Owensboro Health PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program

Our Purpose

ASHP accreditedPGY1 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

Hospital entrance

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 pharmacists 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: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 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 5 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)

  • Ambulatory Care
  • Critical Care I
  • Emergency Medicine I
  • Infectious Diseases I 
  • Internal Medicine I (6 weeks)
  • Orientation (5 weeks)
  • Pharmacy Management

Required Longitudinal (12 months unless otherwise specified)

  • Drug Information
  • Medication Use Evaluation (MUE) (7 months)
  • 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 I
  • Oncology II
  • Pediatrics
  • Psychiatry
  • Surgery

Who We Are

Program Leadership

Kristan Higgs, PharmD, BCPS, BCEMP
Email: Kristan.Higgs@OwensboroHealth.org

Kristan Higgs

  • Position: PGY-1 Residency Program Director/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

Aeriel Thorpe, PharmD, BCPS
Email: Aeriel.Thorpe@OwensboroHealth.org

Aerial Thorpe

  • Position: PGY-1 Residency Program Co-Coordinator/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

Margery Wells

  • Position: PGY-1 Residency Program Co-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

Jason Collins

  • Position: Executive Director of Pharmacy
  • PharmD: Samford University, McWhorter School of Pharmacy

Heath Blandford, PharmD, BCGP, MHA

Heath Blandford

  • Position: Pharmacy Clinical Manager
  • PharmD: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy

Sandy Tiu-Berger, PharmD

Sandy Tiu-Berger

  • Position: Satellite Pharmacy Supervisor
  • PharmD: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy

Additional Preceptors

Megan Adami, PharmD, BCOP

Megan Adami

  • Position: Hematology/Oncology Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
  • PharmD: University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy

Shannon Allcron, PharmD, BCCCP, BCPS

Shannon Allcron

  • 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

Lance Smith, PharmD, BCIDP

Lance Smith

  • Position: Infectious Diseases Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
  • PharmD: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy

Elise Tharp, PharmD, MPA, BCACP, TTS

Elise Tharp
  • 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

Alex Free, PharmD, MBA

Alex Free

  • Position: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist
  • PharmD: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
  • PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency: Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, Owensboro, KY

Will Lyle, PharmD

Will Lyle

  • Position: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist
  • PharmD: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy

Jenna Pokrass, PharmD, BCPP, BCPS

Jenna Pokrass

  • 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

Shealy Shelton, PharmD, BCPS

Shealy Shelton

  • Position: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist
  • PharmD: Manchester University

Alex Tignor, PharmD, BCIDP

Alex Tignor

  • Position: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist
  • PharmD: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
  • PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency: St. Vincent Hospital, Evansville, IN

Current Resident(s)

Stevee Candrl, PharmD

Stevee Candrl

Undergraduate Education: Transylvania University

PharmD: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy

Hometown: West Chester, OH

“My name is Stevee Candrl and I am thrilled to be a pharmacy resident at Owensboro Health! I chose to complete my PGY1 residency here due to the extensive range of rotations offered, the knowledgeable preceptors, and the kind and supportive work environment. I look forward to becoming a well-rounded clinical pharmacist under their excellent guidance and hope to pursue a PGY2 in either oncology or cardiology after my PGY1. Outside of pharmacy, I enjoy horseback riding, hiking, cooking and traveling!”

Past Residents

Katelyn Coomes, PharmD (2022-2023)

Katelyn Coomes

Undergraduate Education: University of Kentucky

PharmD: Sullivan University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Hometown: Whitesville, KY

Position After Residency: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist, Owensboro Health Regional Hospital

Current Position: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist, Owensboro Health Regional Hospital


Amanda Smith, PharmD (2022-2023)

Amanda Smith

Undergraduate Education: Presbyterian College

PharmD: Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy

Hometown: Greenville, SC

Position After Residency: PGY-2 Psychiatric Pharmacy, Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment

Current Position: PGY-2 Psychiatric Pharmacy, Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment


Sera Andras, PharmD (2021-2022)

Sera Andras

Undergraduate Education: University of Louisiana Monroe

PharmD: University of Louisiana Monroe College of Pharmacy

Hometown: Houma, LA

Position After Residency: PGY-2 Ambulatory Care Residency, University of Kentucky

Current Position: Ambulatory Care Pharmacist, University of Kentucky HealthCare Fountain Court Primary Care Clinic


Mimi Jakes, PharmD (2021-2022)

Mimi Jakes

Undergraduate Education: Ohio Northern University

PharmD: Ohio Northern University Raabe College of Pharmacy

Hometown: Erie, PA

Position After Residency: Clinical Pharmacist, Kaweah Health Medical Center

Current Position: Clinical Pharmacist, Kaweah Health Medical Center


Alex Free, PharmD, MBA (2020-2021)

Alex Free

Undergraduate Education: Kentucky Wesleyan College

PharmD: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy

Hometown: Livermore, KY

Position After Residency: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist, Owensboro Health Regional Hospital

Current Position: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist, Owensboro Health Regional Hospital


Deidre Schipper, PharmD, BCPS (2020-2021)

Deidre Schipper

Undergraduate Education: Lake Land College

PharmD: Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville School of Pharmacy

Hometown: Altamont, IL

Position After Residency: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist, Owensboro Health Regional Hospital

Current Position: Clinical Pharmacist, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center


Jesse Gilstrap, PharmD, BCPS (2019-2020)

Jesse Gilstrap

Undergraduate Education: Southeast Missouri State University

PharmD: Sullivan University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Hometown: Owensboro, KY

Position After Residency: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist, Ascension St. Vincent Evansville


Matthew Wolfe, PharmD (2019-2020)

Matthew Wolfe

Undergraduate Education: University of Kentucky

PharmD: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy

Hometown: Beechmont, KY

Position After Residency: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist, Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville


Andrew Harpenau, PharmD (2018-2019)

Andrew Harpenau

Undergraduate Education: Purdue University

PharmD: Purdue University College of Pharmacy

Hometown: Leopold, IN

Position After Residency: Clinical Pharmacist, St. Vincent Hospital


Aeriel Thorpe, PharmD, BCPS (2018-2019)

Aerial Thorpe

Undergraduate Education: University of Kentucky

PharmD: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy

Hometown: Owensboro, KY

Position After Residency: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist, Owensboro Health Regional Hospital


Garrett Messmer, PharmD (2017-2018)

Garrett Messmer

Undergraduate Education: Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ohio State University

PharmD: East Tennessee State University, Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy

Hometown: Westerville, OH

Position After Residency: Clinical Pharmacist, Ohio State University – James Cancer Hospital


Rebecca Worden, PharmD, BCOP (2017-2018)

Becca Worden

Undergraduate Education: Ohio Northern University

PharmD: Ohio Northern University Raabe College of Pharmacy

Hometown: Middleton, WI

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)

Jenna Pokrass

Undergraduate Education: Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences and Minor in Chemistry, Southern Illinois University

PharmD: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

Hometown: Bowling Green, KY

PGY2: Psychiatric, Milwaukee VA Medical Center

Position After Residency: Clinical/Staff Pharmacist, Owensboro Health Regional Hospital


Collin Owczarzak, PharmD (2016-2017)

Collin Owczarzak

Undergraduate Education: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

PharmD: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Hometown: Cheektowaga, NY

Position After Residency: Critical Care/ED Clinical Pharmacist, University of Rochester Medical Center


John Puryear, PharmD, BCOP (2015-2016)

John Puryear

Undergraduate Education: Bachelor of Science in Biology, Dallas Baptist University

PharmD: Union University School of Pharmacy

Hometown: Carthage, TX

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)

Jennifer Baric

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

Hometown: Canton, MI

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)

Celeste Hollensead

Undergraduate Education: Bachelor of Science in Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY

PharmD: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy

Hometown: Louisville, KY

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 Great Lakes Pharmacy Resident Conference.
  • Residents are required to complete a medication use evaluation to present as a poster presentation at the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting.

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 Kristan Higgs by email or call 270-417-5956.