Pharmacy Residency Program
The LVAHCS Pharmacy Residency Program offers a well-rounded curriculum with experiences in both acute care and ambulatory care settings. Residents are provided the skills and knowledge required to enter a contemporary practice environment where they can effectively provide clinical services.
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Accredited Pharmacy Resident Program.
Find out more about ASHP here.
Find out more about Lexington VA Health Care System here.
Why Lexington?
Lexington is located in north central Kentucky and is the second largest city in the state. The city is often said to be the heart of the Bluegrass region. This part of the country is spectacular with incredible scenery and rolling hills.
- Lexington is known as "The Horse Capital of the World." You will find equine-related events, including horse racing, horse farm tours and the Derby.
- With a population of approximately 300,000 Lexington is just the right size. Not too big or too small.
- This part of the country is the perfect combination of city and country life.
- A quick drive of a few hours will get you to Louisville, KY; Cincinnati, OH; Nashville, TN; Ashville, NC; St. Louis, MO; Atlanta, GA; and Chicago, IL.
- University of Kentucky, in Lexington, is the largest public university in the state. The athletics department is a 22-sport program that competes at the highest level nationally, competes in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and has several athletes represent the United States at the Olympics. Notably, the University of Kentucky men's basketball team is the winningest program in the history of college basketball.
- Nature enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, horse farms, the Daniel Boone National Forest, and various hiking spots all over the state.
- Local farms fuel an expansive culinary scene. Various restaurants, cafes, bakeries and bistros serving fresh takes on Southern classics, and global cuisines.
- One of the best aspects of living in the Lexington area is the friendly and welcoming community. Known for their warm hospitality, neighborly kindness and a genuine friendliness. A strong sense of community, the area has various events, festivals, and gathering that bring people together.
Program and Application Information
PGY1 Pharmacy Residency
- 4 positions
- Residency Program Director: John T. (TJ) Emmons, Pharm.D.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen who has completed a Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum from an accredited school of pharmacy. Only applicants from ACPE-accredited or pending accreditation schools of pharmacy will be reviewed and considered for an interview. All applicants must participate in the ASHP Residency Matching Process.
APPLICATION MATERIAL REQUIRED
- Statement of intent as outlined by supplemental questions
- Curriculum Vitae
- Official college transcripts
- Letter from pharmacy school indicating class rank
- Three (3) letters of recommendation using standard PhORCAS template
- VA Form 10-2850c
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Jan 5th
PROGRAM NUMBER: 52300
NMS CODE: 172313
PGY2 Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Residency
- 2 positions
- Residency Program Director: Rebekah Sipes, Pharm.D., BCACP
- Residency Program Coordinator: Jamie Knight, Pharm.D.
PGY2 Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Residency
- 2 positions
- Residency Program Director: Rebekah Sipes, Pharm.D., BCACP
- Residency Program Coordinator: Jamie Knight, Pharm.D.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen who has completed a Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum from an accredited school of pharmacy and has completed, or in the process of completing, a PGY1 ASHP accredited or pending accreditation residency program. All applicants must participate in the ASHP Residency Matching Process.
APPLICATION MATERIAL REQUIRED
- Statement of intent as outlined by supplemental questions
- Curriculum Vitae
- Letter from pharmacy school indicating class rank
- Three (3) letters of recommendation using standard template in PhORCAS (1 required from PGY1 residency program director
- VA Form 10-2850c
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Jan 5th
PROGRAM NUMBER: 52007
NMS CODE: 629865
PGY2 Pain Management and Palliative Care Pharmacy Residency
- 1 position
- Residency Program Director: Lindsay Wells, Pharm.D., BCPS
- Residency Program Coordinator: Michael Janbakhsh, Pharm.D., BCPS
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen who has completed a Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum from an accredited school of pharmacy and has completed, or in the process of completing, a PGY1 ASHP accredited or pending accreditation residency program. All applicants must participate in the ASHP Residency Matching Process.
APPLICATION MATERIAL REQUIRED
- Statement of intent as outlined by supplemental questions
- Curriculum Vitae
- Official college transcripts
- Three (3) letters of recommendation using standard template in PhORCAS (1 required from PGY1 residency program director
- VA Form 10-2850c
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Jan 5th
PROGRAM NUMBER: 52046
NMS CODE: 600273
PGY2 Psychiatric Pharmacy Residency
- 1 position
- Residency Program Director: Courtney Eatmon, Pharm.D., BCPP
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen who has completed a Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum from an accredited school of pharmacy and has completed, or in the process of completing, a PGY1 ASHP accredited or pending accreditation residency program. All applicants must participate in the ASHP Residency Matching Process.
APPLICATION MATERIAL REQUIRED
- Statement of intent as outlined by supplemental questions
- Curriculum Vitae
- Official college transcripts
- Three (3) letters of recommendation using standard template in PhORCAS (1 required from PGY1 residency program director
- VA Form 10-2850c
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Jan 5th
PROGRAM NUMBER: 52301
NMS CODE: 533066
Required Application Materials
Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service, PhORCAS, apply here.
Pharmacy Leadership and Program Directors
Associate Chief of Pharmacy Service, PGY1 Residency Program Director
VA Lexington health care
PGY2 Ambulatory Care Residency Program Director
VA Lexington health care
PGY2 Pain Management and Palliative Care Residency Program Director
VA Lexington health care
Courtney Eatmon Pharm.D., BCPP
PGY2 Psychiatric Pharmacy Residency Program Director
VA Lexington health care
Pharmacy Preceptors
Sally Armstrong, Pharm.D., BCACP, CDCES Kailen Ashley, Pharm.D., BCPP
Kelly Davis, Pharm. D., BCPC, BCCCP Jami Bailey, Pharm.D.
Patrick Higginbotham, Pharm.D., BCPS Emily Belcher, Pharm.D., BCACP
Jennifer Meyer Reid, Pharm.D., MPH, BCPS Bridger Bright, Pharm. D., LDE
Rachel Simpkins, Pharm.D., BCACP, LDE Rachel Hargreaves, Pharm.D.
Gina Puglisi, Pharm.D., BCACP, BC-ADM Lindsey Dodds, Pharm.D., BCGP
Tara Downs, Pharm.D., BCACP, BCGP Lauren Belt, Pharm.D., BCPS
Brittany Dominick, Pharm.D., BCPS Mary (Mimi) Roads, Pharm.D., BCPP
Carrie Issacs, Pharm. D., CDCES Matthew Lane, PharmD, BCPS
Michael Janbakhsh, Pharm.D. Anna Lockwood, Pharm.D., BCPP
Jamie Knight, Pharm.D., BCPS Matthew Laws, Pharm.D., BCPS
Betsy McCollum, PharmD, BCPP Breanna Moody, Pharm.D., BCPP
Jeannie Patrick, Pharm.D. BCOP Sandra Senft, Pharm.D., PT, MPA
Brent Simpkins, Pharm.D., BCACP Lisa Strunk, Pharm.D., BCPS
Randal Steele, Pharm.D., BCACP Natalie Walker, Pharm.D.
Meet our 2024-25 Residents
Feedback from current and former residents
Pharmacy Residency Publications
PAST Residents
PGY1 Pharmacy Residents
2023-2024
- Garrett Fannin, Pharm.D. – PGY2 Pain and Palliative Care, Lexington VAHCS, Lexington, KY
- James Frasure, Pharm.D. – PGY2 Psychiatric Pharmacy, Lexington VAHCS, Lexington, KY
- Nea’ Jackson, Pharm.D. Ambulatory/Retail Clinical Pharmacist – Specialty Pharmacy and Infusion Services, UK HealthCare, Lexington, KY
- Ali Khalaf, Pharm.D. – PGY2 Ambulatory Care, Lexington VAHCS, Lexington, KY
- Claire Rennie, Pharm.D. - PGY2 Ambulatory Care, Lexington VAHCS, Lexington, KY
2022-2023
- Mary Kate Kerbler, PharmD, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist—Specialty Pharmacy (inflammatory/dermatology),
- Kaitlyn (Katie) Lahna, Pharm.D. – PGY2 Psychiatric Pharmacy Resident, Lexington VAHCS, Lexington, KY, Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner, Outpatient Mental Health - BHIP; Tuscaloosa VAMC
- Alyson Mathis, Pharm.D. - PGY2 Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Resident, Lexington VAHCS, Lexington, KY
- Kendall Stratton, PharmD - PGY2 Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Resident, Lexington VAHCS, Lexington, KY
2021-2022
- Haley Hall, Pharm.D. – PGY2 Ambulatory Care, UK HealthCare, Lexington, KY
- Kristen Wilhite, Pharm.D. – PGY2 Ambulatory Care, Lexington VAHCS, Lexington, KY
- Rachel Minrath, Pharm.D. – PGY2 Pain and Palliative Care, Lexington VAHCS, Lexington, KY
2020-2021
- Emily Belcher, Pharm.D. – PGY2 Ambulatory Care, Lexington VAHCS, Lexington, KY
- Kailen Combs, Pharm.D. – PGY2 Psychiatric Pharmacy, Lexington VAHCS, Lexington, KY
- Mackenzie McGraw, Pharm.D. – Inpatient Pharmacist, Lake Regional Hospital, Osage Beach, MO
PGY2 Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Residents
2023-2024
- Alyson Mathis, PharmD, Clinical Staff Pharmacist Ambulatory Float, UK HealthCare, Lexington, KY
- Kendall Stratton, PharmD, Clinical Staff Pharmacist – Diabetes, UK HealthCare, Lexington, KY
2022-2023
- Kristen Wilhite, Pharm.D. Clinical Pharmacy Specialist - Primary Care Robley Rex VAMC, Louisville, KY
2021-2022
- Emily Belcher, Pharm. D. Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Anticoagulation, Lexington VAHCS, Lexington, KY
2020-2021
- Makayla Wiles Nelson, Pharm.D., BCACP - Clinical Pharmacy Specialist Ambulatory Care (Nephrology, Bone and Mineral Metabolism), UK HealthCare Lexington, KY
PGY2 Pain Management and Palliative Care Pharmacy Residents
2023-2024
- No Resident
2022-2023
- Rachel Minrath, Pharm.D. – Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Pain Management, Cincinnati VAMC, Cincinnati, OH
2021-2022
- Michael Janbakhsh, Pharm.D. – Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Pain Management, Lexington VAHCS, Lexington, KY
- Kayla Nagy, Pharm.D. – Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Pain Management, Columbia VAHCS, Columbia, SC
2020-2021
- Health McLean, Pharm.D. – Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Pain Management, South Texas VAHCS, San Antonio, TX
PGY2 Psychiatric Pharmacy Residents
2023-2024
- Mary Kate Kerbler, Pharm D, Clinical Pharmacist – Specialty Care, University of Kentucky Healthcare, Lexington, KY
- Kaitlyn Lahna, Pharm D, Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner, MH CPP, Tuscaloosa VA, Tuscaloosa, AL
2022-2023
- No residents
2021-2022
- Kayla Janbakhsh, PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner – Mental Health, Orlando VA, Orlando, FL
- Kailen Ashley, PharmD, BCPP, Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner – Pain and Palliative Care, Lexington VAHCS, Lexington, KY
2020-2021
- Vitoria Kuryluk, Pharm.D. - Clinical Psychiatric Pharmacist, Billings Clinic, Billings, MT
- Sela Cathright, Pharm.D. - Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Mental Health, W.G. (Bill Hefner VAMC, Salisbury, NC