Pharmacy Residency Programs

VA Maine Healthcare System in Augusta, Maine, offers both a post graduate year one (PGY1) residency which began in 2006 and a post graduate year two (PGY2) residency in rural health which began in 2014. Both programs are accredited by the American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists (ASHP).

PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program

Welcome!

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program here at VA Maine. The VA Maine HealthCare System in Augusta, Maine, offers both a post graduate year one (PGY1) residency which began in 2006 and a post graduate year two (PGY2) residency in rural health which began in 2014. Both programs are accredited by the American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists (ASHP).

The PGY1 program offers a pharmacy experience that focuses on the ambulatory care setting, but is also balanced with inpatient pharmacy practice as well. The primary purpose of our pharmacy residency program is to develop your individual skills in many areas of pharmacy practice. Our focus is on deepening your proficiency in managing the complex pharmacotherapy of our patients. To develop your clinical pharmacy skills you will be training in a healthcare system which has long recognized the value of pharmacy services to our Veteran population. Along the way our preceptors will assist and guide you in getting the greatest benefit from each rotation.

Your year as a VA resident will be a challenging, yet rewarding experience. Residency training at the VA has many advantages including access to patient records through the computerized patient record system, barcode medication administration technology, and training in pharmacist-run clinics operating under Scope of Practice agreements with a supervising physician. Additionally, opportunities exist for the precepting and teaching of pharmacy students in affiliation with local Colleges of Pharmacy. Precepting pharmacy students will help the resident to make the transition from pharmacy student to clinical instructor.

Finally, residents will be required to design, conduct, and complete one approved research project suitable for publishing during the year. Residents present their preliminary results at a poster session at the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting in December and final results are then presented at the VA/IHS Residency Research Presentation in the spring. Overall, the program is comprehensive yet also flexible to match the career goals of each resident.

I believe that you will find the VA Maine Healthcare System PGY-1 residency program uniquely suited to fit your career goals and I look forward to your application.

Sincerely,

Hilary

Hilary Molbeck, PharmD
PGY-1 Residency Program Director
Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner
Hilary.Molbeck@va.gov

Clinical Training

Mandatory Rotations are as follows:

Orientation to the VA (inpatient / outpatient, 5 weeks)
Internal Medicine/Transitions of Care (8 weeks)
Primary Care (8 weeks)
Tobacco Cessation (12 weeks)
Anticoagulation Clinic (4 weeks)
Geriatrics: Community Living Center (4 weeks)
Geriatrics: Home-Based Primary Care (4 weeks)
Pharmacy Administration and Quality Management (4 weeks)
Inpatient and Outpatient Staffing (longitudinal)
Medication Safety (longitudinal)
Teaching Certificate Program (longitudinal)

Elective Rotations

The philosophy of the VA Maine Residency Program is to meet the personal and professional goals of the residents while providing pharmaceutical care to our many patients. Residents have the option to repeat a prior required rotation at an advanced level or choose from available elective rotations (see list below). Given that the resident has completed (or is scheduled to complete) all of their required rotations, they may select up to 5 months of elective rotations from the list below. Durations of electives are subject to change based on resident interests/availabilities. Additional physician-precepted electives may be available based on resident interest and physician availability as well.

Mental Health
Pain Management/Opioid Safety
Oncology
Specialty Infusion Clinic
Cardiology/CHF Clinic
Advanced Primary Care/Layered Learning Ambulatory Care
Antimicrobial Stewardship/Advanced Internal Medicine
Advanced Geriatrics
Advanced Anticoagulation

Longitudinal Responsibilities – Residents have several longitudinal responsibilities throughout the residency year including the residency project, Pharmacy department newsletter, grand rounds presentation, and developing a Continuing Education presentation.

Residents are required to staff in the inpatient pharmacy every third weekend (Sat/Sun) for a total of 15 weekends throughout the year. Residents also staff in outpatient pharmacy 4 hours per week for a total of 12 weeks.

Sample Schedule: Resident schedules are very resident-specific and will be heavily dependent on resident skills, needs, and goals. Please see the bottom of the page for a sample schedule which includes all mandatory rotations.

Preceptors

A pharmacy preceptor is a pharmacist that shares practical experiences and training with a resident or student. Preceptors must be licensed to practice pharmacy and be in good standing within the Medical Center. All preceptors at the VA Maine Healthcare System precept both pharmacy students and residents on clinical rotations.

Clinical Pharmacy Staff

Jenna Barnes, BS, PharmD, is a PACT clinical pharmacist practitioner (CPP). She obtained her BS in biological sciences at the University of Pittsburgh in 2008 and her PharmD from the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2012. She then completed a PGY1 residency with the VA Western New York Healthcare System before accepting a position with the VA Maine Healthcare System. She currently works in primary care at the Togus VA, focusing on chronic disease state management. She also works with the pharmacy residents in the tobacco cessation clinic.

Kate Belanger, PharmD, is a clinical pharmacy practitioner in cardiology, currently focusing on anticoagulation and CHF management at VA Maine. Kate obtained her PharmD from the University of Rhode Island in 2006. After graduation she accepted a position with VA Maine Healthcare System at the Saco CBOC, later moving to the Portland CBOC in 2013. In 2022 she transitioned from primary care disease state management to cardiology. Kate is also a preceptor for the Medication Safety longitudinal rotation at VA Maine.

Nicole Brunet, PharmD, BCPP, graduated from the University of New England College of Pharmacy in 2013. She completed a PGY1 residency at the William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia, SC in 2014 followed by a PGY2 psychiatric pharmacy residency at the Providence VA Medical Center. Upon completion of residency, Nicole joined the VA Maine Healthcare System as a clinical pharmacy specialist in mental health.

Brianna Charles, PharmD, BCACP, is a Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner and PGY2 Ambulatory Care Residency Program Director at the Bangor CBOC. Brianna graduated from the University of Kansas College of Pharmacy in 2011. She completed a PGY-1 Rural Health Pharmacy Residency at the Kansas City VA before accepting a position at the VA Maine in 2012. She currently works in the anticoagulation clinic and virtual heart failure clinic. Brianna serves as the liaison for VA Maine with the National PBM Clinical Pharmacy Practice Office's PhARMD Project for demonstrating the impact of VA Clinical Pharmacy services. She also serves as the Editor of the VA Maine Pharmacy Forum newsletter and pharmacy website. In addition, she is also the facility’s accreditation specialist and preceptor for the Grand Rounds and Continuing Education presentations.

Katie Coffin, PharmD, BCGP, is a clinical pharmacy practitioner working in Home Based Primary Care. She graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2014 and completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at VA Maine Healthcare System in 2015. Her primary professional interests are in the areas of geriatrics, deprescribing, transitions of care, and HCV.

Phillip Gall, PharmD, graduated from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 2011 and immediately went to work for the West Texas VA where his primary focus was on disease state management via telehealth. After two years, he moved to Maine to join the team at Togus where he continues to focus on disease state management and now long term anticoagulation and Virtual CHF Clinic as well. Phillip currently serves as the VA Maine Anticoagulation Clinic Coordinator for VA Maine.

Kristen Hanson, PharmD, graduated from Northeastern University, School of Pharmacy in 2006. She has 15+ years’ experience in the retail setting before joining VA in 2015 in the outpatient pharmacy. In 2018 she joined the management team and is currently the Outpatient Pharmacy Supervisor.

Gabrielle Hill, PharmD, BCPS, graduated from the MCPHS University accelerated PharmD Program in 2015. Following graduation, she completed her PGY-1 Residency at VA Maine Healthcare System. Upon completion of her residency, she continued with VA Maine as an inpatient pharmacist. She moved into her current role at the Portland CBOC as a PACT Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner in summer 2021. She focuses her practice on chronic disease state management as well as HIV PrEP medication management for Veterans across the state. Additionally, she currently acts as the Residency Program Coordinator for the PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency.

Alisa Hughes-Stricklett, PharmD, BCPS, BCGP, is a geriatric clinical pharmacist. She obtained her BS in biology at the University of Utah and spent 15 years doing medical research in nephrology at VA Salt Lake City and the University of Utah. She obtained her PharmD from the University of Utah in 2009 and completed a PGY1 residency with VA Salt Lake City before accepting a position at VA Maine. Her primary responsibilities include providing clinical pharmacy support to Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) teams and disease state management to veterans enrolled in the HBPC program. She has had many roles at VA Maine including pain, opioid safety, and quality improvement.

Erin Kany, PharmD, BCPS, is the inpatient pharmacy supervisor. She graduated from University of New England College of Pharmacy in 2017 and completed her PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at VA Maine Healthcare System in 2018. After completing her residency, she joined the VA Maine outpatient pharmacy team and then became the internal medicine clinical pharmacy specialist in March of 2020. In September 2022, she transitioned into her current role as the inpatient pharmacy supervisor.

Hannah Magas, PharmD, is a clinical pharmacy specialist at the Bangor and Lincoln CBOCs. Hannah graduated from The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy in 2020. She then completed a PGY-1 Ambulatory Care Residency at the VA Central Ohio Healthcare System before accepting a position at the VA Maine Healthcare System in 2021. She currently works in the primary care clinic at the Bangor and Lincoln CBOC co-managing with chronic disease states.

Sarah Martineau, PharmD, graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy in 2020. She completed a PGY-1 community pharmacy residency at Penobscot Community Healthcare in Bangor, ME in 2021 followed by a PGY-2 ambulatory care residency with VA Maine Healthcare System at the Bangor CBOC. Upon completion of residency, Sarah accepted her current position as a clinical pharmacy practitioner working in primary care to provide chronic disease state management. She also works with the Geriatrics Clinic and the Spinal Cord Injury Clinic at Togus.

Hilary Molbeck, PharmD, graduated from South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy in 2019. She then completed a PGY1 residency and PGY2 residency specializing in ambulatory care at the Boise VA Medical Center in Boise, ID. Following residency training, Hilary accepted a position as a PACT Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner at VA Maine. She currently works in the primary care clinic at the Portland CBOC providing chronic disease state management. Hilary became the PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program Director in 2022.

Melissa Prew, BS, PharmD, is a clinical pharmacist in the primary care clinic. She graduated from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy with a Bachelor's of Science degree in 1990. In 1998 she received her PharmD from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, and went on to complete a PGY2 residency in primary care in 1999 from the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals/VCU. Her current practice areas include primary care and supporting the Women’s Health Clinic.

Melissa Richardson, PharmD, graduated from the University of New England College of Pharmacy in 2020 and completed her PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at VA Maine Healthcare System in 2021. After completion of her residency, she joined the primary care team at VA Maine as a PACT pharmacist. She works at the Lewiston CBOC in disease state management and the anticoagulation clinic.

Olivia Roth, PharmD, is an Internal Medicine/Transitions of Care clinical pharmacy specialist at Togus VA Medical Center. She obtained her PharmD from Western New England University in 2020. She completed her PGY-1 pharmacy residency at VA Maine Healthcare System in 2021 before accepting her current full-time clinical pharmacy position at Togus.

Whitney Sargent, PharmD, BCACP, graduated from the University of New England College of Pharmacy in 2018. Following graduation, she completed both her PGY1 and Ambulatory Care PGY2 residency programs here at VA Maine. In 2020, Whitney accepted her current position as a PACT clinical pharmacy practitioner at the Portland CBOC. She additionally supervises all of the PACT Clinical Pharmacy Practitioners for VA Maine.

Kate Secord, PharmD, BCPS, graduated in the inaugural pharmacy class at Husson University in 2013. She completed an ambulatory care focused PGY1 at VA Central Iowa Health Care System; continuing on to complete a PGY2 residency focusing in psychiatry at the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System. She accepted a PACT position at the VA Maine Health Care System in 2015 at the Bangor CBOC. She currently works in Home Based Primary Care supporting the Bangor, Lincoln, and Caribou teams providing comprehensive medication management. In 2021 she accepted the position as the PGY-2 Ambulatory Care Coordinator.

Sarah Smith, PharmD, BCACP, graduated from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in 2008. After graduation, she worked as a community pharmacist for three years before deciding to pursue a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency. After completing her residency here at the VA Maine Healthcare System, Sarah joined the University of New England College of Pharmacy as a full-time clinical assistant professor. During that time, Sarah maintained an ambulatory care APPE practice site at the Lewiston-Auburn CBOC. Currently she serves at the VA full-time as a clinical pharmacy practitioner, with a primary focus of providing chronic disease state management for the Lewiston/Auburn CBOC.

Allison Spaulding, PharmD, CDE, graduated from Northeastern University in 2010. She completed a PGY1 residency with Boston VA Healthcare System before accepting a position at the VA Maine Healthcare System working in the primary care clinic at the Lewiston VA CBOC where she managed chronic disease states (i.e. diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia) and long term anticoagulation. Allie served as the Residency Program Director for the PGY1 from 2016 through 2020. She is now the Associate Chief of Pharmacy for VA Maine.

Hailey Stark, PharmD, graduated from MCPHS University in 2017. Upon graduating, she accepted an inpatient staff pharmacist position at the VA Maine Healthcare System. In 2019, she worked for VISN 1 as an academic detailer with a focus on Education and Naloxone Distribution, Opioid Use Disorder, and the Opioid Safety Initiative. She currently serves as the VA Maine PMOP Coordinator with clinical medication management available in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic.

Pam Sweeney, PharmD, BCPS, graduated from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in 2007 and completed a PGY1 residency with the VA Connecticut Healthcare System before accepting a position as a VA Clinical Pharmacy Specialist. Following her residency, she worked in a primary care clinic co-managing patients with chronic disease states and upon returning to Maine started the first pharmacist run diabetes medication management clinic at VA Maine. She later transitioned to a leadership role as the Clinical Coordinator where her primary responsibility was oversight and management of all clinical pharmacy services. She currently serves as the Chief of Pharmacy Service for the VA Maine HealthCare System.

Kay Urban, PharmD, BCGP, is a clinical pharmacy specialist in internal medicine/transitions of care. She graduated from Albany College of Pharmacy and worked at a private hospital in Upstate NY for several years prior to coming to VA Maine. Since starting at VA Maine, she has worked as an inpatient staff pharmacist and as the clinical pharmacy specialist for the long-term care and hospice units.

Leslie Ochs, PharmD, PhD, BCPS is a clinical pharmacist for the Community Living Center (CLC). She graduated from the University of South Carolina and Shenandoah University Schools of Pharmacy and also has completed post-graduate degrees in epidemiology and public health. She has multiple teaching and research experiences within academia and worked in various clinical pharmacy practice settings. Since joining VA Maine, she serves residents with multiple, complex chronic disease states requiring hospice, long-stay continuous, short-stay rehabilitation/skilled, memory/dementia, and behavioral care.

Miranda Beaudoin Rampone, PharmD, CSP, graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy in 2008. She went on to open and manage several Walgreens pharmacies throughout Maine. In 2014, she left retail pharmacy to pursue a specialty clinical pharmacist role at Briova Specialty and later at Apothecary by Design Specialty Pharmacy in Portland. Miranda obtained her Certified Specialty Pharmacist credential from the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy in 2017. In 2020, she joined VA Maine as an outpatient pharmacist and now serves as our first Specialty/Infusion Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner.

Morgan Harper, PharmD, BCACP, is a clinical oncology pharmacist. She graduated from the University of New England College of Pharmacy in 2017 and then completed both PGY-1 and PGY-2 (Ambulatory Care) residencies here at VA Maine. After her residency she worked for MaineHealth at their infusion centers and worked closely with their oncology offices before coming back to VA Maine in 2023.

Joel Coon, PharmD, BCACP, is a geriatrics clinical pharmacy practitioner. He graduated from Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI, in 2004, followed by a PGY1 residency at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI, and a PGY2 residency in infectious diseases at University of Colorado Hospital, Denver. Subsequent career experience includes academia (University of New England) and clinical environments in both VA and non-VA practice settings in primary care, geriatrics, hepatology, and antimicrobial stewardship.

Current Residents

Alison Newcombe, PharmD, is a 2023 graduate from the University of New England. Alison is originally from West Gardiner, ME, a small town in central Maine. She is excited to give back to her local veterans at the VA Maine. Throughout residency, Ali is looking forward to exploring two of her areas of interest, geriatrics, and ambulatory care. Ali is passionate about special populations and teaching and is excited to dive into them more during her time with the VA. For her residency project, she will be assessing and aiming to reduce the amount of medication passes on the Community Living Center unit, here at the VA.

Bryce Edwards, PharmD, is a 2023 graduate of Massachusetts College and Pharmacy and Health Sciences from the Manchester, NH campus. Bryce is from a small town in New Hampshire. She is excited to live in Maine and help manage veterans’ chronic diseases. During her time as a PGY-1 resident she will explore her interests in ambulatory care, cardiology, and infusion therapy. For her residency project, she will be evaluating the impact of the new Specialty/Infusion pharmacist position on Veteran satisfaction.

Teaka Jackson, PharmD, is a 2023 graduate from Husson University School of Pharmacy. Teaka is from Manchester, ME, a small town located next to the state’s capital. She is excited to be starting her career as a pharmacist at VA Maine. As a PGY-1 resident, Teaka is looking forward to exploring all that the program has to offer, especially her interests in antibiotic stewardship, pain management and ambulatory care. For her residency project, she will assist in implementing an allergy to beta-lactam evaluation template and assess for opportunities to de-label inappropriately documented penicillin allergies.

Libby Dunivan, PharmD, is a 2022 graduate of the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy. Libby is originally from Plymouth, ME, a small town in central Maine. Libby completed her PGY-1 residency at VA Maine and is excited to back for her PGY-2 residency year at the Bangor CBOC, with a focus on ambulatory care. For her residency project, she will be participating in the VALOR project – a multisite VA quality improvement initiative focusing on improving LDL measures in Veterans with ASCVD.

Benefits and Compensation

Competitive salary
Medical insurance
Dental/Vision Insurance
Free parking
11 paid federal holidays
13 days paid sick leave/time off for illness/ medical appointments/ family care
13 days paid annual leave (vacation)
Tuition and travel support for professional conferences (dependent on available funding)
Teleworking opportunities

Application Information

Applicants must be a graduate of an American Council of Pharmaceutical Education accredited School of Pharmacy with a PharmD or equivalent degree.

*** Applicants must be U.S. citizens – a requirement to be employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs ***

Criteria considered by the selection committee includes: knowledge of professional practice, communication skills, ability to apply theory to practice, leadership ability, interest in the program, and confidence through interview.

All applicants must submit their application electronically through the Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service: PhORCAS at https://portal.phorcas.org/ The following items will be required to be entered into the PhORCAS system:

Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited school or college of pharmacy (or B.S. in Pharmacy with equivalent experience)
U.S. Citizenship
Eligible for pharmacist licensure in any state. Obtaining licensure prior to or shortly after the start of residency is desired to maximize the learning experience
Official college transcript
Letter of intent
Curriculum vitae
Three letters of reference

Application deadline in PhORCAS: January 8th at 11:59pm

All application materials must be submitted via PhORCAS and all applicants must register for the match.

(Note: This residency site agrees to and abides by the rules of the Match including that no person at this site will solicit, accept, or use any ranking-related information from any residency applicant.)

Questions? Please contact:

Hilary Molbeck, PharmD

PGY-1 Residency Program Director

VA Maine Healthcare System

Phone: 207-623-8411 ext 5019

Email: Hilary.Molbeck@va.gov

Gabrielle Hill, PharmD, BCPS

PGY-1 Residency Program Coordinator

VA Maine Healthcare System

Phone: 207-623-8411 ext 4055

Email: Gabrielle.Hill@va.gov

PGY2 Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Residency Program

Welcome to VA Maine: PGY2 Program Highlights

PGY2 pharmacy residency programs build on Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) education and PGY1 pharmacy residency programs to contribute to the development of clinical pharmacists in specialized areas of practice. PGY2 residencies provide residents with opportunities to function independently as practitioners by conceptualizing and integrating accumulated experience and knowledge and incorporating both into the provision of patient care or other advanced practice settings. Residents who successfully complete an accredited PGY2 pharmacy residency are prepared for advanced patient care, academic, or other specialized positions, along with board certification, if available.

This PGY2 program provides a specialty level training from our experienced preceptors that results in a greater depth of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and abilities in the area of clinical pharmacy services and leadership in the ambulatory care setting. The PGY2 Resident will deliver comprehensive medication management services and longitudinally manage complex patients within a rural ambulatory care practice. Through the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) model, the resident will work closely with physicians, nurses, and other members of the healthcare team in an interdisciplinary environment supportive of the development of the resident. The PGY2 Resident will also have opportunities for immediate and frequent contact in the work and social setting with the three PGY1 Residents at VA Maine.

Our Pharmacy Service is comprised of people that enjoy being out front with innovative changes in our distribution and clinical programs. This attitude is evident in the strong support our Residency programs received from the Pharmacy Service and the Medical Center itself.

Clinical Rotations

Primary Care Clinic (Required, Longitudinal)

This accounts for the majority of the Residents weekly clinical training (approximately 3 days/week) and is at the core of the Resident’s year-long learning program. Conducted in-clinic at the Bangor CBOC and virtually thru telephone and virtual video visits, the amount and quality of clinical pharmacy direct patient care is at the high level one expects within VA. These rotations emphasize the complete development of the Resident’s clinical skill set in the Primary Care setting. Preceptors immediately work with the PGY2 Resident toward progressive clinical independence and problem-solving. The Resident develops particularly close professional relationships with our primary care providers and clinical staff thru the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) model.

Anticoagulation Clinic (Required, 6 months)

One day per week the Resident is assigned a patient panel of anticoagulation clinic patients. At VA Maine this is a unique experience for several reasons. We have a centralized Anticoagulation Clinic (ACC) that actively manages ~250 warfarin patients and passively monitors ~3,000 DOAC patients. We use a customized Microsoft Access ® database that allows for real-time, updating and information sharing among the clinical pharmacists on a daily basis. Other features include clinical information sharing through a VISN1 Sharepoint site, anticoagulation Journal clubs with national experts as guest speakers, Time within Therapeutic Range (TTR) tracking at the patient level, and access to other outcome data for use to improve clinical practice.

Smoking Cessation Clinic (Required, 6 months)

Once weekly, the resident will facilitate a Smoking Cessation Group Clinic for Veterans virtually. During the first half-hour of clinic, Veterans will remotely attend a lecture given by a guest speaker located at the Togus Medical Center. During the second half-hour, the resident educates and counsels the Veterans regarding nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and other smoking cessation medications. NRT supplies are prescribed during these sessions. The group atmosphere allows for open discussion between the Veterans and a great support system.

Teaching (Required, Longitudinal)

The PGY2 Resident will be asked to provide at least 1 CE presentation for Pharmacy Service during the residency year. In addition, the Resident will be responsible for providing 3 deliverables throughout the year, which may consist of an in-service presentation, journal club, topic presentation, written newsletter or article, policy, or procedure. Lastly, the Resident will be asked to precept in some capacity during the year – typically 1-2 APPE pharmacy students and 1-2 PGY1 pharmacy residents.

Research Project (Required, Longitudinal)

A longitudinal research project is required to complete the PGY2 program. The PGY2 resident may choose to study outcomes of a pharmacy service or design a new clinic service as potential projects; however the resident is welcome to discuss other potential research topics with the RPD.

Formulary Management (Required, Longitudinal)

The PGY2 resident will participate in the adjudication of non-formulary drug requests throughout the course of the year. The National VA Pharmacy Benefits Management (PBM) and Medical Advisory Panel (MAP) continuously update Criteria for Use (CFU) guidance that will advise the Resident on appropriate action for each request. The drug category assignment will rotate every 6 weeks.

Available Electives

Generally, the PGY2 Resident will have the opportunity to complete longitudinal electives during the residency year. Available options include Outpatient Mental Health, Home-Based Primary Care, Outpatient Oncology, Cardiology/CHF Clinic, Specialty/Outpatient Infusion Clinic, Opioid Safety, Leadership/Administration, and Endocrinology.

Location

Bangor is located in central Maine, about 1.5 hours from Augusta, 2 hours from Portland and 3.5 hours from Boston. Downtown Bangor offers diverse restaurants, bars, and shopping. The waterfront features annual concerts in the summer. Only an hour drive from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, a 2-hour drive to the Rangeley Mountains and ski resorts, and a 2-hour drive to Canada. There are plenty of hiking trails and lakes nearby. The scenery is gorgeous and there’s something for everyone!

Preceptors

Kate Belanger, PharmD, is a clinical pharmacy practitioner in cardiology, currently focusing on anticoagulation and CHF management at VA Maine. Kate obtained her PharmD from the University of Rhode Island in 2006. After graduation she accepted a position with VA Maine Healthcare System at the Saco CBOC, later moving to the Portland CBOC in 2013. In 2022 she transitioned from primary care disease state management to cardiology. Kate is also a preceptor for the Medication Safety longitudinal rotation at VA Maine.

Phillip Gall, PharmD, graduated from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 2011 and immediately went to work for the West Texas VA where his primary focus was on disease state management via telehealth. After two years, he moved to Maine to join the team at Togus where he continues to focus on disease state management and now long-term anticoagulation and Virtual CHF Clinic as well. Phillip currently serves as the VA Maine Anticoagulation Clinic Coordinator for VA Maine.

Program Accreditation Status

Our program became fully ASHP accredited in August 2014.

Previous and Current Residents

Sarah Martineau, PharmD, completed our program in June 2022. She graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy in 2020 and completed a PGY-1 community pharmacy residency at Penobscot Community Healthcare in Bangor, ME in 2021. Dr. Martineau is currently employed as a PACT Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at VA Maine.

Natasha Ramsey, PharmD, completed our program in Jun 2021. She graduated from Samford University in 2019 and completed her PGY-1 residency at Sumner Regional Medical Center in Gallatin, TN. Dr. Ramsay is currently employed as a PACT Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at the VA Columbia Missouri Healthcare System.

Whitney Sargent, PharmD, completed our program in June 2020. She graduated from the University of New England in 2018 and completed her PGY-1 residency at VA Maine Healthcare System. Dr. Sargent is currently employed as a PACT Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at VA Maine.

Morgan Harper, PharmD, BCACP completed our program in June 2019. She graduated from the University of New England in 2017 and completed her PGY-1 residency at VA Maine Healthcare System. Dr. Harper is currently employed as an oncology clinical pharmacy specialist at VA Maine.

Emily Stoukides, PharmD, completed our program in June 2018. She graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2016 and completed her PGY-1 residency at VA Maine Healthcare System. Dr. Stoukides is currently a per diem PACT Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at VA Maine.

Sarah Howard, PharmD, BCACP completed our program in July 2017. She graduated from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy – Worcester in 2015 and completed her PGY-1 residency at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA. Dr. Howard is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at the Lahey Clinic in Beverly, MA.

Gina Puglisi, PharmD, BCACP completed our program in June 2016. She graduated from Albany College of Pharmacy and completed her PGY-1 residency at United Health Services Hospital in Johnson City, NY. Dr. Puglisi is currently a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at the Lexington, KY VAMC.

Kenzie Hackett, PharmD, was the first resident to complete our program in June 2015. Dr. Hackett graduated from the University of Rhode Island and completed her PGY-1 residency at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA. Dr. Hackett is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at VA Boston, specializing in Home-Based Primary Care.

Benefits and Compensation

Competitive salary
Medical insurance
Dental/Vision Insurance
Free parking
11 paid federal holidays
13 days paid sick leave/time off for illness/ medical appointments/ family care
13 days paid annual leave (vacation)
Tuition and travel support for professional conferences (dependent on available funding)
Teleworking opportunities

Application Information

Applicants must be a graduate of an American Council of Pharmaceutical Education accredited School of Pharmacy with a PharmD or equivalent degree and have completed an ASHP-accredited PGY1 Residency Program.

*** Applicants must be U.S. citizens – a requirement to be employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs ***

Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited school or college of pharmacy (or B.S. in Pharmacy with equivalent experience)
U.S. Citizenship
Licensed pharmacist within any state in the U.S.
Letter of intent
Curriculum vitae
Three letters of reference

Application deadline: January 15th at 11:59pm
All application materials must be submitted via PhORCAS and all applicants must register for the match.

Questions? Please contact:

Brianna Charles, PharmD, BCACP

PGY-2 Residency Program Director

VA Maine Healthcare System

Phone: 207-623-8411 ext 2677

Email: Brianna.Charles@va.gov

or

Katelin Secord, PharmD, BCPS

PGY-2 Residency Program Coordinator

VA Maine Healthcare System

Phone: 207-623-8411 ext 3633

Email: Katelin.Secord@va.gov

Sample Rotation Schedule (PDF)