Current Residents

Training the Leaders of Tomorrow

Pharmacy Residents
July 11 – June 12 

Pharmacy Practice Residents 

• Rachel J. Arfstrom, PharmD

  School of Pharmacy:	University of Wisconsin - Madison
  Undergraduate:	University of Wisconsin - Madison
  Hometown:	Hartford, WI
  Professional Interests:	Infectious Disease and Critical Care
  Email:	rarfstro@wfubmc.edu

  Why WFBH:  When I began my search for residency programs, I sought an institution with a breadth of learning opportunities (particularly in infectious disease and critical care), teaching opportunities, and the flexibility to truly tailor the residency experience to the individual.  Additionally, I wanted that elusive, difficult-to-define “warm fuzzy” feeling from the program.  I was overwhelmed by the program at Wake Forest Baptist Health on all counts!  The institution offers fantastic clinical diversity in terms of the types  of patients and disease states seen, the preceptors are all clinical experts who are eager to share their knowledge, and with only one required rotation (in drug information), there is ample opportunity for residents to select those learning opportunities in which they are most interested.  What most moved me about Wake Forest Baptist Health, though, was the exceptionally positive, welcoming, and team-oriented culture of the amazing pharmacy staff.  Previous residents all emphasized the work-life balance and support they had found at Wake Forest, and that’s just what I’ve found—a residency program that is professionally challenging and will prepare me for a successful career in pharmacy practice while also being very personally rewarding. 

• Elizabeth A. Connelly, PharmD
  

  School of Pharmacy:	UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy
  Undergraduate:	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  Hometown:	Mendham, NJ
  Professional Interests:	Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases Ambulatory Care
  Email:	econnoll@wfubmc.edu

  Why WFBMC: As I began my search for a residency program, I knew I wanted to continue my training at an academic medical center committed to providing progressive pharmaceutical care and developing residents into successful clinical pharmacists.  WFBMC stood out to me as having these qualities and so much more.  The combination of six-week long rotations tailored to the resident’s interests from among a wide variety of clinical practice settings and longitudinal experiences in ambulatory care and practice management appealed to my desire for a challenging and well-rounded residency experience. As I interacted with residents and pharmacists during the interview process, it was clear that the people at WFBMC are genuinely invested in supporting the personal and professional growth of the residents.  I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work and train at WFBMC, and I am looking forward to a great year.

• Katherine E. Denney, PharmD     

  School of Pharmacy:	University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy
  Undergraduate:	University of Oklahoma
  Hometown:	Cushing, OK
  Professional Interests:	Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases
  Email:	kdenney@wakehealth.edu

  WFBMC was my first interview and so naturally I was nervous. However, my interactions throughout the day continued to put me at ease. I am continually amazed by how genuine the people are at “the Baptist”. One of the main reasons I chose Wake Forest is it seemed like a natural fit. I was also attracted to this program because of the six week rotation schedule and the flexibility in choosing rotations. I knew I was interested in infectious diseases and pediatrics and so the thought of getting to tailor the PGY1 year to meet those needs was very appealing. Additionally, the faculty at Wake Forest is so passionate about their specialty areas and about teaching students and residents. I could tell by coming to Wake Forest I would be surrounded by good people who were also very intelligent and would push me to my potential.

• Sandra L. Rowe, PharmD  

  School of Pharmacy:	University of Utah
  Undergraduate:	Pacific University, University of Utah
  Hometown:	Madera, CA
  Professional Interests:	Critical Care
  Email:	srowe@wakehealth.edu

  Why WFBMC: I chose Baptist because I wanted a residency program that would help me grow both as a pharmacist and as an individual.  The variety and quality of preceptors and rotations available at Baptist is unbeatable.  I also love the flexibility of the program.  Since I arrived at Baptist, the pharmacy team has gone out of their way to make me feel welcome.  I look forward to a fantastic year.

Administrative Residents

•  Joe Maki, PharmD (PGY2- Administration) 

  I am the second year Pharmacy Administration Resident here at WFBMC. I hail from Wisconsin, where I attended the University of Wisconsin for my undergraduate and Doctor of Pharmacy coursework. My professional interests focus on the relentless pursuit of the quality provision of pharmaceutical care. This includes a strong interest on how information systems can support clinical practice, and the integration of clinical and distributive specialists to provide optimal patient-centered care. 

   What encouraged me to apply at the WFBMC was the diversity of talent on the leadership team, but what convinced me was the incredible and unique culture. Of all of the hospitals I’ve worked in, none can compare when it comes to an atmosphere of support and teamwork. On top of this, WFBMC offers opportunities in inpatient and ambulatory practice, executive leadership, and participation in local, state, and national pharmacy organizations. Needless to say, I have enjoyed my first year, and am looking forward to continuing my growth as a second year. 

 

• D. Gavin Magaha, PharmD (PGY1-Administration)

School of Pharmacy:	Wingate University School of Pharmacy
Undergraduate:	High Point University
Hometown:	Lewisville, NC
Professional Interests:	Administration; Transitional Pharmacy; Gov / Legislation
Email:	gmagaha@wakehealth.edu

  
Why WFBMC:        

 Sometimes the grass is greener in your backyard!

 As a local resident of the Piedmont Triad of NC for over a decade, Baptist’s reputation as an amazing healthcare facility was well known to me.  When I began to evaluate Administration Residencies during pharmacy school, WFBH was where I started (and ultimately ended) my search.  During school I had the pleasure to meet and work with several members of the Baptist pharmacy team through both academic rotations, and my involvement with our state’s pharmacy organization (NCAP).  Baptist’s strong commitment to being a leader and innovator in pharmacy practice is matched only by it’s dedication to the development of future pharmacy leaders and practitioners.  The pharmacists, technicians, and staff at Baptist exemplify collegiality - everyone works towards providing excellent patient care.  Actively engaging in this pursuit requires a team effort, and Baptist’s culture is truly a friendly learning environment where the strengths of the individual are accentuated, and the educational components are adaptable to meet each individual’s needs.

 

Specialty Residents (PGY2)

Caity Bowers, PharmD - Critical Care

Why WFBMC:  After having a wonderful experience as a PGY1 at WFBMC, it was an easy decision to stay on for a Critical Care Specialty Residency.  From my interview to the end of my PGY1, the individuals who make up this residency program continue to be the biggest strength.  Their support for their residents and dedication to the practice of pharmacy make this a great environment to grow as a pharmacist.  I am excited to stay here for my specialty residency.

 

Danielle Waldron, PharmD -  Oncology
Why WFBMC:  I chose to stay at WFBMC for the Hematology/Oncology Specialty Residency because of the amazing people that make up the pharmacy department. During the first few months of my PGY-1 year, I quickly realized that Baptist was a special place with so many people who truly care about the residents. In addition to being surrounded by great people every day, I also found that the residency program allowed many opportunities to grow personally and professionally. One year is just not enough time to truly experience this “pharmatopia.” I feel very fortunate to be part of such an enriching program and am looking forward to another great year.

Rebekah Wrenn, PharmD - Infectious Disease
Why the Infectious Disease PGY2 at Wake Forest Baptist Health?

Having completed my PGY1 in such a progressive pharmacy environment as WFBH, I knew this would be an excellent place to remain for the next step in my training.  The high regard the pharmacy department is held within the hospital is a great environment for training.  WFBH has wonderful opportunities for Infectious Disease training, including a well-established outpatient ID clinic, two ID consult teams, and a robust antimicrobial stewardship program.   The wide variety of clinical opportunities is perfect for giving me the exposure to become proficient in achieving optimal drug therapy outcomes.  The positive and supportive atmosphere I have found at Wake Forest is the perfect environment to nurture my personal and professional growth helping me to accomplish my main residency goal: to build the skill set and knowledge base necessary to become an integral member of the health care team.  I feel so fortunate to be a part of this wonderful team of residents and pharmacists.  I look forward to another year of amazing growth as the Wake Forest program trains me to be an effective practitioner of evidence-based, patient centered care.

 

 Mary A. Winter, PharmD - Pediatrics 
  

School of Pharmacy	University of Kansas
Undergraduate:	Kansas State University
Hometown:	Andale, KS
Professional Interests:	Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases
Email:	mawinter@wfubmc.edu

Why WFBMC: My goal when searching for a pediatric specialty residency was to find a program that offered an opportunity to provide patient care in a variety of pediatric practice settings.  The program at Wake Forest offers this variety in a practice model where pharmacy is highly integrated into the medical system.  However, the people were biggest selling point for me.  I felt that the pharmacy department was extremely friendly and cultured an environment of learning.  It was highly apparent how well everyone fit together.  As I felt that I would enjoy working with the residents and preceptors and found the pediatric practice to be very exciting, choosing Wake Forest was an easy decision.  I am looking forward to the upcoming year!