would help in reinforcing, as well as expanding, on knowledge gained over the course of my schooling; as well as provide me the skill set and confidence in making medication recommendations in a structured and supportive learning environment. As such, I feel that a pharmacy residency will help me in accomplishing my long-term career goals.
Why did I choose Winter Haven Hospital at BayCare?
The residency program at Winter Haven hospital stood out to me as a great opportunity for several reasons. This included the numerous and varied rotation options that are offered, both as core rotations and elective rotations. Additionally, I found everyone to be very friendly and welcoming when I interviewed with them, which was in keeping with all the great thing I had heard about the program. To add to this, I found everyone I met was passionate about what they do, and the pharmacy as a whole had a strong sense of collegiality. As a result, these qualities left a good impression on me about the residency program and what I hope to be a great and productive year!
Yasnny Rosario
PGY1 - Winter Haven Hospital
Why did I choose to complete a residency?
While completing my Pharm. D. at UF COP, I had the opportunity to explore different specialties within our field. I quickly came to realize that completing residency would not only expand my knowledge in unimaginable ways but would also allow me to provide evidence-based patient care while forming part of an interprofessional team. Residency will allow me to become a well-rounded clinical pharmacist while providing excellent patient care.
Why did I choose Winter Haven Hospital at BayCare?
While being an APPE student at BayCare I realized that this institution excels in professionalism, but it also provides a welcoming and safe learning environment for employees and students. My perspective of this institution was solidified during the interview process where every pharmacist showed me the caring and supportive environment they foster for their PGY-1 pharmacists. I knew Winter Haven Hospital was the place for me, a place where quality learning is provided while offering a safe learning environment.
Yasnny Rosario| PGY1 - Winter Haven Hospital
Why did I choose to complete a residency?
While completing my Pharm. D. at UF COP, I had the opportunity to explore different specialties within our field. I quickly came to realize that completing residency would not only expand my knowledge in unimaginable ways but would also allow me to provide evidence-based patient care while forming part of an interprofessional team. Residency will allow me to become a well-rounded clinical pharmacist while providing excellent patient care.
Why did I choose Winter Haven Hospital at BayCare?
While being an APPE student at BayCare I realized that this institution excels in professionalism, but it also provides a welcoming and safe learning environment for employees and students. My perspective of this institution was solidified during the interview process where every pharmacist showed me the caring and supportive environment they foster for their PGY-1 pharmacists. I knew Winter Haven Hospital was the place for me, a place where quality learning is provided while offering a safe learning environment.
Nhi Van
PGY1 - Winter Haven Hospital
Why did I choose to complete a residency?
My APPE and academic experiences helped solidify my desire to pursue a residency and become a clinical pharmacist within the inpatient setting. A PGY1 residency would allow me to build on what I learned in pharmacy school, expand my clinical knowledge, and become more skilled in patient care. My goal is to become a highly competent clinical pharmacist, gaining the confidence to work independently after training.
Why did I choose Winter Haven Hospital at BayCare?
I chose Winter Haven Hospital because I detected an encouraging work atmosphere, outstanding preceptors, and a strong focus on well-being. The RPD and staff members were incredibly kind and supportive, which made me feel welcome. What impressed me the most were the diverse rotation opportunities offered by the residency program. I believe these will give me a great chance to excel in clinical pharmacy practice. The program’s strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based medicine, and patient-centered care perfectly aligns with my professional goals and values.
Nhi Van| PGY1 - Winter Haven Hospital
Why did I choose to complete a residency?
My APPE and academic experiences helped solidify my desire to pursue a residency and become a clinical pharmacist within the inpatient setting. A PGY1 residency would allow me to build on what I learned in pharmacy school, expand my clinical knowledge, and become more skilled in patient care. My goal is to become a highly competent clinical pharmacist, gaining the confidence to work independently after training.
Why did I choose Winter Haven Hospital at BayCare?
I chose Winter Haven Hospital because I detected an encouraging work atmosphere, outstanding preceptors, and a strong focus on well-being. The RPD and staff members were incredibly kind and supportive, which made me feel welcome. What impressed me the most were the diverse rotation opportunities offered by the residency program. I believe these will give me a great chance to excel in clinical pharmacy practice. The program’s strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based medicine, and patient-centered care perfectly aligns with my professional goals and values.
Mikaela Foster
PGY1 - Winter Haven Hospital
Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I decided to pursue a PGY-1 residency because over the course of my didactive training and subsequent rotational experiences, I developed a passion for the clinical setting. Specifically, I have a deep connection to emergency medicine and a residency will provide the perfect opportunity to gain additional training in not only my area of interest but many other specialties. This will allow me to strengthen my knowledge, skills and overall expertise while providing evidenced based patient care. I look forward to being in the midst of established pharmacists for their mentorship and guidance.
Why did I choose Winter Haven Hospital at BayCare?
My initial interest in Winter Haven Hospital BayCare began after noting the diverse and comprehensive rotations offered that aligned perfectly with my goals. The variety of practice settings available would provide an invaluable foundation to become a well-rounded and highly trained practitioner. After meeting the RPD, the team and the residents, it was evident that they foster a supportive atmosphere where residents are empowered to contribute and grow professionally. I am excited to be a part the ‘Pharmily’ at Winter Haven!
Mikaela Foster| PGY1 - Winter Haven Hospital
Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I decided to pursue a PGY-1 residency because over the course of my didactive training and subsequent rotational experiences, I developed a passion for the clinical setting. Specifically, I have a deep connection to emergency medicine and a residency will provide the perfect opportunity to gain additional training in not only my area of interest but many other specialties. This will allow me to strengthen my knowledge, skills and overall expertise while providing evidenced based patient care. I look forward to being in the midst of established pharmacists for their mentorship and guidance.
Why did I choose Winter Haven Hospital at BayCare?
My initial interest in Winter Haven Hospital BayCare began after noting the diverse and comprehensive rotations offered that aligned perfectly with my goals. The variety of practice settings available would provide an invaluable foundation to become a well-rounded and highly trained practitioner. After meeting the RPD, the team and the residents, it was evident that they foster a supportive atmosphere where residents are empowered to contribute and grow professionally. I am excited to be a part the ‘Pharmily’ at Winter Haven!
Kathryn (Katie) Fox
PGY1 - Winter Haven Hospital, amb care
Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I wanted to complete a residency to strengthen my clinical knowledge so that I’ll be able to provide a higher quality of care to patients that I encounter. Residency offers opportunities to practice my skills as I’m transitioning from a student to a pharmacist, and to build the confidence I need to make clinical decisions and recommendations. In addition, the experiences I gain this year will allow me to pursue a career in my preferred area of practice: ambulatory care!
Why did I choose Winter Haven Hospital at BayCare?
Winter Haven Hospital offers a wide variety of both inpatient and ambulatory care experiences, which I feel will give me flexibility to align this residency experience with my own interests and career goals. I believe that completion of a PGY1 residency with BayCare will provide me with a solid foundation in clinical pharmacy. During my interviews, this program really stood out to me as a great place to learn and grow as a new pharmacist. I’m so excited to continue my education over the next year with the pharmacy teams in Winter Haven!
Kathryn (Katie) Fox| PGY1 - Winter Haven Hospital, amb care
Why did I choose to complete a residency?
I wanted to complete a residency to strengthen my clinical knowledge so that I’ll be able to provide a higher quality of care to patients that I encounter. Residency offers opportunities to practice my skills as I’m transitioning from a student to a pharmacist, and to build the confidence I need to make clinical decisions and recommendations. In addition, the experiences I gain this year will allow me to pursue a career in my preferred area of practice: ambulatory care!
Why did I choose Winter Haven Hospital at BayCare?
Winter Haven Hospital offers a wide variety of both inpatient and ambulatory care experiences, which I feel will give me flexibility to align this residency experience with my own interests and career goals. I believe that completion of a PGY1 residency with BayCare will provide me with a solid foundation in clinical pharmacy. During my interviews, this program really stood out to me as a great place to learn and grow as a new pharmacist. I’m so excited to continue my education over the next year with the pharmacy teams in Winter Haven!
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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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