USA Health's Pharmacy Residency Program marks first year of achievements

By Brittany Otis
botis@health.southalabama.edu

A successful launch, two resident matches and new leadership joining the staff summarizes the inaugural year for the Pharmacy Residency Program at USA Health.

Allen Broome, Pharm.D., the director of health system pharmacy at USA Health, joined the academic health system in July 2020 and quickly developed the new residency program. One of his first moves was to name ShaRhonda Watkins, Pharm.D., as program director.

Watkins, along with other staff members who bring world-class leadership to the program, will guide residents throughout their time working at USA Health hospitals.

“USA Health recognizes the importance of resident training, and encouraged the development of this new program as an opportunity for pharmacy students in the area and beyond,” Broome said. “We’re excited to lead the students and program to new heights.”

In March 2021, pharmacy students from Auburn and Samford universities matched at USA Health’s pharmacy program. The first-year residents will work alongside multi-disciplinary teams to ultimately help expand patient care throughout the region.

“Pharmacy resident training benefits our profession long term, expands our ability to care for our current patients and prepares us for the patients we will treat in the future,” Broome said. “The addition of these residents is just the beginning as we look to increase our presence in the health system and make meaningful changes in culture and workflow.”

To learn more about the program, visit the Pharmacy Residency Program’s web page.