Owensboro Health PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program
Our Purpose
PGY1 residency programs build upon Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education and outcomes to develop pharmacist practitioners with knowledge, skills, and abilities as defined in the educational competency areas, goals, and objectives. Residents who successfully complete PGY1 residency programs will be skilled in diverse patient care, practice management, leadership, and education, and be prepared to provide patient care, seek board certification in pharmacotherapy (i.e., BCPS), and pursue advanced education and training opportunities including postgraduate year two (PGY2) residencies.
The Pharmacy Residency Program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, paving the way for further growth of the program.
About Owensboro Health
Owensboro Health Regional Hospital is a 477-bed hospital that serves an 18-county area in Western Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Owensboro Health is centrally located and is an integrated health system with three hospitals, a growing network of providers and locations across the region.
The Pharmacy Department at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital employs over 25 pharmacists. Pharmacists participate in the delivery of optimal pharmaceutical care by providing clinical and dispensing services throughout the hospital with both centralized and decentralized staff. Outpatient pharmacies optimize transitions of care for patients. Satellite pharmacies exist for surgery and outpatient oncology. Five pharmacy specialists practice in their respective areas of ambulatory care, critical care, emergency medicine, infectious diseases and oncology.
The PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program began in 2014. Since that time, the program has trained numerous successful residents who pursue PGY-2 specialty residencies or clinical positions after their PGY-1 program completion. The program currently has two resident positions available.
Qualifications
- Graduate or candidate for graduation from an ACPE accredited degree program (or one in the process of pursuing accreditation) or have a Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) certificate from the NABP
- Licensed or eligible for licensure in the state of Kentucky by the residency start date
Application Process
*Application Deadline: Friday, January 2, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CST.*
Submit All of the Following via PhORCAS
- Letter of Intent
- Curriculum Vitae
- Official transcripts of all professional pharmacy education
- Three (3) references completed in PhORCAS by healthcare professionals who can attest to the applicant's practice abilities and aptitudes
Learning Experiences
- Each resident completes 7 required concentrated rotations and 4 required longitudinal rotations. See below for a list of required rotations.
- Each resident selects 5 elective concentrated rotations based on their interests. See below for a list of elective rotations.
Required Concentrated (4 weeks unless otherwise specified)
- Critical Care I
- Emergency Medicine I
- Infectious Diseases I
- Internal Medicine I (6 weeks)
- Orientation (5 weeks)
- Pharmacy Management
- Selective Ambulatory (Oncology I or Ambulatory Care)
Required Longitudinal (12 months unless otherwise specified)
- Drug Information
- Pharmacy Practice (Staffing)
- Research
- Teaching Certificate
Elective Concentrated (4 weeks unless otherwise specified)
- Cardiology
- Critical Care II
- Emergency Medicine II
- Infectious Diseases II
- Internal Medicine II
- Medication Safety
- Oncology II
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatry
- Surgery
Elective Longitudinal (7 months unless otherwise specified)
- Medication Use Evaluation (MUE) (Optional)
Who We Are
Program Leadership
Aeriel Thorpe, PharmD, BCPS
Email: Aeriel.Thorpe@OwensboroHealth.org
- Position: PGY-1 Residency Program Director/Clinical/Staff Pharmacist
- PharmD: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
- PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency: Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, Owensboro, KY
Margery Wells, PharmD
Email: Margery.Wells@OwensboroHealth.org
- Position: PGY-1 Residency Program Coordinator/Clinical/Staff Pharmacist
- PharmD: Samford University, McWhorter School of Pharmacy
- PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency: Baptist Health Madisonville, Madisonville, KY
Pharmacy Leadership (Includes Only Those Who Are Preceptors)
Jason Collins, PharmD, MBA
- Position: Senior Director of Pharmacy
- PharmD: Samford University, McWhorter School of Pharmacy
Heath Blandford, PharmD, BCGP, MHA
- Position: Pharmacy Clinical Manager
- PharmD: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
Jared Cole, PharmD, MBA
- Position: Pharmacy Operations Manager
- PharmD: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
Sandy Tiu-Berger, PharmD
- Position: Satellite Pharmacy Supervisor
- PharmD: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
Additional Preceptors
Megan Adami, PharmD, BCOP
- Position: Hematology/Oncology Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
- PharmD: University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy
Shannon Allcron, PharmD, BCCCP, BCPS
- Position: Critical Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
- PharmD: Butler University College of Pharmacy
- PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency: Community Health Network, Indianapolis, IN
- PGY-2 Critical Care Residency: Greenville Hospital System, Greenville, SC
Kristan Higgs, PharmD, BCPS, BCEMP
- Position: Emergency Medicine Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
- PharmD: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
- PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency: Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN
- PGY-2 Emergency Medicine Residency: University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
Lance Smith, PharmD, BCIDP
- Position: Infectious Diseases Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
- PharmD: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
Elise Tharp, PharmD, MPA, BCACP, TTS
- Position: Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
- PharmD: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
- PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency: The Center for Health & Wellness at Sullivan University, Louisville, KY
- PGY-2 Ambulatory Care Residency: The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
Katelyn Simmons, PharmD, BCPS
- Position: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist
- PharmD: Sullivan University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency: Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, Owensboro, KY
Will Lyle, PharmD, BCOP
- Position: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist
- PharmD: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
Jenna Pokrass, PharmD, BCPP, BCPS
- Position: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist
- PharmD: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
- PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency: Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, Owensboro, KY
- PGY-2 Psychiatric Residency: Milwaukee VA Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI
Connor Steele, PharmD
- Position: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist
- PharmD: University of Toledo
- PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency: Kettering Health Main Campus
Jacob Stringer, PharmD, MBA
- Position: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist
- PharmD: LECOM School of Pharmacy
Alex Tignor, PharmD, BCIDP
- Position: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist
- PharmD: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
- PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency: St. Vincent Hospital, Evansville, IN
Current Resident(s)
Rebecca (Becca) Doyle, PharmD
Hometown: Franklin, KY
Undergraduate Education: Western Kentucky University
Doctor of Pharmacy: Sullivan University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Bio: “My name is Becca, and I am so excited to be completing my PGY1 residency at Owensboro Health! I chose to join the Owensboro Health family for many reasons, including (but not limited to!) the opportunity to work with and learn from the friendly and supportive pharmacy team. With so many clinical pharmacy specialists, there are a myriad of learning opportunities to choose from! In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family, cuddling my dogs, reading, and attempting to keep my houseplants alive."
Taryn Nasiadka, PharmD
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Undergraduate: West Virginia University
Doctor of Pharmacy: West Virginia University School of Pharmacy
My name is Taryn Nasiadka, and I am thrilled to be completing my PGY1 residency at Owensboro Health! I chose this program due to its location and the welcoming atmosphere of the pharmacy department. I am excited to continue my pharmacy journey here and look forward to learning from everyone. In my free time I enjoy doing activities with my dog, Chicken, such as going to the park and taking long walks.
Past Residents
Emily Neckel, PharmD (2024-2025)
Hometown: Paducah, Kentucky
Undergraduate Education: Western Kentucky University
PharmD: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
Position After Residency: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist, Mercy Health Lourdes Hospital
Lexie Stough, PharmD (2024-2025)
Hometown: Newark, OH
Undergraduate Education: University of Findlay
PharmD: University of Findlay College of Pharmacy
Position After Residency: Clinical Pharmacist, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Stevee Candrl, PharmD (2023-2024)
Hometown: West Chester, OH
Undergraduate Education: Transylvania University
PharmD: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
Position After Residency: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist, St. Elizabeth Healthcare Edgewood
Katelyn Simmons, PharmD, BCPS (2022-2023)
Hometown: Whitesville, KY
Undergraduate Education: University of Kentucky
PharmD: Sullivan University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Position After Residency: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist, Owensboro Health Regional Hospital
Amanda Smith, PharmD (2022-2023)
Hometown: Greenville, SC
Undergraduate Education: Presbyterian College
PharmD: Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy
PGY2: Psychiatric, Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment
Position After Residency: Psychiatry Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital
Sera Andras, PharmD (2021-2022)
Hometown: Houma, LA
Undergraduate Education: University of Louisiana Monroe
PharmD: University of Louisiana Monroe College of Pharmacy
PGY-2: Ambulatory Care Residency, University of Kentucky
Position After Residency: Ambulatory Care Pharmacist, University of Kentucky HealthCare Fountain Court Primary Care Clinic
Mimi Jakes, PharmD (2021-2022)
Hometown: Erie, PA
Undergraduate Education: Ohio Northern University
PharmD: Ohio Northern University Raabe College of Pharmacy
Position After Residency: Clinical Pharmacist, Kaweah Health Medical Center
Alex Free, PharmD, MBA (2020-2021)
Hometown: Livermore, KY
Undergraduate Education: Kentucky Wesleyan College
PharmD: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
Position After Residency: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist, Owensboro Health Regional Hospital
Deidre Schipper, PharmD, BCPS (2020-2021)
Hometown: Altamont, IL
Undergraduate Education: Lake Land College
PharmD: Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville School of Pharmacy
Position After Residency: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist, Owensboro Health Regional Hospital
Jesse Gilstrap, PharmD, BCPS (2019-2020)
Hometown: Owensboro, KY
Undergraduate Education: Southeast Missouri State University
PharmD: Sullivan University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Position After Residency: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist, Ascension St. Vincent Evansville
Matthew Wolfe, PharmD (2019-2020)
Hometown: Beechmont, KY
Undergraduate Education: University of Kentucky
PharmD: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
Position After Residency: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist, Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville
Andrew Harpenau, PharmD (2018-2019)
Hometown: Leopold, IN
Undergraduate Education: Purdue University
PharmD: Purdue University College of Pharmacy
Position After Residency: Clinical Pharmacist, St. Vincent Hospital
Aeriel Thorpe, PharmD, BCPS (2018-2019)
Hometown: Owensboro, KY
Undergraduate Education: University of Kentucky
PharmD: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
Position After Residency: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist, Owensboro Health Regional Hospital
Garrett Messmer, PharmD (2017-2018)
Hometown: Westerville, OH
Undergraduate Education: Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ohio State University
PharmD: East Tennessee State University, Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy
Position After Residency: Clinical Pharmacist, Ohio State University – James Cancer Hospital
Rebecca Worden, PharmD, BCOP (2017-2018)
Hometown: Middleton, WI
Undergraduate Education: Ohio Northern University
PharmD: Ohio Northern University Raabe College of Pharmacy
PGY2: Oncology, Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center
Position After Residency: Oncology Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center
Jenna Pokrass, PharmD, BCPP, BCPS (2016-2017)
Hometown: Bowling Green, KY
Undergraduate Education: Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences and Minor in Chemistry, Southern Illinois University
PharmD: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
PGY2: Psychiatric, Milwaukee VA Medical Center
Position After Residency: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist, Owensboro Health Regional Hospital
Collin Owczarzak, PharmD (2016-2017)
Hometown: Cheektowaga, NY
Undergraduate Education: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
PharmD: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Position After Residency: Critical Care/ED Clinical Pharmacist, University of Rochester Medical Center
John Puryear, PharmD, BCOP (2015-2016)
Hometown: Carthage, TX
Undergraduate Education: Bachelor of Science in Biology, Dallas Baptist University
PharmD: Union University School of Pharmacy
PGY2: Oncology, KentuckyOne Health – University of Louisville Hospital
Position After Residency: Clinical Oncology Pharmacist, Mary Crowley Cancer Research Center
Jennifer Stanuszek, PharmD, BCPS (2014-2015)
Hometown: Canton, MI
Undergraduate Education: Bachelor of Science in Physiology, Lyman Briggs College (Michigan State University)
PharmD: Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University
PGY2: Internal Medicine, NorthShore University Health System
Position After Residency: Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System LTC Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center
Celeste Hollensead, PharmD, BCPS (2014-2015)
Hometown: Louisville, KY
Undergraduate Education: Bachelor of Science in Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
PharmD: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
Position After Residency: Clinical Pharmacist, Frazier Rehab Institute
Teaching & Research
- Residents will complete ASHP’s Teaching Certificate for Pharmacists which was developed in partnership with the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy. This program is designed to introduce the residents to academic literature, contemporary pharmacy education, teaching styles, and philosophies.
- Residents are required to complete a research project that is suitable for publication and is presented at the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting and at the ACCP Virtual Poster Symposium.
Well-being & Resiliency
Owensboro Health recognizes that residency training is demanding and stressful. Burnout encompasses emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and decreased sense of personal accomplishment and can adversely affect one personally as well as professionally (i.e. increased medication errors). According to a 2018 survey of health-system pharmacists, there was a 53% incidence of burnout, 36% emotional exhaustion and 32% reduced personal accomplishment.
We recognize and agree with ASHP’s commitment to clinician well-being and resilience. Our program strives to continually educate, support and address resident well-being and resiliency. In addition to providing our residents with available resources, our program also offers mentorship, wellness days and provides a lecture on the importance and value of well-being and resiliency. Our goal is to help our residents have a successful year of residency.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The team at Owensboro Health strives to continually assess and improve upon diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives within our residency program. In 2022, our residency leaders carefully reviewed the information and recommendations in the ASHP Diversity Resource Guide and our program is currently implementing several actionable items. We continue to seek out and welcome a diverse pool of residency applicants and preceptors. Additionally, we require DEI-focused education for our pharmacy residents and preceptors.
We are also proud of the diverse patient population we serve in western Kentucky and southern Indiana relating to culture, race, gender identity, sexual orientation and religious preference. Owensboro serves as a refugee resettlement site and since 2017 has welcomed hundreds of arrivals from Burma, Somalia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Congo, Afghanistan and other countries. Our patients speak a wide variety of languages, including but not limited to English, Spanish, Burmese, and Karen. We offer real-time video interpreting services to optimize communication and education, allowing patients to be involved and informed in their healthcare continuum.
As we endeavor to increase our diversity of residents, we also recognize that caring for a diverse patient population sharpens the cultural competence of all clinicians, including pharmacists and pharmacy residents. We invite our residents to join us on our journey as we continue to learn and grow in this regard.
Contact Us
For more information contact Aeriel Thorpe by email or call 270-417-6700.