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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

Matthew Lane

Matthew Lane Pharm.D

Chief of Pharmacy Service

VA Lexington health care

John 'TJ' Emmons

John (TJ) Emmons Pharm.D.

Associate Chief of Pharmacy Service, PGY1 Residency Program Director

VA Lexington health care

Rebekah Sipes

Rebekah Sipes Pharm.D., BCACP

PGY2 Ambulatory Care Residency Program Director

VA Lexington health care

Lindsay Wells

Lindsay Wells Pharm.D, BCPS

PGY2 Pain Management and Palliative Care Residency Program Director

VA Lexington health care

Courtney Eatmon

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

PGY1 Residents
PGY2 Residents Ambulatory Care
pain management and palliative care
PGY2 Resident Psych

Feedback from current and former residents

What do the residents have to say about our 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

Pharmacy Residency Publications

Pharmacy Residency Publications

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.

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