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2024 — 2025 Residents

Hammaker
Katherine Hammaker, PharmD

Undergraduate Institution: Queens University of Charlotte
Pharmacy School: Wingate University School of Pharmacy
Clinical Interests: Cardiology, Critical Care, Internal Medicine
Research Project: Alteplase vs Tenecteplase for ischemic stroke
Why CMC?: During my fourth year of pharmacy school, I participated in the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Scholar’s Program. Through this program I knew I wanted to have a residency at a large academic medical center that participated in interdisciplinary rounds like Carolinas Medical Center. It was also important to me to be at an institution with a high acuity of patients so that I could learn the most from my first year of residency. Another aspect of the program that attracted me to CMC was the robust selection of rotations and ability to cater them towards my specific interests. During the interview stage I also felt that the preceptors and mentors in the program would foster a supportive environment that would allow me to reach my fullest potential and help shape me into a well-rounded clinical pharmacist. Lastly, I love Charlotte and the surrounding community as there is a vast array of activities to do outside of rotations!

Kanekoa
Mahealani Kanekoa, PharmD

Undergraduate Institution: Coastal Carolina University
Pharmacy School: Medical University of South Carolina
Clinical Interests: Internal Medicine, Cardiology
Research Project:High-dose vs standard dose unfractionated heparin for VTE prophylaxis in morbidly obese patients
Why CMC?: I knew I wanted to continue my training as a PGY1 pharmacy residency at Atrium Health Carolina's Medical Center because of my deeply positive experience as a scholar's student here last year, which left me impressed with the program’s commitment to excellence and collaborative environment. Several aspects drew me to this program including the diverse rotation offerings. This provides a comprehensive clinical experience, while the flexibility of elective rotations allows me to tailor my residency to my specific interests and career goals. Additionally, the program’s emphasis on project opportunities, including research, medication use evaluations (MUE), continuing education (CE), and obtaining a teaching certificate, allows for well-rounded experiences and professional development. Lastly, the availability of mentors also greatly appealed to me, as they will provide guidance and support throughout my residency. All the preceptors are very welcoming and care about giving support and learning opportunities. This program will enhance my clinical skills and provide a solid foundation for a successful pharmacy career.

Mahnke
Michaela Mahnke, PharmD

Undergraduate Institution: The Ohio State University
Pharmacy School: The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy
Clinical Interests: Oncology, Pediatrics
Research Project: Use of steroids in severe community acquired pneumonia
Why CMC?: When searching for a residency program, I was looking for an opportunity at a large academic medical center known for its diverse patient population and strong pharmacist involvement in patient care and interdisciplinary rounds. My primary interests lie in oncology and pediatrics, making the addition of the Levine Cancer Institute and Levine Children's Hospital particularly appealing. CMC offered the high-acuity patient experiences I desired to prepare me well for the rest of my career. Also, throughout the application and interview process, I was thoroughly impressed by the preceptors, whose expertise and commitment to mentoring stood out, even in brief interactions. It is evident that CMC is dedicated to advancing their residents professionally and personally through their robust mentorship program, diverse project offerings, and a comprehensive teaching certificate program. This combination of a comprehensive clinical environment, dedicated mentorship, and opportunities for professional development made CMC the ideal choice for my residency.

Myers
Makayla Myers, PharmD

Undergraduate Institution: Wingate University
Pharmacy School:Wingate University School of Pharmacy
Clinical Interests:Oncology, Infectious Diseases
Research Project: Biofire clinical utilization and assessment of a meningitis/encephalitis multiplex assay
Why CMC?: During my final year of pharmacy school, I was granted the opportunity to complete my advanced pharmacy practice experiences as a Scholar Student at Carolinas Medical Center. After spending a year immersed in the dynamic environment at CMC, I developed a profound appreciation for its commitment to excellence in patient care, advanced clinical practices, and collaborative interdisciplinary approach. Throughout my rotations, I was consistently impressed by the team’s emphasis on evidence-based medicine and its innovative approaches to pharmacy practice. Beyond the clinical aspect, the supportive and collaborative culture demonstrated by both my preceptors and other providers left a lasting impression on me. These experiences are why I chose to continue my training here as a PGY-1 pharmacy resident, and I am confident that my experiences at CMC will shape me into a well-rounded clinical pharmacist equipped to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients.

 Szesnat
Megan Szesnat, PharmD

Undergraduate Institution: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Pharmacy School: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Clinical Interests: Oncology, Infectious Diseases, Emergency Medicine
Research Project: Rocuronium dosing in the ED
Why CMC?: When searching for a residency program, I was determined to find a large academic medical center and level 1 trauma center that would provide exposure to high-acuity patient cases and exceptional learning opportunities. CMC stood out to me because of its extensive array of electives, with fewer required rotations compared to other programs. This was appealing to me as the flexibility will allow me to tailor my residency experience to fully explore and refine my clinical interests. Furthermore, during my interview, I was impressed by the critical role that pharmacists play at CMC and the evident dedication and passion of the preceptors. It was clear that CMC fosters a culture of mentorship and development, where residents are actively supported in their professional journeys. The abundance of professional opportunities offered aligns seamlessly with my career goals, and will set me up to pursue a PGY2 residency and ultimately excel as a specialized clinical pharmacist.

Wesslen
Donna Wesslen, PharmD

Undergraduate Institution:University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Pharmacy School:University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy
Clinical Interests:Infectious Diseases, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine
Research Project:Review of therapeutic drug monitoring of triazole antifungals following guideline development
Why CMC?:After completing my fourth-year rotations at CMC through the Scholar’s Program, I knew I wanted to continue my pharmacy training here. I made great connections with preceptors, students, and residents and had excellent rotation experiences. The preceptors and pharmacy staff are extremely passionate, supportive, and welcoming. It is evident that everyone is devoted toward evidence-based medicine and helping residents learn how to practice at the top of their license. Additionally, CMC provides immense support towards its residents through many mentorship opportunities which has made transitioning from a student to a resident seamless. Being at a large academic medical center, I know I will have strong and diverse elective rotations that serve high-acuity populations which will help me become a well-rounded clinical pharmacist. Lastly, as a Charlotte native, I am excited to be staying in the area and serving my community!

   
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