Pharmacy Residency Program

My PGY1 pharmacy residency program at the VA was an invaluable experience that provided me with a solid foundation in clinical pharmacy practice. I had the opportunity to work alongside dedicated healthcare professionals, gaining hands-on experience in various areas such as medication therapy management, medication reconciliation, antimicrobial stewardship, and engaging in comprehensive medication reviews and developing personalized care plans. The program's emphasis on evidence-based medicine and veteran-centered care has greatly enhanced my clinical skills and prepared me to deliver high-quality care to our nation's veterans. Additionally, the mentorship I received from experienced pharmacists during the program was instrumental in shaping my career and instilling a passion for lifelong learning and professional growth. Witnessing the strong role of pharmacists within the VA healthcare system, where they practice at the top of their licenses, further inspired me to pursue excellence in the field. It is an honor to extend my training through the PGY2 program at the Lexington VA. 

--ALI KHALAF

My time as a resident at the Lexington VA-HCS has fostered so much growth, both professional and personal. I am confident that my experiences here have prepared me to be an independent and effective practitioner moving forward. The PGY2 Ambulatory Care Program is extremely comprehensive, allowing residents to develop and implement their own approach to patient care in an independent setting, while also offering support from preceptors in all different areas of practice. I am so thankful for my time here as a PGY1 and for the opportunity to continue on as a PGY2, as well as for all of the relationships that have been built along the way! 

 --KENDALL STRATTON

My experience as a PGY1 pharmacy resident at the Lexington VA Health Care System has made a significant impact on my journey toward becoming a more proficient and empathetic pharmacist. The invaluable training I received at the Lexington VAHCS has instilled in me the confidence to step into a clinical position and function independently as a pharmacist. Additionally, I am thankful for the connections I’ve formed while collaborating with my co-residents, mentors, and preceptors. These relationships have been vital to my growth and development, and I am truly grateful for their guidance and support.

--GARRETT FANNIN

The experiences I was able to obtain at the Lexington VA during my PGY1 and PGY2 psychiatric pharmacy residency allowed me to grow exponentially as an independent clinical practitioner. My growth was fostered through an ability to work independently at the top of my license in managing complex medical conditions paired with support, guidance, and formal/informal mentorship from preceptors amongst all residency programs offered at the Lexington VAHCS. Additionally, preceptors and mentors went above and beyond to ensure my learning experiences were tailored to my interests and career aspirations. I am confident that the knowledge and growth I obtained from my experiences at the Lexington VAHCS will allow me to easily transition into my first role as a clinical practitioner in mental health following completion of the residency year.

--KAITYLN (KATIE) LAHNA 

The Lexington VA has helped me evolve as a pharmacist by providing many diverse experiences in both the outpatient and inpatient setting. Throughout my PGY1 and PGY2 years, I had wonderful preceptors coaching me to become the confident clinician that I am today. I will always cherish my time at the Lexington VA and the opportunities it has afforded me!

--MARY KATE KERBLER

During my time in residency at the Lexington VAHCS, I have experienced great professional and personal growth. One of the most rewarding aspects has been the autonomy granted, allowing me to make critical decisions and take ownership of out patients’ care. Our program’s comprehensive and challenging natures has pushed me to expand my knowledge and skills beyond my comfort zone, ultimately shaping me into a well-rounded professional ready to excel. I will be forever grateful for the experiences gained and relationships built as a PGY1 and PGY2 pharmacy resident at the Lexington VAHCS. 

--ALYSON MATHIS

The Lexington VA Pharmacy Residency Program is highly regarded for its commitment to excellence in training future pharmacists. It offers a supportive learning environment, ample opportunities for professional growth, and a focus on providing exceptional patient care.

--NEA’ JACKSON

Stratton K, Davis KW. Case Report: Cefepime Induced Neurotoxicity Following a Change in Infusion Time. Hospital Pharmacy. 2024;0(0). doi:10.1177/1237142

Kerbler MK, Isaacs C, Eatmon C, Reid J, Davis KW. Impact of an HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis dashboard on veteran PrEP enrollment. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003). 2024 Mar-Apr;64(2):471-475. doi: 10.1016/j.japh.2024.01.002. Epub 2024 Jan 10. PMID: 38215824.

Wilhite K, Reid JM, Lane M. Risk of Pancreatitis With Incretin Therapies Versus Thiazolidinediones in the Veterans Health Administration. Ann Pharmacother. 2023 Oct 26:1205490. doi: 10.1177/1205490. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37881914.

Wilhite K, Reid JM, Isaacs C, Lane M. Analysis of drug-induced pancreatitis reports within the United States Food and Drug Administration and Veterans Health Administration Drug Event Reporting Systems. jpadr [Internet]. 2023Dec.1 [cited 2024May7];4(4):9-15. Available from: https://www.jpadr.com/index.php/jpadr/article/view/150

Nelson MW, Downs TN, Puglisi GM, Simpkins BA, Collier AS. Use of a Deprescribing Tool in an Interdisciplinary Primary-Care Patient-Aligned Care Team. Sr Care Pharm. 2022 Jan 1;37(1):34-43. doi: 10.4140/TCP.n.2022.34. PMID: 34953511.

Whitehead WJ, Reid JM. Underreported Risk of Lisinopril-Induced Angioedema in a Veteran Population. Ann Pharmacother. 2022 Apr;56(4):430-435. doi: 10.1177/1032404. Epub 2021 Jul 20. PMID: 34282637.

Hellman MD, Davis KW, Hackworth B, Evans ME. Implementing a postdischarge methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus decolonization protocol within a Veterans Affairs Health Care System facility. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2022 Sep;43(9):1276-1277. doi: 10.1017/ice.2021.225. Epub 2021 May 24. PMID: 34027838.

Moody BL, Eatmon CV. Perceived Barriers and Facilitators of Clozapine Use: A National Survey of Veterans Affairs Prescribers. Fed Pract. 2019 Oct;36(Suppl 6):S22-S27. PMID: 31772495; PMCID: PMC6876424.

Banaszynski M, Truong T, Embree H, Cullen G, Zhu M, Houranieh J, Dahl BJ, New JL, Harris BA, Crawford BS. A Multi - Center Retrospective Study Evaluating Palliative Antineoplastic Therapy Administered and Medication De-escalation in Veteran Cancer Patients Toward the End - of - Life. Federal Practitioner. 2020.

Catherine A. Ammerman, PharmD, Brent A. Simpkins, PharmD, Nora Warman, APRN, andTara N. Downs, PharmD. Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Older Adults:Deprescribing with a Clinical Pharmacist. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:115–118, 2019.

Albers R, Downs T, Lane M. Effect of high-dose ergocalciferol on rate of falls in a community-dwelling, home-based primary care, Veteran population: a case-crossover study. Fed Pract. 2018 Jun;35(6):32-36.

Wahking RA, Steele RL, Hanners RE, Lockwood SM, Davis KW. Outcomes From a Pharmacist - led Proton Pump Inhibitor Stewardship Program at a Single Institution. Hosp Pharm. 2018 Feb;53(1):59-67. doi: 10.1177/747192. Epub 2017 Dec 13. PMID: 29434389; PMCID: PMC5805020.

Keca SM, Emmons JT, Tannock LR. INSULIN DOSE REDUCTIONS IN THE INPATIENT SETTING: HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH? Endocr Pract. 2018 Apr;24(4):391-394. doi: 10.4158/EP-2017-0188. Epub 2018 Mar 21. PMID: 29561191.

Simpkins RC, Downs TN, Lane MT. FRAX Prediction With and Without Bone Mineral Density Testing. Fed Pract. 2017 May;34(5):40-43. PMID: 30766280; PMCID: PMC6370431.

Palladino CE, Eberly ME, Emmons JT, Tannock LR. Management of U-500 insulin users during inpatient admissions within a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2016 Apr;114:32-6. doi: 10.1016/j.diabres.2016.02.004. Epub 2016 Feb 16. PMID: 27103366.

Eberly ME, Eatmon CV. Impact of Psychotropic Medication Reviews on Prescribing Patterns. Fed Pract. 2016 Mar;33(Suppl 2):22S-25S. PMID: 30766208; PMCID: PMC6375442.

Eberly ME, Lockwood AG, Lockwood S, Davis KW. Outcomes After Implementation of an Alcohol Withdrawal Protocol at a Single Institution. Hosp Pharm. 2016 Oct;51(9):752-758. doi: 10.1310/hpj5109-752. PMID: 27803505; PMCID: PMC5080994.